Keep reading to learn more about moringa leaves, the array of benefits they offer, and how to use them for treatment. Scroll down to know more!
Moringa Leaves: In Detail
Moringa is also known as ‘drumstick’ or ‘horseradish’ or ‘malunggay.’ It (Moringa oleifera) is a tropical tree and is cultivated and consumed in parts of Asia and Africa. Interestingly, this plant is a distant relative of broccoli, cabbage, and kale. It also has a similar nutritional profile. The leaves of the moringa plant have a high medicinal value (2). Moringa leaves are great sources of protein. They contain all the essential amino acids. These leaves are particularly rich in potassium, calcium, phosphorous, iron, vitamins A, D, C, and β-carotene (1), (3). The moringa tree is also called the ‘Miracle Tree,’ ‘God’s Gift To Man’, and ‘Savior of the Poor’ because it has been used to treat malnutrition and various other disorders (2). Moringa leaves help deal with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and inflammatory disorders (3). The following section has a detailed account of their health benefits. Take a look!
9 Benefits Of Having Moringa Leaves
Thanks to their high antioxidant content, moringa leaves can prevent lipid peroxidation and liver disorders. They also boost hemoglobin content and breast milk yield.
1. Boost Hemoglobin And Iron Levels
A cup of chopped moringa leaves has about 0.84 mg of iron, 8 mcg of folate, and 1588 IU of vitamin A (4). Consuming these leaves may be beneficial for pregnant women and women dealing with anemia. Rat studies show that moringa leaves show a positive effect on blood parameters. These include platelet count, hemoglobin levels, packed cell volume (red blood cell volume), maternal anemia, etc. Optimal levels of iron and hemoglobin in women prevent complications during pregnancy and delivery, including low birth weight (5), (6). Moreover, iron absorption is vitamin A-dependent. Since moringa leaves are good sources of vitamin A, they also boost the rate of iron retention. Hence, you will not face rapid iron reserve depletion in your body (7).
2. Normalize Lipid Profile
Alterations in the levels and composition of lipids in your blood can lead to dyslipidemia. Dyslipidemia could be congenital (by birth) or a result of an unhealthy lifestyle (1). An imbalance in your lipid profile is linked to atherosclerosis, diabetes, and obesity. There are many plant-based remedies to manage dyslipidemia and other lipid disorders. Animal studies report lipid-lowering properties in moringa leaves (1). Moringa leaf extracts brought down total cholesterol levels in animals on a high-fat diet. In rat studies, the treated animals showed a 14% reduction in total cholesterol levels as compared to a 30% increase in the levels in animals left untreated. Moringa leaves also increase the levels of good cholesterol (HDL) and balance your lipid profile (1).
3. May Work As A Natural Protein Supplement
Moringa leaves have high levels of protein with all the essential amino acids. Hence, they can supplement animal protein in your diet (8), (9). Dried moringa leaves have higher levels of leucine, isoleucine, threonine, tyrosine, methionine, phenylalanine, lysine, and histidine. Alanine and leucine are the most abundant, while cysteine and methionine are present in the lowest concentrations (8). Including these leaves in your diet is a good idea because a high-amino acid diet boosts your immunity. These nutrients protect your GI tract from parasites and microbial infections. The leaves help in replenishing your body’s lost protein content after pathogenic attacks (8).
4. May Treat Inflammatory Diseases
The drumstick leaves are used in African folk medicine to treat pain and rheumatism. Scientists postulate that the bioactive ingredients of these leaves play a crucial role in managing pain and inflammation (10), (11). Their extract inhibits the secretion of pro-inflammatory compounds. It also keeps nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandins, cellular messengers (cytokines), and several other components of the immune system under check (12). With potent anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive properties, moringa leaves can relieve several acute/chronic inflammatory disorders to an extent. Studies report the best recovery in the cases of rheumatoid arthritis, edema, ulcers, colitis, irritable bowel disease, and asthma (13).
5. May Increase Sexual Performance
Various herbal extracts have been used as aphrodisiacs. They improve sexual performance and desire. Some of them can also correct erectile and sexual dysfunction caused due to stress (14). Moringa leaf extracts have similar properties. They inhibit the hydroxylation of testosterone, thus enhancing sexual potential. Their antioxidant capacity reduces the depletion of testosterone-producing Leydig cells (14). As a part of clinical trials, rats were subjected to oxidative stress. They were then treated with moringa leaf extracts to study these effects. The experiments show the treated rats to have higher levels of spermatozoa (14). They also exhibit dopaminergic (dopamine-stimulating) action on your brain. Dopamine and testosterone together enhance sexual desire, penile blood flow (vasodilation), and erection in males (14).
6. Can Prevent Weight Gain
Moringa leaves contain abundant isothiocyanates, which are a class of bioactive ingredients. These help in the reduction of body weight and metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes (15). Rats fed on these leaves put on 18% less weight compared to their untreated counterparts. Moringa isothiocyanates stimulate lipolysis in adipose tissues. They trigger the breakdown of accumulated fat in the body to yield free fatty acids and triglycerides (15). These active molecules operate at a molecular level. They interfere with the expression of genes involved in weight gain/lipid accumulation pathways. Hence, having moringa leaves may lower obesity and cut the risk of organ damage induced by lipid accumulation (15).
7. Can Enhance Breast Milk Yield
Another benefit of this miracle herb is enhancing the breast milk yield (galactagogue). Moringa capsules have been prescribed to nursing mothers to promote breastfeeding (16), (17). A study performed on postpartum mothers demonstrated the positive effect of moringa leaf capsules. Those taking these capsules had higher prolactin levels. Their newborns too were comparatively heavier (17). Lactation significantly improved in women who took moringa capsules for about two months. It is a common practice in the Philippines to use malunggay leaves to augment breast milk production (16), (17).
8. Can Protect Your Liver
Moringa leaves have been extensively studied for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Chemical studies identified the presence of quercetin, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, glucosinolates, tannins, and saponins in them (18). Molecules like quercetin have substantial effects on liver health. They reduce the levels of hepatic enzymes, which include aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). As a result, your liver and kidneys stay protected from drug- and inflammation-induced injury (18). In guinea pigs, moringa leaf extract could prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by reducing the lipid content in their livers. The extract could also control the expression of genes involved in the uptake of hepatic lipids (18).
9. Possess Antioxidant Effects
Moringa leaf extracts scavenge the stress-causing free radicals from your body. They are known for their antioxidant properties. Terpenoids, saponins, tannins, and flavonoids are the common phytochemicals found in them (18). Phenolic compounds are the primary antioxidants. They inactivate free radicals, prevent decomposition of complex molecules into free radicals, and neutralize the existing free radicals (18). It is because of this property that moringa leaves help manage chronic disorders like diabetes, hypertension, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and even cancer (18). Let us take a look at the nutritional and phytochemical details of moringa leaves. These components are the driving force behind the above-discussed therapeutic applications. Scroll on! River water can contain harmful particles, bacteria, and microorganisms. Not all places can have a water purifier. But having a moringa plant close to a water body can ensure good water quality. You can add crushed moringa seeds to vats of water to get rid of harmful particles. The particulate matter settles down with the seed bits at the bottom of the water body. An hour of this treatment should give you clean water, which can be collected from the top vats.
Phytonutrition of Moringa Leaves
The leaves contain the highest amount of glucosinolates found in the moringa plant. They also contain potent flavonoids like quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin (20). Carotenoids, such as luteolin, lutein, zeaxanthin, luteoxanthin, are recorded in the foliage, flowers, and seeds of this plant. These leaves are also good sources of vitamin E, omega-3 (ω-3), and omega-6 (ω-6) acids (PUFAs) (20). Now, the obvious concern would be: How should you take moringa leaves to make the most of their phytonutritional profile?
What Are The Different Ways To Take Moringa Leaves?
You can find moringa leaves in the market in various forms. The most preferred option is dried leaves. These are edible and have a horde of uses. If you don’t like the feel of whole leaves, moringa leaf powder is an excellent option. You can add a spoonful of the leaf powder to hot or cold water and drink it up. Brewing a cup of moringa tea is another fabulous idea. You can also blend this leaf powder into smoothies, protein shakes, meal shakes, porridges, and soups. The leaves can also be added to readymade or home-made salad dressing. Toss in the veggies as well, and you are sorted with the day’s protein requirement. Add fresh and clean moringa leaves directly to the salad. They taste somewhat like arugula – bittersweet. If none of these options looks impressive to you, you can check out moringa capsules. With so many ways to use them, moringa leaves are on their way to become the next superfood! You should make them a part of your diet. Before you get there, it is better to check for the potential risks and pitfalls. Read the next section for details.
What Are The Side Effects Of Moringa Leaves?
No adverse effects have been reported with using moringa leaves. Neither human nor animal studies have sufficient data to prove their toxicity (21). Laboratory experiments on rats concluded that doses of up to 2000 mg/kg of moringa leaves were safe. A human study was conducted with whole leaf powder at a dose of 8 g per day for 40 days. No toxicity or side effects were observed in this study (21). Can I boil moringa leaves and drink the water? Check out the infographic below to learn how to prepare this delicious treat. Yes. You can boil fresh and washed moringa leaves to make moringa tea and drink it. Moringa tea is beneficial for overall health. Should I take moringa in the morning or at night? You can consume moringa leaves or take moringa tea both in the morning and at night. However, if you are taking moringa capsules, you must take them with breakfast, as directed in the package instructions or as directed by your healthcare provider. Can I drink moringa tea on an empty stomach? It is recommended to take moringa tea with meals rather than on an empty stomach. Can moringa cure urinary tract infections? Moringa stem bark may help treat urinary tract infections (22). There is not enough evidence to conclude whether moringa leaves will have the same effect or not. Does moringa tea raise blood pressure levels? No, on the contrary, moringa leaves may help lower blood pressure levels.
