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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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Moringa Benefits Hormonal Balance, Digestion, Mood & More

AHA Publisher — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 08:00:30 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – Have you ever heard of moringa before? Although this plant was initially discovered for its beneficial properties thousands of years ago, only recently has moringa (sometimes called the Ben oil tree) become known as one of the most impressive herbal supplements to hit the holistic health market. In fact, in 2008 the National Institute of Health called moringa (moringa oleifera) the “plant of the year,” acknowledging that “perhaps like no other single species, this plant has the potential to help reverse multiple major environmental problems and provide for many unmet human needs.” What are the health benefits of moringa? To date, over 1,300 studies, articles and reports have focused on moringa benefits, finding that it contains compounds that are especially important in parts of the world where disease outbreak and nutritional deficiencies are common. Research shows that just about every part of the moringa plant can be utilized in some way, whether it’s to make a potent antioxidant tea or produce an oily substance that lubricates and nourishes the skin. What Is Moringa? Moringa (moringa oleifera) is known by over 100 names in different languages around the world. This easy-to-grow tropical plant species, native to the Himalayan mountains and parts of India and Africa, comes packed with over 90 protective compounds, including isothiocyanates, flavonoidsand phenolic acids. There are actually believed to be at least a dozen different varieties of the moringa tree, which belong to the plant family Moringaceae. These are fast-growing, tall, leafy plants that produce flowers or pods. Of all the species, one (moringa oleifera) is by far the most utilized. Prior to the plant’s effects being demonstrated in scientific studies, it was used extensively in traditional medicine practices like Ayurveda medicine for over 4,000 years. Moringa has gained a reputation for fighting inflammation and combating various effects of malnutrition and aging, earning the nickname “the miracle plant.” Benefits of moringa include helping treat a wide variety of conditions, such as: inflammation-related diseases cancer diabetes anemia low energy and fatigue arthritis and other joint pain, such as rheumatism allergies and asthma constipation, stomach pains and and diarrhea epilepsy stomach and intestinal ulcers or spasms chronic headaches heart problems, including high blood pressure kidney stones fluid retention thyroid disorders low sex drive bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic infections Nutrition Facts Moringa is a unique plant because almost all parts of it — leaves, seeds, flowers/pods, stem and roots — can be used as a source for nutrition and other medicinal properties. The most popular medicinal use of this plant involves drying and grinding down moringa leaves, where most of the antioxidants are found. Studies have revealed that moringa powder is loaded with phytochemicals, protein, calcium, beta-carotene, vitamin C and potassium. Because it provides a concentrated source of vitamin A, it’s given to thousands of children in third-world countries every year suffering from life-threatening vitamin A deficiency, which is linked to impaired immune function. Consuming it can also improve intake of trace minerals, amino acids and phenolic compounds. The plant contains a rare and unique combination of disease-preventing phytonutrients, including flavonoids, glucosides, glucosinolates, zeatin, quercetin, beta-sitosterol, caffeoylquinic acid and kaempferol. Aside from the valuable leaves, the pods of the moringa tree also contain seeds that hold a healing type of oil. Oil from moringa seeds can be used to cook with or put directly onto the surface of the body. According to Kuli Kuli, an organization that harvests moringa plants in Africa, gram for gram, the plant contains: two times the amount of protein of yogurt four times the amount of vitamin A as carrots three times the amount of potassium as bananas four times the amount of calcium as cow’s’ milk seven times the amount of vitamin C as oranges Top 7 Moringa Benefits 1. Provides Antioxidants and Anti-Inflammatory Compounds Moringa oleifera seems to have similar abilities as certain conventional drugs, only it doesn’t pose the same level of risk for experiencing side effects. According to a report published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, it contains a mix of essential amino acids (the building blocks of proteins), carotenoid phytonutrients (the same kinds found in plants like carrots and tomatoes), antioxidants, such as quercetin, and natural antibacterial compounds that work in the same way as many anti-inflammatory drugs. Studies have shown that these compounds are protective of the heart, natural circulatory stimulants, and possess antitumor, anti-epileptic, anti-ulcer, antispasmodic, antihypertensive and antidiabetic effects. Moringa powder is high in several powerful anti-aging compounds that lower the effects of free radicals, oxidative stress and inflammation. These are associated with a reduced risk for chronic diseases, such as stomach, lung or colon cancer; diabetes; hypertension; and age-related eye disorders. 2. Balances Hormones and Slows the Effects of Aging A 2014 study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology tested the effects of moringa (sometimes also called “drumstick”) along with amaranth leaves (Amaranthus tricolor) on levels of inflammation and oxidative stress in menopausal adult women. Researchers wanted to investigate if these superfoods could help slow the effects of aging by balancing hormones naturally. Levels of antioxidant status, including serum retinol, serum ascorbic acid, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde, were analyzed before and after supplementation, along with fasting blood glucose and haemoglobin levels. Results showed that supplementing with moringa and amaranth caused significant increases in antioxidant status along with significant decreases in markers of oxidative stress. Better fasting blood glucose control and positive increases in haemoglobin were also found. Can moringa help you sexually? There’s some evidence it may boost libido and work like a natural birth control compound, according to some animal studies. Although it’s historically been used as a natural aphrodisiac, it actually seems to help reduce rates of conception. That said, it can boost the immune system during pregnancy and also increase breast milk production/lactation, according to some studies. 3. Helps Improve Digestive Health Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, moringa has been used in ancient systems of medicine, such as Ayurveda, to prevent or treat stomach ulcers, liver disease, kidney damage, fungal or yeast infections (such as candida), digestive complaints, and infections. A common use of moringa oil is helping to boost liver function, therefore detoxifying the body of harmful substances, such as heavy metal toxins. It might also be capable of helping fight kidney stones, urinary tract infections, constipation, fluid retention/edema and diarrhea. 4. Balances Blood Sugar Levels, Helping Fight Diabetes Moringa contains a type of acid called chlorogenic acid, which has been shown to help control blood sugar levels and allow cells to take up or release glucose (sugar) as needed. This gives it natural antidiabetic and hormone-balancing properties. Aside from chloregnic acid, compounds called isothiocyanates that are present in moringa leaf have also been tied to natural protection against diabetes. A study that appeared in the International Journal of Food Science Technology found that this plant had positive effects on blood sugar control and insulin levels in patients with diabetes when eaten as part of a high-carbohydrate meal. Separate studies have demonstrated that antidiabetic activities of low doses of moringa seed powder (50–100 milligrams per kilogram body weight) help increase antioxidant status and enzyme production within the liver, pancreas and kidneys of rats and prevent damage compared to control groups. High levels of immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG), fasting blood sugar and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) — three markers seen in diabetics — were also found to decrease as a result of moringa given to rats with diabetes. Can moringa help you lose weight? Because it can improve insulin sensitivity and hormone balance, it may offer some advantages to those following a weight loss plan. 5. Protects and Nourishes the Skin Several popular uses of moringa oil are to help retain skin’s moisture, speed up wound healing, and soothe dry or burnt skin. Moringa contains natural antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral compounds that protect the skin from various forms of infections. Some of the common ways it is used on the skin include reducing athlete’s foot, eliminating odors, reducing inflammation associated with acne breakouts, treating pockets of infection or abscesses, getting rid of dandruff, fighting gum disease (gingivitis), and helping heal bites, burns, viral warts and wounds. The oil is applied directly to the skin as a drying, astringent agent used to kill bacteria, but at the same time, when used regularly it’s known to act like a lubricant and hydrate the skin by restoring its natural moisture barrier. It’s a common ingredient used in food manufacturing and perfumes because it prevents spoilage by killing bacteria — plus it has a pleasant smell and reduces odors. 6. Helps Stabilize Your Mood and Protects Brain Health As a high-protein food and a rich source of the amino acid tryptophan, moringa supports neurotransmitter functions, including those that produce the “feel good” hormone serotonin. It’s also rich in antioxidants and compounds that may improve thyroid health, which makes it beneficial for maintaining high energy levels plus fighting fatigue, depression, low libido, moods swings and insomnia. 7. Good for the Environment (Water and Topsoil) A noteworthy characteristic of the moringa plant is that it’s capable of growing in depleted or dry soils where many other types of beneficial plants or trees cannot survive. This is precisely why certain undernourished populations living in third-world countries, such as Somalia or India, have benefited from it during times of famine. Aside from providing important nutrients, it is used to help restore fertile soil, aid in forest restoration efforts and filter water. One interesting use of the seeds is for water purification. Combining moringa with water helps impurities cling to the seeds so they can be removed, leaving behind better quality water that’s lower in toxins. Salt also seems to bind to moringa, which is beneficial for producing fresh-tasting water. Some studies have shown that 0.2 grams of ground moringa seed can turnone liter of contaminated water into safe drinking water. This is due to the coagulating actions of certain ingredients in the plant that absorb bacteria. Risks and Side Effects What are the side effects of taking moringa? Because it’s completely natural and free from chemical additives (when you buy a pure, high-quality brand), when taken by mouth or used on the skin it seems to be very well-tolerated. Moringa side effects are still possible and may include: lower blood pressure slowed heart rate uterine contractions cell mutations when high amounts of seeds are consumed interference with fertility Leaves, fruit, oil and seeds from the moringa tree have been consumed safely for centuries, but today there are various forms of supplements or extracts sold, so it’s important to buy the purest kind you can find and to read ingredient labels carefully. During pregnancy or when breastfeeding, it’s best to avoid moringa extract, root or high doses of supplements since not enough research has been done to show it’s safe. It’s possible that chemicals within the plant’s root, bark and flowers can lead to contractions of the uterus, which can cause complications during pregnancy. How to Use It As you can probably tell by now, this plant can be used in many different ways in order to utilize all the available moringa benefits. Because of the long transport time needed to ship moringa from parts of Africa or Asia where it’s grown, in the U.S. it’s usually sold in powder or capsule form, which prolongs its shelf life. An interesting characteristic of moringa? It’s said to taste like a mix between horseradish and asparagus. It might not have the most appealing flavor, but it’s a supplement with one of the the richest supplies of vital nutrients in the world. Dosage Recommendations There’s no recommended or required dosage of moringa at this time since it’s only an herbal supplement and not an essential nutrient. That said, there’s some evidence that the optimum dose for humans has been calculated to be 29 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. It’s recommended that you start by taking half a teaspoon of dried moringa orally per day for three to five days, increasing your intake slowly over two weeks as you get acclimated to its effects. Most people choose to take moringa every several days but...

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