Moringa: No Wonder I’m Seeing This Superfood Everywhere

Moringa, the “Miracle Tree” contains over 92 Nutritional Values – all in perfect balance!

Vitamins: A (Alpha and Beta-Carotene) B, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, C, D, E, K, Folate, Biotin, and many more

Minerals: Calcium, Chloride, Chromium, Copper, Fluorine, Iron, Manganese, Magnesium, Molybdenum, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, Selenium, Sulfur, Zinc

Other Beneficial Nutrients: Chlorphyll, Carotenoids, Cytokinins, Flavanoids, Omega (3,6,9) Oils, Plant Sterols, Polyphenols,  Lutein, Xanthins, Rutin, and still more

The combination of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants creates a synergistic effect where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

The Discovery Channel video on “The Miracle Tree”. 16 minutes.

Depending on the research you read, gram for gram, fresh moringa leaves contain:

How all these nutrients in Moringa leaves work together to help our bodies heal:

Lowers blood sugar

Multiple studies show consuming moringa can improve blood sugar response. This is likely, at least in part, due to its fiber and protein content. This nutritional profile helps lower and level out blood sugar spikes. (source, source, source) And balanced blood sugar is crucial for hormonal health, a healthy weight, and energy levels.

Antibacterial properties

This plant produces substances to protect itself from bacteria in its environment. We receive these same antibacterial properties when we eat or apply it topically. In fact, in a 2011 study, researchers discovered that moringa extract inhibits the growth of S. aureus, V. parahaemolyticus, E. faecalis, and A. caviae.

Speeds healing

Traditionally, many use moringa as a poultice to speed wound healing. We now have research to support that: Applying moringa to wounds can enhance wound healing. Moringa encourages blood clotting at the site of a wound. This shortens the time it takes to repair damage and speeds wound healing time.

Facilitates sleep

As a protein-rich food, moringa packs an assortment of amino acids, some of which (most notably tryptophan) are the backbone of sleep-inducing hormones, like melatonin, priming the body for improved and more restful sleep.

Lowers cholesterol

Moringa may also lower cholesterol, thanks to high levels of fiber and plant sterols. In a rabbit study, it lowered cholesterol and reduced plaque in the arteries as effectively as medication, without the side-effects.

Reduces severity of asthma

In one of the few human clinical trials on the plant, adults with asthma took 3 grams of moringa twice daily (added to food) for three weeks. Moringa not only reduced asthma symptoms, but also reduced the severity of asthma attacks. (source)

Reduces inflammation

As with all plant-based foods, a number of studies show moringa contains phytochemicals that act as anti-inflammatories. (source, source) Because inflammation is at the root of many diseases, the plant may help protect the body from longterm issues like arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and even chronic pain.

Protects against arsenic toxicity

During one promising study, scientists gave moringa to mice exposed to arsenic. Amazingly, the plant mitigated the usual effects of arsenic, including cardiac, liver, and renal function problems. While the exact mechanisms at play are unknown, scientists speculate that the plant’s high antioxidant levels and plentiful phenolic acid compounds counter the damage arsenic wreaks on our delicate biochemistry.

Increases breast milk production

Early evidence suggests that a moringa supplement daily after childbirth increases milk supply, but it’s important to note that safety and efficacy haven’t been sufficiently studied yet. (source)

Supports memory and cognition

Thanks to high levels of antioxidants, like vitamin C and vitamin E, moringa counters the oxidative damage underlying the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. It’s also a nootropic, a substance that improves cognitive function and memory.

Protects the liver

Studies suggest that the plant’s large quantities of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals support the health of our second largest detoxification organ, the liver. (source, source) How? Oxidative stress and inflammation act as two of the driving forces behind liver damage.

What Are the Side-effects of Taking Moringa?

If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant:

I would avoid the root and the bark (and, out of an abundance of caution, maybe the whole plant) until you and your doctor do more research or your baby is born. This is all quite nuanced since this product on Amazon is often used to increase milk production after birth.

This PubMed study states: “While the entire tree has antitumor activity, the sex hormone-related property is attributable to its ROOT, as folk medicine use has also proven.” (I hear the root has been used as an abortifacent in India).. “This plant can be used in patients with diabetes and thyroid disease. (source) “The other most common use of its hormonal property, except insulin and thyroid-like property, is as emmenagogue and abortifacient.[11]“ So people who are pregnant or already taking thyroid, diabetes, or blood pressure medication should speak with a knowledgeable doctor before adding moringa.”