Moringa: properties, benefits and precautions

The moringa (moringa oleifera) is also known as “miracle tree” for the variety and forcefulness of its medicinal and nutritional properties. It is considered a good natural remedy for cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, constipation or fatigue. But, in addition, it has become a novel ingredient in raw cooking, which considers it a superfood due to its extraordinary nutritional composition.

what is moringa

The moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) is a modest tree of the moringaceae family. It grows very fast and can reach 12 meters high. Its leaves are compound, with small, oval segments, and its flowers, white or creamy in color, grow in clusters.

It also produces fruits, like hanging pods, lance-shaped and up to 40 cm long, and with numerous winged seeds inside. These pods can remind the sticks of a drum, and for this reason the tree is also known as drumstick tree or “drum stick”.

Moringa is believed to be native to India, the foothills of the Himalayas, Nepal, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. When considered a great nutritional resource, is cultivated, like other related species, more or less extensively in India itself, the Philippines, in Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, in Kenya, Sudan, Ethiopia and other East African countries such as Zambia and Malawi, but also in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. It is also planted in parks and gardens for its beautiful flowering.

of the moringa almost everything is used: pods, seeds, leaves, flowers, bark and even roots.

In Spain the most usual thing is to be able to get moringa in the form of dried leaves, powders and extract. The powders are used as a culinary condiment, for making cakes or to flavor soups, salads or to incorporate into invigorating or relieving infusions.

Moringa properties

Moringa is a extraordinary source of nutrientssuch as proteins, mineral salts, vitamins and fiber.

It is, in particular, a plant very rich in iron and calcium. A tablespoon of moringa could provide 15 and 10% respectively of the daily needs of these two nutrients for an adult person. also contains magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E and group B vitamins.

Main active principles of the moringa are:

flavonoids such as quercetin, rutin and kaempferol, with high antioxidant value.polyphenolsincluding ferulic and vanillic acids.Amino acids essential.chlorogenic acid.polyunsaturated fatty acids as oleic acid in the seeds.

Moringa is attributed, for all this, antioxidant propertiesnutritious, antihypertensivelipid-lowering, fatigating, tonic, antianemichypoglycemic, digestive, antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, laxative and, externally, emollient, moisturizing and nourishing properties on the skin.

What is moringa used for?

Due to its composition and properties, different health benefits are attributed to moringa:

1. for cholesterol and high blood pressure

Moringa extract has been shown to be effective as natural support in treatments to lower cholesterol and triglycerides in blood and for the control of blood pressure. For this, it is used by adding it to the diet or in treatments based on capsules or tablets.

The ayurvedic medicine in India considers it an important remedy in the treatment of Mellitus diabetesdue to its notable hypoglycemic properties, as stated in a study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology (Mbikay M. T, 2021), although more far-reaching scientific studies are called for to confirm this possible action.

The moringa is shown to be effective, due to its high anti-inflammatory capacity, in the natural treatment of arthritis and osteoarthritis. Its high percentage of magnesium content contributes to strengthen cartilage and bones.

2. for allergies

Moringa can affect allergic processes, relieving some of its symptoms, such as ltearing, coughing attacks, sneezing, rhinitis, pharyngitis, headaches or the appearance of hives, by activating the anti-inflammatory response.

It is also indicated on food allergies or those caused by poisoning.

Indian medicine uses it as relief in migraines and other headaches associated with food or muscle tension.

3. for constipation

Moringa is a good remedy for promote digestion and regulate intestinal transit. It can help reduce inflammation of the digestive mucous membranes and serve as a natural relief in gastroenteritis, gastritis and ulcerative colitis.

In traditional Indian medicine it is used, above all, as an Ayurvedic remedy to treat persistent constipation, as a mild but effective laxative, which does not cause gastric irritation. However, some Chinese scientific studies (Li C. et al2022) point out that, indeed, moringa shows a higher laxative and purgative effect than aloe, hops or rhubarb, but less than senna, frangula or cascara sagrada.

In addition, moringa shows a restorative effect on liver cellsfavors the filter functions of the liver and a good metabolization of the nutrients that we ingest.

It also has diuretic and detoxifying properties, which is why it is used to relieve edema and fluid retention.

4. to lose weight

Moringa is considered a dietary food with a minimum fat content, which is why it is incorporated into slimming diets with the aim of promoting intestinal transit and the elimination of toxins with the urine and to help burn fat and carbohydrates assimilated with food.

5. against harmful intestinal bacteria

Taking moringa could help neutralize the development and spread of pathogens, such as certain bacteria that affect the digestive tract such as Helicobacter pylori, Escherizia coli or salmonella, reducing its symptoms, such as abdominal discomfort, reflux, irregular intestinal transit or diarrhea.

Different studies have been published on the efficacy of moringa extract to treat this type of bacterial infections of the human digestive system.

6. for anemia and tiredness

The moringa supposes an important contribution of mineral salts, especially of iron, magnesium and calciumas well as vitamins.

In India it is known as an effective energy tonic, ideal for treating states of asthenia, fatigue and weaknessbut above all as a natural support in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia being an optimal and safe source of iron and other minerals. the moringa Provides vitality and resistance capacity Therefore, it is recommended for athletes, especially long-distance runners, marathon runners, mountaineers, climbers and hikers.

7. to stimulate immunity against cancer

Moringa extracts have been included in different clinical trials for the treatment of some tumors, such as breast or ovarian cancer, due to their possible antioxidant and anticancer effects. Would have a possible stimulating effect on the immune systemuseful for stopping the advance of tumor cells, as shown in a study by Saudi researchers published in the journal PLos One (Al-Asmari AK et al2015).

8. For irritated or aging skin

Externally, moringa gives us all its moisturizing and emollient propertiesuseful for the care of irritated or aged skin, but it also has antiseptic propertieswhich allow it to be used to heal wounds, skin infections, ulcers, sores and insect bites.

How to take moringa and where to find it

Moringa is very popular in India and many countries in Asia and Africa, but in Spain it is still largely unknown. However, it can be found quite easily in many herbalists, health food centers, ecological or organic product establishments and some pharmacies or parapharmacies. And of course it should not be difficult to buy moringa products online.

Moringa is found in the form of:

Dried leaves for infusion, used to treat cholesterol, diabetes and hypertension. You can also find Moringa infusion along with other laxative herbs and demulcents, as a natural laxative. fresh plant juice for diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Moringa powdered (its most usual presentation) for cholesterol, diabetes or constipation. It is usually recommended to take 3 to 5 g daily, with water or fruit juice. Moringa in capsules and tablets, as a nutritional contribution, in case of fatigue, anemia, weakness and overweight. Moringa in liquid extract.

Moringa oil: what is it and what is it for?

Moringa oil is an oil of great moisturizing, emollient and antioxidant powerin addition to antiseptic properties.

It is used for the care of irritated or aged skin and damaged skin by contact with corrosive substances, but also on minor burns and scalds.

In natural and organic cosmetics it is included as ingredient of creams, ointments and lotions. It also has an industrial use as a lubricant.

Precautions: Is moringa dangerous?

Moringa is, in general, a safe plant, but some precautions should be taken into account:

In case of being diabeticdue to its clear hypoglycemic effect, may or may not be compatible with the medication, and in any case it is better to inform the doctor who treats you, to avoid possible decompensations, or the appearance of imbalances such as fainting or imbalances. In case of hypertensionyou must also be vigilant to prevent eventual decompensation if you are taking medication.If taken for long periods, can cause gastric irritation and heartburn in some especially sensitive people, especially taken on an empty stomach. The high doses of the bark or root (powdered) they could be abortive. It is necessary to adhere to the prescribed doses, avoid overdoses and do not take it during pregnancy as a minimum measure of prudence. However, it is not the most consumed part of the plant.

Moringa in the kitchen

The moringa powder is a celebrated culinary condiment, which is incorporated into breads, cakes, cakes, flans and also in vegetable soups and stews.

It is an ingredient of raw kitchenintegrated into various pastry recipes, smoothies, fruit juices, yogurts or vegetable milks.

The seeds They are eaten raw or toasted in salads, soups and some desserts, to which they add a slightly spicy flavor.

the long ones pods they are eaten boiled or fried as if they were beans. And the boiled root as if it were a carrot, very rich in mineral salts.

Moringa powder is used to season rice, bean dishes, chickpeas, and vegetables as a curry.

By Jordi Cebrián, expert in phytotherapy