If you’re one of the people who’s trying to take care of yourself a little bit more and looking for help to care for your body in the most natural way possible, you’ve probably heard of the moringa.
If you are not yet fully familiar, the moringa oleifera, from the moringaceae family, is a tropical plant native to East Africa and northern India. It is such a noble plant that it grows very fast and on almost any soil, and its numerous health benefits, according to Indian traditional medicine, are able to treat more than 300 different diseases.
Moringa has been used as a medicinal alternative since its incredible nutritional properties are known, among which they highlight:
– The flavonoids
– Vitamins A, E, and B
– Polyphenols, which act as powerful antioxidants, help to delay aging
– Mineral salts such as potassium
– Iron, carotenoids, chlorogenic acid, calcium, and zinc
– Amino acids, in particular, are 18 of the 20 that are usually essential to care for our health.
All of these nutrients can be extracted from its seeds, flowers, and bark, but the most commonly used part is its leaves, as they contain the highest concentration of antioxidants. They can be found commercially in capsules, tea, or powder. This is why many people refer to this wonderful plant as the “tree of life.”
What are the properties of moringa?
Moringa is estimated to be one of the best food supplements that nature offers, as it contains:
– 17 times more calcium than milk, one of the most important minerals for the body, with its main objective being the strengthening of bones.
– 15 times more potassium than a banana, extremely important for the body, as it helps build and move the muscles, as well as manage good heart activity.
– 25 times more iron than spinach, this mineral allows the body to produce hemoglobin, prevents states of fatigue, and is good at keeping hair, skin, and nails healthy.
– 10 times more vitamin A than carrots, this vitamin is essential to maintain normal vision, helps the proper functioning of the heart and kidneys
– 9 times more protein than a yogurt, helping to transport necessary substances throughout the body and thus promoting proper organ function.
– More vitamin C than oranges, a vitamin that improves the absorption of the nutrients we eat, fights diseases such as the flu, and prevents and improves the symptoms of sunburn.
– The powerful antioxidants that are part of their composition slow down the action of free radicals, responsible for premature cell aging. In addition, they also prevent infections.
What diseases does it help with?
The health benefits of this plant are very numerous, and it is said to help cure more than 300 conditions. A study carried out by researchers from the National Autonomous University of Mexico highlights that moringa has many benefits, and its nutritional value is proven. Still, their properties in the fight against diseases such as cancer, diabetes, or hypertension in humans are being studied. Some of the diseases for which this plant is used regularly are:
– Anemia: Moringa Leaf powder contains 28mg of iron per 100g, which is much more than any animal-derived iron source.
– Improves stomach ailments, thanks to its antibiotic and antibacterial properties that prevent the growth of pathogens in the body. Its consumption can help prevent gastritis, constipation, and some related conditions.
– Respiratory diseases and allergic processes
– Reduce anxiety
– Controlling the weight
– It favors the functions of the heart, thanks to its anti-dislipidemic action, benefiting people with high cholesterol.
– Rejuvenation: thanks to its large number of natural antioxidants, it eliminates toxins that deteriorate the body and maintains healthy skin
– Lose weight: Moringa contains vitamin B1, B2, and B3, which help combat saturated fats and calories, helping them to lose extra kilos.
– Moringa has a restorative effect on liver cells. This, in the long term, guarantees the health of the liver and the digestive system.
Contraindications of moringa
It all sounds very good, and at first glance, according to many studies carried out in both humans and animals, moringa is an excellent plant with numerous health benefits thanks to the enormous contribution of nutrients it possesses. But it is also true that everything in excess is harmful and is exactly what happens when moringa is swallowed excessively, as it brings with it side effects.
For example, since it is a hypoglycaemic plant, i.e., it reduces blood sugar levels, people with hypoglycaemia should be careful in their intake. There have also been cases where the risk of insomnia increases and causes diarrhea due to its stimulating and laxative properties. Finally, when ingested on an empty stomach and too often, it helps to develop gastric acidity.
It is for this reason that, despite all its properties, it is important to consult with a doctor who approves its use, especially if other drugs are being used.
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