Matrix Report
Moringa oleifera- commonly known as moringa, drumstick tree, horseradish tree, and ben oil tree or benzolive tree is a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree of the family Moringaceae, native to the Indian subcontinent.
Almost all parts of the tree are eaten or used as ingredients in traditional herbal medicines. This especially applies to the leaves and pods, which are commonly eaten in parts of India and Africa.
Moringa has been used for centuries due to its medicinal properties and health benefits. It also has antifungal, antiviral, antidepressant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
It also contains calcium and phosphorous, which helps keep bones healthy and strong. Along with its anti-inflammatory properties moringa extract might help to treat conditions such as arthritis and may also heal damaged bones.
To date, studies show that Moringa oleifera may lead to modest reductions in blood sugar and cholesterol. It may also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and protect against arsenic toxicity. Moringa leaves are also highly nutritious and should be beneficial for people who are lacking in essential nutrients.
Moringa leaves are an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals too. One cup of fresh, chopped leaves (21 grams) contains:
- Protein: 2 grams
- Vitamin B6: 19% of the RDA
- Vitamin C: 12% of the RDA
- Iron: 11% of the RDA
- Riboflavin (B2): 11% of the RDA
- Vitamin A (from beta-carotene): 9% of the RDA
- Magnesium: 8% of the RDA
Antioxident properties of Moringa Oleifera:
Moringa is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that act against free radicals in your body. High levels of free radicals may cause oxidative stress, which is associated with chronic diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Researchers have found several antioxidant plant compounds in the leaves of Moringa oleifera. In addition to vitamin C and beta-carotene, these include Quercetin- this powerful antioxidant may help lower blood pressure- & Chlorogenic acid – also found in high amounts in coffee, chlorogenic acid may help moderate blood sugar levels after meals.
One study in women found that taking 1.5 teaspoons (7 grams) of moringa leaf powder every day for three months significantly increased blood antioxidant levels.
Reduced Blood Sugar Levels:
Several studies have shown that Moringa oleifera may help lower blood sugar levels. However, most of the evidence is based on animal studies. Only a few human-based studies exist, and they’re generally of low quality.
Scientists believe that Moringa leaves may lead to reduced blood sugar levels, but more research is needed to make any solid recommendations for its usage for lowring blood sugar levels.
In one study among humans e.g. it was found that taking 1.5 teaspoons (7 grams) of moringa leaf powder every day for three months by a group of 30 females helped reduce fasting blood sugar levels by 13.5%, on average.
Yet another small study in six people with diabetes found that adding 50 grams of Moringa leaves to a meal reduced the rise in blood sugar by 21%. Scientists believe these effects are caused by plant compounds such as isothiocyanates.
Moringa May Reduce Inflammation
Experts believe that most whole fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices have a certain degree of anti-inflammatory properties and depending on the amount and type of anti-inflammatory compounds present in them determines the degree to which they can help reducing inflammation.
Scientists believe that the main anti-inflammatory compounds in Moringa leaves, pods and seeds is isothiocyanates that may help reduce inflammation. But so far, research has been limited to test-tube and animal studies and therefore it remains to be seen if Moringa oleifera has similar anti-inflammatory effects in humans.
Moringa can lower cholesterol:
Moringa Oleifera can potentially reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol. Like many plant foods that can effectively reduce cholesterol including flaxseeds, oats and almonds, Moringa is believed to have similar properties.
This is proven by the fact that both animal- and human-based studies have shown that Moringa oleifera may have similar cholesterol-lowering effects thus reducing the risk of heart diseases.
Moringa oleifera May Protect Against Arsenic Toxicity
Arsenic contamination of food and water is a problem in many parts of the world. Certain types of rice e.g. may contain particularly high levels of arsenic. It is feared that long-term exposure to high levels of arsenic may lead to health problems over time. For instance, studies have linked long-term exposure to an increased risk of cancer and heart disease.
Interestingly, several studies in mice and rats have shown that the leaves and seeds of Moringa oleifera may protect against some of the effects of arsenic toxicity. These results are promising, but it’s not yet known whether this also applies to humans
