Moringa contains many essential compounds, such as:
It is also low in fat and contains no harmful cholesterol.
Around the world, many people traditionally use moringa as food and for medicinal purposes.
1. Protecting and nourishing skin and hair
A laboratory study has suggested moringa may help heal skin wounds more quickly. One way it may do this is by reducing oxidative stress.
According to some
However, more studies are needed, especially those involving humans.
2. Treating edema
Edema is when fluid builds up in body tissues, for instance, because of inflammation. Ear edema can cause tissue swelling around the ear, usually because of an infection.
In a 2022 study, applying moringa seed oil reduced skin inflammation in mice with ear edema. This suggests the anti-inflammatory properties of moringa may help treat ear edema, though more research in humans is needed.
3. Protecting the liver
Moringa may help protect the liver against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
In one
However, this study was not conducted directly on humans. Therefore, more research is needed before we can definitively claim that moringa protects people’s livers.
4. Preventing and treating cancer
Moringa contains properties that may help prevent cancer. For example, it contains niazimicin, a compound that suppresses the development of cancer cells.
According to some scientists, moringa leaf extracts, bark, and other parts of the plant may have properties that can kill cancer cells. If further research confirms this, they could prove useful in treating breast, liver, colorectal, and other cancers.
However, more detailed research is needed to understand how it works at the cellular level.
5. Treating stomach upset
Moringa extracts may help treat some stomach disorders.
For instance:
- The leaves may help prevent colon cancer.
- Moringa leaves have shown a laxative effect, making moringa a possible option for constipation.
- It may reduce stomach acid secretions, suggesting it could prevent peptic ulcers.
- Moringa may help prevent ulcerative colitis as its anti-inflammatory effects may protect the digestive system from damage.
However, all the above studies were conducted on animals. Therefore, the findings may not apply to humans, and more clinical research is necessary.
6. Fighting foodborne bacterial infections
According to
S. aureus
It is important to note, though, that researchers conducted the above study in a laboratory setting. Therefore, it may not accurately represent how moringa extract would perform in humans. The authors called for further studies.
7. Preventing rheumatoid arthritis
According to the authors of a rodent study, moringa extract has anti-inflammatory properties that may help prevent rheumatoid arthritis.
However, more clinical studies are necessary to confirm this finding in humans.
8. Treating mood and nervous system disorders
The antioxidant activity of moringa may protect against disorders that affect the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s disease, neuropathic pain, and depression.
Scientists believe it may have neuroprotective properties but have yet to identify how it works. More research is needed to understand its role in treating these conditions.
9. Protecting the cardiovascular system
Moringa
Moringa may also have cholesterol-lowering properties.
However, more research is needed to establish these effects conclusively.
10. Treating diabetes
Moringa leaf extract may benefit people with diabetes. They may assist with managing blood sugar and insulin levels and protect against organ damage. Its properties could help prevent complications and slow disease progression.
That said, a more
Ultimately, more comprehensive and larger studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of moringa for managing diabetes.
11. Treating asthma
Moringa contains molecules that may help manage or prevent asthma, bronchial constrictions, and airway inflammation.
One study found that the lung function of guinea pigs improved after researchers gave them a moringa extract.
However, these findings may not apply to humans. Additional studies on humans are necessary.
12. Reducing high blood pressure
Moringa contains substances that may help manage blood pressure.
In a 2021 study, a group of healthy participants consumed 120 grams of cooked moringa leaves for a week, while another group did not.
Two hours after eating, those who consumed moringa had lower blood pressure than those who did not.
However, the authors acknowledged that further human trials are necessary to confirm the effectiveness and safety of moringa in managing cardiovascular diseases.
13. Improving eye health
Moringa
However, further research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness in improving eye health.
14. Treating anemia and sickle cell disease
People in some parts of the world have traditionally used moringa to treat and prevent anemia.
Research also suggests that taking moringa as food or medication could help manage sickle cell disease.
This is due to its antioxidant properties, its chelating activity — which means it can help remove excess iron — and other factors.
However, these findings are largely based on in vitro or animal studies and have yet to translate into extensive clinical trials.
Possible benefits
- supporting weight loss
- preventing inflammation
- managing lipids
- lowering cholesterol levels
- protecting the liver
- improving insulin sensitivity
- reducing oxidative stress
- regulating fat absorption
However, it is important to note that researchers conducted this study on rats. These findings may not apply to humans. Indeed, more clinical research is necessary to confirm that moringa helps people lose weight.
Moringa appears to have few side effects. However, people who are pregnant or taking thyroid, diabetes, or blood pressure medication should speak with their doctor before taking Moringa.
People should always read the label on the extract and follow dosage instructions.
Does moringa affect the thyroid?
A
What is moringa good for?
Moringa may have several health benefits, such as protecting and nourishing the hair and skin, treating swelling, protecting the liver, treating stomach upset, fighting foodborne bacterial infections, and improving eye health.
