The Magic of Moringa Leaves and Seeds: Benefits and Uses
The tree is known as the “Miracle Tree” or “Wonder Tree”, almost all parts of the plant, from the bark, seeds, and root to the leaves and flowers, have a great nutritional value. Moringa is a plant that is native to areas of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
The Moringa tree (Moringa Oleifera) is native to the Himalayas in northwestern India. This tree is found in abundance in Trinidad. The flowers, leaves, and pods of this plant has been used in cooking and herbal medicine for over, 5,000 years. However, its heeling properties are unexplored. Here in Trinidad, even in cooking it is not widely used.
It is also grown in the tropics. The leaves, bark, flowers, fruit, seeds, and root are used to make medicine. In fact, Moringa was awarded “The plant of the year” by the National Institutes of Health in 2008.
Moringa contains proteins, vitamins, and minerals. As an antioxidant, it seems to help protect cells from damage. Moringa may also help decrease inflammation and reduce pain.
Moringa is taken by mouth for "tired blood" (anemia), arthritis, and other joint pain (rheumatism), asthma, cancer, constipation, diabetes, diarrhea, seizures, stomach pain, stomach and intestinal ulcers, intestinal spasms, headache, heart problems, high blood pressure, kidney stones, symptoms of menopause, thyroid disorders, and infections.
Moringa is also taken by mouth to reduce swelling, as an antioxidant, to prevent spasms, increase sex drive (as an aphrodisiac), prevent pregnancy, boost the immune system, and increase breast milk production. Some people use it as a nutritional supplement or tonic. It is also used as a "water pill" (diuretic).
Moringa is sometimes applied directly to the skin as a germ-killer or drying agent (astringent). It is also applied to the skin for treating pockets of infection (abscesses), athlete's foot, dandruff, gum disease (gingivitis), snakebites, warts, and wounds.
Oil from moringa seeds is used in foods, perfume, and hair care products, and as a machine lubricant. The seed cake remaining after oil extraction is used as a fertilizer and also to purify well water and to remove salt from seawater.
Moringa is an important food source in some parts of the world. Because it can be grown cheaply and easily, and the leaves retain lots of vitamins and minerals when dried, Moringa is used in India and Africa in feeding programs to fight malnutrition.
The immature green pods (drumsticks) are prepared similarly to green beans, while the seeds are removed from more mature pods and cooked like peas or roasted like nuts. The leaves are cooked and used like spinach, and they are also dried and powdered for use as a condiment.
Moringa powder made from the leaves and seeds is the most commonly available form of the plant. Its nutritional value increases when its leaves and seeds are going to make powder.
Besides being a complete protein, this powder has over 90 nutrients; all eight essential amino acids, vitamins such as B6, A, C, and B2, and essential nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, and iron. In fact, it is more nutritious than kale which is said to be a nutritional powerhouse. Moringa has 2x more protein, 4x more iron, 3x more calcium, and 2x more fiber than kale.
Moringa and Nutrients - A Comparison
In comparison to some of your favorite sources of vitamins and minerals, Moringa is known to have:
- 7x as much calcium as milk
- 7x times as much vitamin C as oranges
- 15x as much potassium as bananas
- 7x as much B2 as yeast
- 6x as much polyphenols as red wine
- 4.5x as much folic acid as beef liver
- 4.5x as much vitamin E as wheat seedlings
- 4x as much vitamin A and
- 2.5x times as much carotene as carrots.
Moringa is known by many names because of its versatility and usefulness. It is commonly called as the drumstick tree because of its slender and long pods, the Miracle Tree in some areas because it's been known to be effective in treating about 300 conditions, it is also called the horseradish tree because the roots have been ground and used as a condiment in moderation, the same way we use horseradish.
The Moringa leaves also have highly sought-after antioxidant properties.
If you add a full tablespoon of Moringa Oleifera powder to an infants food thrice in a day, he/she will have taken 25g of Moringa which when broken down contains:
|
Nutrient |
Percentage(25 grams) |
|
Protein |
42 % |
|
Calcium |
125 % |
|
Magnesium |
61 % |
|
Potassium |
41 % |
|
Iron |
71 % |
|
Vitamin A |
272 % |
|
Vitamin C |
22 % |
Pregnancy and breast-feeding periods are when women are likely to suffer certain nutritional deficiencies. Six tablespoons of Moringa leaf powder per day will give her body the following nutrients in terms of RDA:
|
Nutrient |
Percentage(Six tablespoons) |
|
Protein |
21 % |
|
Calcium |
84 % |
|
Magnesium |
54 % |
|
Potassium |
22 % |
|
Iron |
94 % |
|
Vitamin A |
143 % |
|
Vitamin C |
9 % |
In addition to its nutritional and medicinal properties, it is an incredibly resilient plant. It grows despite poor soil and drought, and it can even improve the health of the surrounding ecosystem. All parts of the tree are edible, and it can be grown in the climates of countries around the world where food is scarce to fight world hunger and malnourishment.
Feeding Programs
Moringa is currently being used in feeding programs in India and Africa because it can be grown easily and cheaply. The young seed pods, also called “drumsticks,” can be prepared similar to green beans. The seeds themselves can be extracted and cooked like nuts. The leaves can be cooked similar to spinach or dried and used as a condiment. No matter what form the tree is in, it is edible and retains its nutritional composition of vitamins and minerals.
How to make Mooring Seed and leave Tea
INGREDIENTS
- One teabag of Herbal Moringa Leaf Tea, or Fresh of dried Mooring leaves 10 g or 10 g 15-20 dried seeds or you can combine the two accordingly by reducing the quantities to half
- A cup of water (your preferred temperature)
- 3 or 4 Garlic cloves
METHOD
1. Boil water to your preferred temperature
2. Crush garlic cloves with a pestle
3. Pour the hot water into a cup and place a teabag of moringa Tea. Leave for 5 mins
4. If you are using leaves then boil the leaves for 5 mins and then let it rest for another few mins.
5. If using seeds then it will be better to soak the seed overnight for for at least 2 hours. Follow the same procedure
6. Add crushed garlic to the tea, stir and serve
Benefits of Moringa Leaves and seeds
Native to Northwestern India, nearly every part of the plant has long been used in herbal medicine to treat more than 300 conditions.
That said, most of the benefits linked to moringa are limited to test-tube and animal studies and may therefore not translate to humans. Nonetheless, of the plant’s many studied and promising health benefits, several may be specific to men. Here are 4 potential benefits of moringa for men, as well as information on its safety and side effects.
1. May promote prostate health
Moringa seeds and leaves are rich in sulfur-containing compounds called glucosinolates, which may have anticancer properties.
Test-tube studies have demonstrated that the glucosinolates from the plant’s seeds may inhibit the growth of human prostate cancer cells.
It is also speculated that moringa could help prevent benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). This condition typically becomes more common as men age and is characterized by enlargement of the prostate, which can make urination difficult.
In one study, mice received moringa leaf extract before being administered testosterone daily for 4 weeks to induce BPH. The extract was found to significantly reduce prostate weight
What is more, the extract also reduced levels of prostate-specific antigen, a protein produced by the prostate gland. High levels of this antigen may be a sign of prostate cancer.
Lastly, the study also demonstrated that the plant decreased testosterone levels in the treated mice. In humans, low testosterone levels can reduce sex drive and erectile function, lead to a loss of lean muscle mass, and cause depression
This testosterone-lowering effect could also interfere with the effectiveness of testosterone-replacement therapy in men with low testosterone.
Ultimately, studies in humans are necessary to determine whether moringa has beneficial effects on prostate health or lowers testosterone in men.
Conclusively, Moringa leaves and seeds are rich in glucosinolates, which are linked to the plant’s beneficial effects on prostate health in rodents. Researchers have yet to determine whether these same benefits occur in humans.
2. May Alleviate Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or keep an erection that’s firm enough for sex.
The condition often occurs when there is a problem with blood flow, which may result from high blood pressure, high levels of fat in the blood, or certain conditions like diabetes.
Moringa leaves contain beneficial plant compounds called polyphenols, which may enhance blood flow by increasing nitric oxide production and decreasing blood pressure.
What is more, studies in rats have shown that extract from the plant’s leaves and seeds inhibit key enzymes linked to ED that increase blood pressure and decrease nitric oxide production.
One study also demonstrated that a moringa seed extract relaxed the smooth muscle in the penis of healthy rats, allowing for more blood flow to the area. The extract also alleviated ED in rats with diabetes
However, to date, no study on the topic has been conducted in humans. Therefore, it remains unknown if moringa’s beneficial effects on ED in animals translate to humans.
Concllusively, Moringa seed and leaf extracts have been shown to improve penile blood flow in healthy rats and alleviate ED in those with diabetes. In the absence of human studies, it’s unknown whether the plant could help manage ED in men.
3. May Improve Fertility
Men are estimated to cause or contribute to infertility problems in about 40% of cases, with reduced sperm production and problems with sperm motility being among the most common causes
Moringa leaves and seeds are excellent sources of antioxidants, which may help combat oxidative damage that can interfere with sperm production or damage sperm DNA
Studies in rabbits have shown that leaf powder from the plant significantly improved semen volume, as well as sperm count and motility
Studies in rats have further demonstrated that the antioxidant properties of moringa leaf extract significantly increased sperm count in cases of induced undescended testicles
What’s more, studies in rats and rabbits have shown that this leaf extract may prevent the loss of sperm caused by excessive heat, chemotherapy, or electromagnetic rays emitted from cell phones
While these results are promising, studies in humans are needed before conclusions can be made on the effectiveness of moringa for improving male fertility.
Conclusively, Moringa leaves and seeds are rich in antioxidants shown to neutralize sperm-damaging oxidative stress in rabbits and mice. Studies in humans are necessary to confirm these findings.
4. May Improve Blood Sugar Control
Type 2 diabetes is a condition that occurs when your body does not produce enough insulin or can not efficiently use it. Insulin is a hormone produced by your pancreas that lowers blood sugar levels after eating.
The condition is more prevalent in men than in women. This may be because men tend to store more harmful fat around their abdominal region — known as visceral fat — which decreases the effectiveness of insulin, thus increasing diabetes risk.
Several studies in mice and rats with diabetes have shown that extracts from moringa leaves and seeds may lower blood sugar levels by either increasing insulin production or the uptake of sugar into cells.
One study in 10 healthy adults demonstrated that taking 4 grams of moringa leaf powder increased insulin secretion but did not significantly affect blood sugar levels
In another study, 10 healthy adults and 17 adults with type 2 diabetes were given 20 grams of the leaf powder with a meal. Researchers found that the supplement reduced the post-meal blood sugar increase in those with diabetes but not in those without the condition .
Researchers reported this dosage resulted in poor taste, which may have affected the consistency of intake. While these results are promising, additional long-term, high quality studies involving more people are needed before any firm conclusions can be made on the efficacy of moringa for managing type 2 diabetes.
Conclusively, Moringa leaf powder may lower the post-meal increase in blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. However, more research is needed before the plant can be recommended for managing the condition.
Safety and Side Effects
Moringa’s long history of use in herbal medicine and as food suggests that the plant is likely safe.
Studies have reported no adverse effects in people who consumed 50 grams of leaf powder from the plant as a single dose or 7 grams daily for 90 days.
While there is insufficient evidence in humans to suggest that the plant can reliably benefit different aspects of men’s health, it’s still highly nutritious. You can buy Moringa leaf in powder, capsule, or extract form.
However, men who have reduced testosterone levels or are taking medications for blood pressure or blood sugar control should speak with their healthcare provider before taking these supplements, as the plant may affect how these medications work.
Conclusively, Moringa leaf is likely safe with a low risk of side effects. Still, men who have certain conditions and/or are taking certain medications to manage high blood pressure or diabetes should speak with their healthcare provider prior to trying these plant supplements.
It Helps to Build Muscles. Moringa is a great muscle builder, because it contains 30% of vegetable protein and 21 amino acids. It has a very high percentage of protein for a plant. It is this protein that helps to build muscles in the body and maintain body mass.
5. It Helps to Boost Immunity
If you were ever wrapped yourself under a big blanket but wanted something that will quickly warm you up from the inside out, then a cup of Moringa Leaf Tea will do the job.
Moringa is an excellent immunity booster and filled with deep nutrition. It contains 7x more vitamin C than oranges so it’s what you need to supercharge your body to boost immunity. Vitamin C stimulates the production of white blood cells to counter the spread of the cold.
9. It Helps in Fighting against Bacteria
Moringa leaves contain a wide of antioxidants and other properties that help in fighting bacteria such as salmonella, E.coli, and others.
10. It Can Increase Blood Antioxidant Levels
Moringa contains antioxidants such as quercetin and chlorogenic acid which may help increase the antioxidant levels in the blood.
11. It Helps to Improve Bone Health
Moringa extracts are good for bones, because it contains essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus. It also promotes bone density.
11. It May Support Kidney Function
Moringa extracts help to protect the kidney against problems that may be caused by toxins. It helps to remove heavy metals and harmful toxins from the body.
Moringa is reported to have helped in cases of hot flashes and sleeping problems in healthy, postmenopausal women. Following conditions. One can use it as supplement or as regular food item as part of a healthy life style.
At Khushboo we offer Moringa. You can download the website using the QR code for various tips for cooking, health, home remedies and much more…
- Deep Frozen Drum Sticks
- Moringa Seeds
- Moringa seed and leaf in powder form
- "Tired blood" (anemia).
- Arthritis
- As a nutritional supplement.
- Birth control
- Cancer
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Epilepsy
- Headache
- Heart problems
- High blood pressure
- Increasing sex drive
- Infections
- Kidney stones
- Stomach and intestinal ulcers
- Stomach pain (gastritis)
- Swelling (inflammation)
- Stimulating immunity
- Thyroid disorders
- Other conditions
- APPLIED TO THE SKIN
- Athlete's foot
- Dandruff
- Gum disease (gingivitis)
- Warts
- Skin infections
- Snakebites
- Other conditions