If you’re looking for a convenient and nutritious way to increase your daily intake of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, moringa powder may be the answer.
This superfood has become increasingly popular due to the impressive health benefits of the moringa oleifera plant, which range from improved mental clarity to enhanced immunity. This blog post will explore how moringa powder can help nourish both your body and mind.
We’ll discuss key nutrients in moringa and why they can be an excellent addition to any health-conscious diet.
What Is Moringa Powder, And Where Does It Come From?
Moringa leaf powder is a healthful superfood from the moringa oleifera tree, native to India and other parts of Asia. It is made by harvesting, drying, and grinding the leaves into a fine powder that can easily be added to foods or beverages for convenience.
Rich in health benefits, moringa leaf powder has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to aid digestion, lower blood pressure, boost energy levels, strengthen the immune system, and protect against health issues such as cancer risk factors.
There are now many variations of it available on the market; however, when purchasing this product, you should always look for brands made with 100% pure moringa leaf powder to ensure optimal health benefits.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Moringa?
Derived from the moringa plant and known as the “miracle tree,” this powder has incredible health benefits. Let’s take a closer look at them.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects Boost Energy Levels
One of the most significant benefits of consuming this nutrient-dense superfood is its anti-inflammatory [1] effects. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can lead to various health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Moringa powder contains high antioxidants and several bioactive compounds, such as isothiocyanates, polyphenols, and flavonoids, responsible for their anti-inflammatory properties.
These compounds help reduce inflammation by suppressing inflammatory enzymes and cytokines. They also help prevent oxidative stress, which can lead to chronic inflammation.
Additionally, it boosts energy levels due to its high concentration of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It helps improve overall physical and mental performance by providing sustained energy throughout the day.
Therefore, incorporating it into your diet can be an excellent way to enhance your health and well-being.
Nutrition Facts
This superfood has many nutritional health benefits, and one of them is its high protein content. It contains 25% plant protein, which includes all nine essential amino acids.
Additionally, moringa powder is rich in other essential nutrients [2] like:
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin C
- Iron, Riboflavin (B2)
- Vitamin A (from beta-carotene)
- Magnesium
These nutrients are crucial for maintaining a healthy body and mind. For example, iron helps produce red blood cells, while magnesium supports muscle and nerve function.
Moreover, Vitamin C boosts the immune system and helps in collagen production, while Vitamin A promotes good vision and skin health. Overall, incorporating it into your diet can provide essential nutrients to help you maintain optimal health.
Lowers Blood Glucose Levels
Known for its powerful health-supporting properties, it may be important in helping manage glucose metabolism. With increasing evidence to support the benefits of moringa, this nutrient-rich powerhouse could be key in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
A single oral dose has been proven to cause a significant drop in glucose readings during scientific testing of rats [3].
Rich In Antioxidants
Moringa leaf extract is an excellent source of antioxidants [4], including quercetin and chlorogenic acid. Antioxidants are essential for protecting our cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can lead to chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
Studies have shown that moringa leaf powder can increase blood antioxidant levels and reduce oxidative stress.
Additionally, research has found that it may be beneficial for raising antioxidant levels in post-menopausal women, whose antioxidant enzyme systems may be compromised.
With abundant nutrients and antioxidants, moringa is an excellent addition to any diet to boost overall health and wellness.
Blood Pressure Reduction
The powder, derived from moringa leaves, may be effective in providing significant beneficial effects for those looking to reduce their blood pressure levels.
This is due to its high concentration of vitamins and minerals, including potassium, which helps counteract sodium’s effect on the body – ultimately helping regulate healthy blood pressure [5].
According to animal studies conducted with anesthetized rats, moringa oleifera has been demonstrated to be a powerful natural remedy for high blood pressure, with two molecules containing both cyanide and sulfur (RBITC, Niaziminins A-B) able to reduce anesthetized rat’s BP by 35-40% after 3mg/kg dosing.
Anxiety and Stress Relief
The powder of moringa leaves contains an amino acid called tryptophan, which helps regulate mood, anxiety, and happiness. That means that consuming it could help to balance the chemicals in your brain which affect your mood, making it one of the best supplements for anxiety on the market.
Not only that, but it also includes adaptogens – ancient herbs which bring about a state of calmness and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Studies have even shown that in mice given 250-2,000mg/kg of extract from Moringa leaves, there was a decrease in anxiety [6].
Lowers Cholesterol
The powder source from the Moringa oleifera tree has promising potential to lower human cholesterol levels. High cholesterol is a risk factor for developing heart disease, making cholesterol-lowering capabilities an important dietary consideration.
A study conducted in 2010 provides evidence that just 8 grams of leaf powder taken each day over 40 days could significantly decrease total cholesterol, LDL-C, VLDL-C, and triglycerides while also resulting in a nonsignificant increase nearly 9% in HDL-C [7].
Good For The Skin
The leaves of moringa oleifera have been studied for their possible wound healing and anticoagulant properties.
Topical application of the leaves of this plant in a facial cream at 3% twice daily may help improve the skin’s overall smoothness and texture and maintain a higher hydration status within it [8].
Therefore, moringa could be beneficial and worth incorporating into your skincare routine for an improved complexion and health.
How Much Do I Take And Do I Take It Daily?
Moringa makes it easy to boost the nutritional content of your meals. Add 1-2 teaspoons (or start small with half a teaspoon) into any snack or drink for an extra healthy kick.
Sprinkling in some moringa is like adding nutritious superfood seasoning – so you can use this green herb just as you would other seasonings.
Some Ways To Use It In Your Everyday Life
Here are five ideas on how to incorporate more moringa powder into your daily diet:
- Add it to smoothies: One of the easiest ways to use it is by adding it to your favorite smoothie recipe. Blend some fruit, yogurt, milk, and a scoop of powder for a delicious and nutritious drink.
- Mix it into oatmeal: If you enjoy a warm bowl of oatmeal in the morning, try stirring in powder to boost nutrients. You can also add some nuts or fruit for added flavor and texture.
- Sprinkle it on salads: The powder from moringa leaves has a mild flavor that won’t overpower other ingredients, making it a great addition to salads. Sprinkle some on top of your greens, olive oil, and vinegar for a healthy and tasty dressing.
- Use it in baking: The powder can substitute flour in many recipes, such as muffins or pancakes. It adds a subtle green color and a boost of nutrition without altering the taste too much.
- Make tea: You can make moringa tea by steeping the powder in hot water for several minutes. Add honey or lemon if desired for added flavor.
Is It A Superfood?
Moringa is a superfood due to its high nutritional value and numerous health benefits. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and all eight essential amino acids
Is The Powder From The Moringa Oleifera Tree Safe?
The majority of its potential benefits continue to be researched, evaluated, and suggested at safe and effective doses; yet, there is some indication that doses beyond 3-4 times the most recommended dose could have negative consequences.
Of particular caution is the possibility of genotoxic damage, as well as organ damage, potentially associated with such elevated doses.
Who Should Not Take It?
While the powder from moringa leaves has numerous health-related benefits, it is important to note that it may not be suitable for everyone. If you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or on medications, it’s best to avoid consuming moringa or consult your doctor before taking this supplement.
Choosing A Quality Moringa Oleifera Supplement
When choosing moringa dietary supplements, there are a few key factors to consider. First and foremost, selecting a product with high-quality ingredients that are sourced responsibly is essential.
Additionally, look for supplements that have been third-party tested for purity and potency. The appropriate dosage is also necessary, as taking too much or too little can impact the supplement’s effectiveness.
As for whether the raw powder is better than capsules, it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
The raw powder can be more versatile and easier to mix into drinks or recipes, while the capsule form offers a convenient and consistent dosage. Regardless of which form you choose, research and select a reputable brand with quality ingredients and testing procedures in place.
The Benefits Of Moringa Oleifera Powder: Wrap Up
Moringa seed extract can improve overall health. It has many benefits, from helping boost the immune system and increasing energy levels to detoxifying and cleansing the body.
Not to mention, it’s affordable and easy to incorporate into any diet. In short, adding some moringa to your diet could be highly beneficial if you want to create a healthier lifestyle.
As always, check with your doctor before making any dietary changes or starting a new supplement regimen. With that said, we’re sure you’ll love all the benefits that adding moringa to your diet can give you.
REFERENCES
[1] Cheenpracha S, Park EJ, Yoshida WY, Barit C, Wall M, Pezzuto JM, Chang LC. Potential anti-inflammatory phenolic glycosides from the medicinal plant Moringa oleifera fruits. Bioorg Med Chem. 2010 Sep 1;18(17):6598-602. doi: 10.1016/j.bmc.2010.03.057. Epub 2010 Mar 29. PMID: 20685125.
[2] Thurber MD, Fahey JW. Adoption of Moringa oleifera to combat under-nutrition viewed through the lens of the “Diffusion of innovations” theory. Ecol Food Nutr. 2009 May-Jun;48(3):212-25. doi: 10.1080/03670240902794598. PMID: 20161339; PMCID: PMC2679503.
[3] Jaiswal D, Kumar Rai P, Kumar A, Mehta S, Watal G. Effect of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves aqueous extract therapy on hyperglycemic rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2009 Jun 25;123(3):392-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2009.03.036. Epub 2009 Apr 5. PMID: 19501271.
[4] Zatalia SR, Sanusi H. The role of antioxidants in the pathophysiology, complications, and management of diabetes mellitus. Acta Med Indones. 2013 Apr;45(2):141-7. PMID: 23770795.
[5] Faizi S, Siddiqui BS, Saleem R, Siddiqui S, Aftab K, Gilani AH. Isolation and structure elucidation of new nitrile and mustard oil glycosides from Moringa oleifera and their effect on blood pressure. J Nat Prod. 1994 Sep;57(9):1256-61. doi: 10.1021/np50111a011. PMID: 7798960.
[6] Bakre AG, Aderibigbe AO, Ademowo OG. Studies on neuropharmacological profile of ethanol extract of Moringa oleifera leaves in mice. J Ethnopharmacol. 2013 Oct 7;149(3):783-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.08.006. Epub 2013 Aug 9. PMID: 23933316.
[7] Mbikay M. Therapeutic Potential of Moringa oleifera Leaves in Chronic Hyperglycemia and Dyslipidemia: A Review. Front Pharmacol. 2012 Mar 1;3:24. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2012.00024. PMID: 22403543; PMCID: PMC3290775.
[8] Ali A, Akhtar N, Chowdhary F. Enhancement of human skin facial revitalization by moringa leaf extract cream. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2014 May;31(2):71-6. doi: 10.5114/pdia.2014.40945. Epub 2014 Apr 22. PMID: 25097471; PMCID: PMC4112252.
