Moringa oleifera, also known as the drumstick tree, the “miracle” tree, the ben oil (benzoil) tree or the horseradish tree, is a plant native to India, Asia, and Africa. The leaves of the moringa tree are rich in vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds, such as vitamin A, calcium, and polyphenols.
Increased consumption of moringa aids weight loss
In a study published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology, researchers found that compounds in moringa reduce the formation of fat cells. The compounds also promote their breakdown, making moringa powder ideal for weight loss.
Earlier studies have looked at the anti-obesity effects of moringa combined with other beneficial herbs and spices. In a clinical trial published in Lipids in Health and Disease, researchers from India studied the effect of moringa with turmeric and curry supplements on 41 obese patients for eight weeks. They found that regular intake of 900 milligrams (mg) of the herbal supplement helped the participants bring down their weight. In fact, the participants lost around 10.6 pounds during the study. A similar study, this time published in the journal Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, included 140 healthy overweight adults who were treated with 900 mg of herbal supplement with moringa for 16 weeks. The researchers found that the supplement helped participants lose about 11.9 pounds. They also found that it helped participants raise their good cholesterol and lower their bad cholesterol levels.
Other health benefits of moringa
Aside from aiding in weight loss, consumption of moringa leaves have also been attributed to other health benefits. (Related: Moringa plays an important role for breastfeeding mothers, in diabetes, in cancer, and more.)
- Reduces blood sugar: Studies have shown that moringa helps manage blood sugar levels, urine sugar, and urine proteins in diabetic test subjects. A study conducted by Majambu Mbikay of Ottawa Hospital Research Institute in Canada confirmed that consumption of moringa leaves could prevent chronic high blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
- Treats edema: Moringa contains anti-inflammatory compounds that inhibit the development of edema, the abnormal retention of fluid in tissues. Studies have also revealed that this herb is as potent as the anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin – a medicine commonly prescribed to treat painful swelling.
- Promotes liver health: A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food validated the efficacy of moringa leaves against liver damage brought about by drugs used to treat tuberculosis. The protective effects of moringa leaves are linked with phytochemicals such as catechin, epicatechin, ferulic acid, and vitamin C.
- Prevents bacterial food infection: Research has found the moringa leaf extract prevents the activity of microorganisms such as Salmonella, Rhizopus species, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. These microorganisms are notorious for causing food-borne infections.
- Fights cancer: Moringa contains the phenolic compounds quercetin and kaempferol. These compounds are known to slow down the development of cancer cells. A review on the nutritive importance and medicinal application of moringa leaves confirms their anti-cancer properties.
These are just some of the examples of the health benefits that you might get if you incorporate moringa leaves into your diet. Herb.news has more information about moringa and other herbs.
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