What is Moringa?
Moringa oleifera belongs to the nut plants. It is a fast-growing tree (English: moringa tree) with thick trunks that can store water and earned it the name bottle tree. It is also known as the horseradish tree because its roots and leaves contain strong-smelling mustard oil glycosides, which can also be found in local cabbage, mustard, rocket or horseradish. Other names for Moringa are Drumstick Tree, Behenbaum, Tree of Life or Miracle Tree, which indicates its diverse uses.
What do you do with Moringa?
Almost all parts of the Moringa tree can be used or consumed. The tree is therefore of great importance in its countries of origin. Moringa is used in the following areas:
- Medicinal: Bark and roots are used in traditional medicine.
- Food: Leaves, flowers, pods and roots can be eaten.
- Fodder: Leaves and unripe pods have high nutritional value and are fed to livestock during the dry season.
- Drinking water treatment agent: Drinking water can be clarified with the pulverized, ripe seeds . The powder binds dirt particles in the water, including bacteria.
- Hardy plant for reforestation: Moringa requires little water to grow, making it suitable for planting in dry areas.
- Firewood and building material: The branches are mainly used to build fences or scaffolding.
Here in Germany, the Moringa tree has become known as a “superfood” because of its high content of antioxidants , vitamins, minerals and secondary plant substances. These ingredients are said to have numerous health-promoting properties. They are found in seeds, flowers, fruits and roots, which are used as powder, capsules, tea or oil.
The leaves are mainly used for medicinal purposes . They are usually dried and crushed as a powder and added to food and drinks. You can also buy Moringa powder in the form of pressed tablets or capsules to swallow. The most common marketing of Moringa is as a dietary supplement.
How does Moringa affect the body?
“The healthiest plant in the world” is how Moringa is sometimes spoken of. Moringa is said to be able to alleviate more than 300 ailments or heal diseases. The presumed healing effect ranges from an anti-inflammatory effect to slowing down the aging process to the treatment of headaches or symptoms of menopause . Moringa appears to promote and support health at every stage of life.
The plant is said to have the following effects, among others:
- Lower blood lipids, blood sugar and blood pressure
- reduce weight
- inhibit inflammation
- prevent cancers
- protect body cells
- slow down the aging process
- Reduce stress reactions and headaches
- strengthen the immune system
- prevent cardiovascular diseases
- Protect against diabetes
- promote sleep
However, the effect of Moringa has not been scientifically proven. Although there are studies on animals and humans, these are of insufficient quality and the results are therefore not suitable for assessing the health-promoting effects of Moringa. Despite this, Moringa is and remains a valuable food source for people, especially in developing countries, due to its content of nutrients, vitamins and trace elements.
Ingredients – Moringa is so healthy
It is undisputed that Moringa contains many different healthy nutrients . However, each individual does not occur in an above-average quantity. Rather, it is the combination of antioxidants, minerals, trace elements, vitamins, protein , fiber and healthy fats that sets Moringa apart.
The following properties are attributed to the ingredients of Moringa:
- Folic Acid : Essential for cell regeneration, division and rejuvenation
- Vitamin A: Necessary for growth and vision
- Vitamin K: Involved in blood clotting and bone metabolism
- B vitamins: Important for metabolism and energy production as well as nerves, the immune system and blood formation
- Vitamin C : builds bones, cartilage, connective tissue and gums, protects against cell damage, helps with wound healing
- Phytochemicals / Antioxidants (including coumarin, lutein, kaempferol, tannin, ellagic acid, saponin, quercetin and terpene): Reduce free radicals in the body and protect body cells, prevent cancer and slow down the aging process
- Magnesium , Potassium , Calcium: strengthening the heart, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease
- Unsaturated Fatty Acids: Protects arteries from buildup
If Moringa powder or Moringa capsules are used, then it must be noted that many vitamins are sensitive to the effects of heat and/or prolonged storage and the content can therefore be reduced in processed products. The extracts from Moringa are also often not standardized, which is why the products can contain very different amounts of the ingredients depending on the cultivation area.
Can you lose weight with Moringa?
Moringa contains bitter substances that curb hunger, stimulate digestion and thereby promote fat burning. At the same time, the high protein content in Moringa can lead to a long-lasting feeling of satiety, which means that less is eaten all by itself.
From experience, nothing speaks against the controlled use of Moringa powder combined with healthy foods to support weight loss. However, there is no scientific evidence in the form of studies documenting the effect of Moringa on body weight. In order to maintain weight reduction in the long term, a permanent change in diet and an appropriate exercise program are often necessary.
Moringa: Effect on skin and hair
Moringa butter and moringa oil are used in cosmetic products for skin and hair. In lotions and creams for the body and face, Moringa butter or oil is said to soothe and disinfect the skin. For dry hair and problems with the scalp , a treatment with Moringa oil can be used. Even with hair loss and gray hair, good experiences have been made with the use of Moringa oil. Here, too, the recommendations are based only on field reports, but not on scientific studies.
Can Moringa be harmful?
Although there is no information about possible side effects that are harmful to the body for processed moringa leaves, some animal studies provide evidence that fresh moringa leaves – or an extract from it – in high doses could negatively affect the blood count , kidney and liver values.
Some time ago, attention was drawn to the finding that Moringa powder from the leaves was contaminated with bacteria from faeces. In addition, highly increased residues of plant protection products (pesticides) were found in Moringa products.
Moringa – how much a day?
It is not possible to say exactly how much Moringa you can consume per day. It also depends on which Moringa product you choose, such as tea or powder. Both can also differ in their ingredients depending on the growing area, manufacturing process and storage. If Moringa is used in the form of capsules or powder as a dietary supplement, then the manufacturer’s dosage instructions should be followed to avoid a possible overdose.
Buy Moringa powder or capsules – what to consider?
As with all other dietary supplements, you should also ensure that Moringa products are of good quality. It is important to take a close look at the list of ingredients. There should be no additives such as preservatives, flavors or colorings in the products, only the pure, ground Moringa leaves. The best-before date should also be observed in order to buy a product that is as fresh as possible. One should also pay attention to the manufacturer to ensure that safety and quality requirements are met. Here, research on the Internet can help to get an overview of providers and products.
Moringa products are available, for example, in well-stocked tea or organic shops, health food stores and, of course, in online shops.
Conclusion: Even with regional food there are “superfoods”
Moringa is considered health-promoting due to its variety of valuable ingredients and has made a name for itself as a “superfood” in recent years, especially in the form of powder with a high nutrient density. But regional plant-based foods can also be described as “superfoods”, for example beetroot, blueberries, nuts , rocket, kale or broccoli. These contain a wealth of important vitamins, nutrients and trace elements that support health and can thus help to prevent diseases.
As part of a balanced and healthy diet, one should not ignore the ecological footprint of imported, exotic products. It is therefore advisable to use seasonal fruit and vegetables. This can make a valuable contribution to healthy eating without putting additional strain on the environment or the budget.
