Moringa Powder From the Leaves of the “Miracle Tree” Supports Head-to-Toe Health Benefits

AHA Publisher — Fri, 18 Mar 2022 07:00:32 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – The moringa tree, which is native to India but now thrives in many tropical and subtropical climates, is variously known as the drumstick tree, the ben oil tree, and even the horseradish tree. But its most intriguing nickname just might be the “miracle tree.” Moringa leaves have been employed for centuries in Ayurvedic and folk medicine as a remedy to help those suffering from anxious thoughts, sadness, blood sugar, and liver problems. A new scientific review published in Phytomedicine credits moringa powder and extracts with therapeutic characteristics and “great protective effect” against environmental toxins. Researchers also found that moringa helps maintain normal blood sugar levels and supports the nervous system. Let’s take a closer look at some of the health-promoting benefits of moringa powder – and see why some call this beneficial plant a “miracle tree.” Adaptogenic Moringa Powder Contains “Heavy-Hitting” Antioxidants Botanically known as Moringa oleifera, moringa is classified as an adaptogen (a substance that helps the body adjust to stress). As with other adaptogens, moringa is packed with antioxidant compounds that can help reduce harmful oxidative damage. For example, moringa leaves are rich in vitamin C, or ascorbic acid – a powerful antioxidant in its own right – and beta-carotene, which is converted to antioxidant vitamin A in the body. They also contain the antioxidant flavonoid quercetin and chlorogenic acid (a beneficial compound also found in coffee and apples). In one controlled study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology, scientists decided to explore the effect of moringa extract on antioxidant status in postmenopausal women. (This is relevant because the antioxidant system “takes a hit” during menopause due to the loss of estrogen, which has antioxidant properties). The results were compelling. The scientists reported that moringa caused significant increases in levels of important health-supporting antioxidants such as glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and ascorbic acid – along with lowered levels of a toxic molecule known as malondialdehyde. Moringa Powder May Help Support Healthy Blood Sugar Levels Chronic inflammation is linked to many degenerative diseases, including type 2 diabetes. Beneficial compounds called isothiocyanates in moringa (the same plant chemicals found in cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts and cauliflower) are believed to suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby helping to lower inflammation. Moringa also contains chlorogenic acid, which helps to moderate blood sugar levels and metabolize fat. Early research has suggested that moringa powder supports healthy blood sugar levels. In one animal study, moringa extract lowered the risk of scientifically induced diabetes through four different mechanisms – with scientists reporting that it enhanced the metabolism of fats, stimulated the release of insulin, promoted glucose uptake, and increased glycogen synthesis. Although more studies on humans are needed, some research has shown promising results. In one study, taking 7 grams of moringa powder a day (along with 9 grams of amaranth powder) for three months reduced fasting blood sugar levels by an average of 13.5 percent. And, one very small study involving patients with diabetes showed that adding 50 grams of fresh moringa leaves (about two cups) to a meal reduced after-meal blood sugar increases by 21 percent. Reducing blood sugar “spikes” can help prevent mood swings and food cravings – and may help ward off the development of type 2 diabetes. Preliminary Studies Showcase Moringa’s Ability to Reduce Sadness and Brighten Mood Researchers credited moringa extract with significant positive effects on mood in an animal study published in the Journal of Ayurvedic and Integrative Medicine. (Of course, the potential of moringa to ease anxious thoughts and brighten mood would probably come as no surprise to Ayurvedic practitioners, who for centuries have advised moringa leaves for those purposes.) And – unlike the herb known as St John’s Wort – moringa doesn’t appear to interact negatively with prescription antidepressant medications. In fact, the researchers reported that the best results were achieved through an “additive” effect – and occurred when moringa was given together with fluoxetine (Prozac), a common SSRI antidepressant. The scientists believed the effect was due to reductions in oxidative stress in the central nervous system, accompanied by an impact on the serotonergic neurotransmission pathways. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that moringa contains healthy amounts of magnesium and tryptophan, both of which may help promote a stable, positive mood. Pro tip: Natural health experts advise combining moringa with other mild mood-lifting herbs such as elderberry, ginger, hibiscus, and holy basil. Finally, the review authors noted that moringa might help protect against neurodegenerative disorders by reducing DNA damage and inhibiting an enzyme called caspase-3. This has led to hopes that moringa could help support clear thinking and sharp memory (we could probably all use a little of that, to be honest!) and potentially slow age-related cognitive decline. Other potential benefits of moringa powder include the ability to maintain healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure, support normal liver function and nourish skin and hair. Support Your Health With Fresh or Dried Moringa Leaves Fresh moringa leaves are considered a “super green,” rich in plant-based protein, fiber, B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin A, and magnesium. You can nibble the fresh leaves, or add them to salads and sandwiches. Moringa is also available in supplementary form as a powder. Look for a high-quality product from a reputable vendor, then simply sprinkle it into smoothies, add to herbal teas, or even incorporate it in recipes. Natural healers typically advise amounts of one to ten teaspoons of moringa powder a day – but check first with your integrative doctor before supplementing. While studies on the benefits of moringa powder are ongoing, research suggests that this antioxidant-rich nutrient could be a true gift to health. So maybe it’s time to consider giving the “miracle tree” leaves a try. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov MedicalNewsToday.com Healthline.com Springer.com NIH.gov MindBodyGreen.com To read the original article click here.

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THIS Fruit Is One of the World’s Best Sources of Vitamin C

AHA Publisher — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 07:00:31 +0000

Sara Middleton via NaturalHealth365 – Vitamin C is known as a powerful antioxidant and immune system supporter. While it’s found naturally in many foods, vitamin C is also a wonderful nutritional supplement – known to help people improve their health. In fact, one 2014 study cited by the National Institutes of Health found that giving vitamin C greatly improved the health of internal organs damaged by poor lifestyle habits. But it’s not your morning glass of orange juice that will be the “best way” to get your daily recommended amount of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). In fact, this unassuming tropical berry is gaining ground recently as an antioxidant powerhouse. This Amazonian Berry Is One of the World’s Greatest Sources of Vitamin C Camu camu (Myrciaria dulia) is a tart berry growing in the Amazonian rainforest. It’s considered one of the world’s most potent sources of vitamin C, but also contains other nutrients including sodium, potassium, calcium, zinc, magnesium, manganese, and copper. By the way, zinc is great for supporting a healthy immune system. According to a 2015 systematic review from The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, decades of research, including human clinical trials, suggest that camu camu has a “well-established” antioxidant capacity that may be important for fighting inflammation and supporting a balanced immune system. The antioxidant effect of camu camu is so powerful that one small 2008 study, published in The American Journal of Cardiology, found that drinking 70 mL of camu camu juice per day (containing more than 1,000 mg of vitamin C) for just one week was enough to significantly lower markers of inflammation and oxidative stress – even in people who smoked. Limited amounts of research also suggest camu camu may improve blood sugar levels and promote healthy blood pressure. You should be able to find camu camu in powder, pill, capsule, or juice form at a natural foods store. Many health supplements will also state on their label whether their vitamin C was derived from camu camu, and you can also consider calling the company and asking directly. Your Body Can’t Make Vitamin C, So It Has to Come From Your Diet – Here’s How Much You Need to Consume Every Day According to the National Institute of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements, the recommended dietary allowance of vitamin C is 90 mg and 75 mg per day for adult men and women, respectively (and up to 85 mg and 120 mg per day for pregnant and lactating women). But, in reality, most integrative healthcare providers suggest a much higher intake of vitamin C – especially as we all live in such a toxic world. If you don’t have easy access to camu camu, or supplements containing vitamin C derived from camu camu, you can always be sure to incorporate vitamin C rich foods, including oranges, guavas, kiwis, papayas, bell peppers, broccoli, kale, snow peas, and Brussel sprouts. For context, a 100 gram serving of camu camu contains 3,000 mg of vitamin C. Meanwhile, a 100 gram serving of broccoli contains an impressive 89 mg of vitamin C, whereas a 100 gram serving of oranges contains just 53 mg. Ultimately, your need for vitamin C – and just about every other antioxidant – will depend on your health status. The more you’re exposed to toxins, the more you’ll need to improve your diet and reduce the exposure to unwanted substances. What could be more important than that? Sources for this article include: Healthline.com NIH.gov COVID19treatmenguidlines.nih.gov Fooducate.com Myfooddata.com ODS.nih.gov NIH.gov MayoClinic.org NIH.gov NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

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Moringa Powder From the Leaves of the “Miracle Tree” Supports Head-to-Toe Health Benefits

THIS Fruit Is One of the World’s Best Sources of Vitamin C