Health benefits of Moringa oleifera [Drumstick leaves]

Moringa oleifera is a tree that is sometimes called the Tree of Life or a Miracle Tree, due to its drought resistant, fast growing, highly nutritive nature and possibly deterring mosquitoes as a repellent (which can act as an indirect anti-malarial measure).It has potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties and also has an anti-diabetic effect that may promote pancreatic health and reduce blood glucose levels.Moringa oleifera has traditional usage as a food product in Asian countries and some African countries and is commonly referred to as either Horse Radish tree or Drumstick tree.It is sometimes used to wrap the leaves around food products to reduce contamination or spoilage caused by bacteria and preserve their quality.Moringa can provide good quality nutrition to people who have certain nutrition deficiency. Here I list some of the potential benefits of Moringa:

Lungs Function

Respiratory capacity where enhanced in people with non-allergic asthma (most of whom were smokers) when supplementing with seeds of Moringa.In children with upper respiratory tract infections, the seeds of Moringa oleifera showed beneficial effects.A pilot study was done on the individual with bronchial asthma (not specifically allergic asthma) using Moringa oleifera seeds at 3g taken twice on daily basis for three weeks was related to significant reductions in the symptoms of wheezing, dyspnoea, coughing, and chest tightness to less than half of baseline.The improvements in lung function were seen by 32.97+/-6.03% (FVC) and 30.05+/-8.12% (FEV1). 

Moringa May Lower Blood Sugar Levels

It’s essential to keep your blood sugar within healthy limits. High blood sugar can cause serious health issue and are the main characteristic of diabetes and heart disease.Moringa oleifera is responsible for lowering blood sugar levels which scientists believe are caused by plant compounds such as isothiocyanates.Many animals based studies have been done in this regard with very few human-based studies exist.In one of the examination done on 30 females, while taking around 1.5 teaspoons of Moringa leaf powder each day for a period of three months, there fasting glucose levels on an average lessened by 13.5%.Another study which includes six people with diabetes saw a reduction in blood sugar by 21% when consuming 50 grams of moringa leaves.

Rich in Antioxidants

Antioxidants in Moringa battles against free radicals in your body. Abnormal amounts of free radicals may cause oxidative stress in our body, which is related to numerous chronic diseases. These essential anti-oxidant properties have been found in the leaves of Moringa oleifera.Other than vitamin C and beta-carotene, it also contains Quercetin which is a potent anti-oxidant agent and can lower blood pressure. It also contains Chlorogenic acid which can moderate blood sugar levels after suppers.One research done on women found that taking 1.5 teaspoons (7 grams) of Moringa leaf powder each day for three months amplified the blood antioxidant levels significantly.

Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic Cancer originates in the organ behind the lower part of the stomach which is a pancreas.Moringa appears to have anti-cancer properties in vitro against pancreatic cancer, but this concentration of it to make some significant effect is quite high and may not be optimal following oral ingestion of the supplementWhen the extract of leaves is mixed with hot water (at 100-2000 μg/mL) it can reduce the survival of pancreatic cancer cells in vitro.

Lactation

Moringa Seem to have galactagogue properties. In females amid postpartum days, supplementation of 250mg Moringa oleifera leaf extract twice every day seems to improve the production of milk. The increase in production of milk is seen on the first day of supplementation with 31% increase over placebo and also the second (48%) and third (165%) day.

SKIN

At 3% in a facial cream, the leaves of Moringa oleifera applied to the cheeks twice daily for three winter months have shown a general smoothness enhancing properties like less wrinkling and more colour consistency associated with a higher hydration status of the skin.So in order to increase skin hydration and reduce visual wrinkles on the cheeks moringa can be used specifically.

Conclusion

Moringa oleifera is used in traditional medicines especially in India for thousands of years. However, only a few of its many known health benefits have been researched and studied scientifically.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 oleifera has plenty of other benefits but in certain cases, one must avoid it and be careful with its doses.We must consume moringa oleifera in limited doses as it can be toxic if the dosage has been increased 3-4 times the recommended dose.It may promote cancer formation and cause genotoxic damage in high doses and can also cause overt organ damage. It can also have anti-fertility properties.Supplementation of Moringa oleifera after childbirth can be a galactagogue, but when supplementation early in pregnancy, it can have the potential to encourage abortions. 

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