There has been a lot of talk about Moringa Oleifera, a plant that is native to Asia and Africa. The superfood is hailed for its antioxidants, and nutrients and other compounds. The tree has been used since ancient times in medicines by Egyptians, Indians, Greeks, and Roman. In fact, the benefits of Moringa are so potent that it can fight malnourishment in underdeveloped countries. It is also used in supplements. Some other health benefits of Moringa include
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1- Moringa Is High In Nutrients:
Moringa leaves are a great source of many vitamins, minerals, and nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, protein, iron, riboflavin, and magnesium. The dried leaves of Moringa are sold as dietary supplements in some countries. The leaves have a higher quantity of vitamins and minerals than the pods. However, the pods are really high in vitamin C. It contains 7 times more Vitamin C than an orange and Just one cup of fresh pods of Moringa fulfills 157% of your daily requirement!
Many people in third world countries are malnourished and Moringa can be a good source of many essential nutrients that their diet lacks. However, Moringa leaves must be consumed in moderation as they contain “anti nutrients” which can interfere with the absorption of protein and minerals.
2- It Is A Potent Antioxidant:
Moringa can also boost the levels of powerful antioxidants such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, quercetin, and chlorogenic acid. Antioxidants fight free radical damage and protect from oxidative stress, which is linked to chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart diseases. Quercetin may help lower blood pressure and chlorogenic acid may stabilize blood sugar levels. Moringa leaf extract can also be used as a food preservative since it increases the shelf life of food by reducing oxidation. Anti-oxidants are particularly important when it comes to skin care. They are responsible for repairing cell damage, specifically the kind that cause premature aging, wrinkles and skin dryness. Moringa happens to have one of the highest anti-oxidant contents of any food, making it excellent for skin care.
3- It Can Stabilize Blood Sugar Levels:
Diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar levels. It can also increase the risk of other health problems such as heart diseases. That is why it is crucial to keep blood sugar levels stable. Some studies have demonstrated that Moringa may help normalize blood sugar levels. Scientists attribute this to plant compounds such as isothiocyanates found in Moringa. One study has shown that people who consume Moringa leaves with their meals have improved glucose tolerance. Although it should be noted that its effectiveness when it comes to diabetes has not been thoroughly tested but the studies that we do have regarding the plant do indicate that it helps manage blood sugar.
4- It Can Fight The Alzheimer’s Disease:
Studies have shown that moringa can slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Moringa has anti-inflammatory properties that can enhance memory. Moringa extracts may also improve the electrical activity and levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Many regard it as a cognitive enhancer as it helps improve spatial memory and fights against neurodegredation. Most of these studies were done on mice however so further human trials are still requires but it does seem to be one of the most promising treatments for this debilitating illness. The benefits of Moringa extend to nearly every part of the body, making it a true superfood. You should get in touch with the top neuro physician in Karachi to make sure that this superfood will help you.
5- Moringa Can Lower Cholesterol:
Studies have shown that moringa can lower cholesterol levels. Increased levels of cholesterol may increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, and cardiovascular disease. A high-fat diet can increase cholesterol levels in the kidney, liver, and blood. This property was first discovered by traditional Indian medicinal practioners and was later studied more formally by scientists. These studies have confirmed that Moringa has an effect on cholestrol and can be used to treat obesity as well.
A study published in a journal of National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) has shown that Moringa leaf extract can reduce cholesterol levels in the kidney, liver, and blood of people who are on a high-fat diet. When taken with lovastatin, Moringa may lower serum cholesterol, phospholipid, triglyceride, VLDL, and LDL level. Apart from lowering bad cholesterol, Moringa may also increase the levels of good cholesterol. We suspect that this plant will become more and more prominent as the studies continue and will soon become a regular ingredient in numerous treatments. Until then you can still use it yourself, although it is best to talk to a professional.
You can consult a nutritionist to find out whether you should add Moringa leaves to your diet. You can find and book an appointment with top dietitians in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad through oladoc.com. You can also call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT Doctor for your health concerns.