Introduction
Ancient Indian warriors of the great Mauryan empire were fed with moringa leaf extract in the warfront. It was believed that the drink was equivalent to elixir and would relieve them of stress and pain during the war. This anecdote signifies the importance and prevalence of Moringa in indigenious medicinal practices. The ‘miracle plant’ derives its name from the Tamil word for drumstick - ‘murunggi’ or ‘murungai’. It has been used in making perfumes for centuries in Egypt and Greece and its medicinal properties have been recognized significantly in Asia and Africa.
Increasingly moringa is being advocated as a superfood making it one of the fastest selling health powders in global markets like the UK and US. As the western world learns more about its benefits, back home in India people are re-embracing this indigenous nutritious plant.
Ayurvedic Overview
In traditional ayurvedic medicine, moringa has been identified to be useful in treating around 300 diseases of the human body. It is a light, bitter and pungent herb with a hot potency. It is considered as both a tonic and a detoxifier. In an ayurvedic text of the 16th century called ‘Bhav Prakash’, moringa is described as ‘sigru’. Sigru is the Sanskrit term to describe ‘it moves like an arrow’, emphasizing the penetrative nature of moringa. It penetrates through tissues of the human body absorbing and detoxifying them of any harmful chemicals.
Moringa powder when consumed with honey or water manages symptoms of asthma. Ayurveda identifies asthma as a disease of vata and kapha dosha. Moringa powder’s medicinal properties calm these doshas and provide relief. It is also helpful in other diseases like diarrhea, diabetes and arthritis. Its vitamin rich composition makes it a good ingredient for hair masks and conditioners. Moringa powder has powerful abilities to moisturize and nourish the hair and scalp.
Health Benefits
Moringa powder’s health benefits are seemingly endless. Its nutrient and vitamin rich composition justifies the title of a superfood given to it.
Helps in treating Edema
Edema is a painful disease in which the body retains water causing swelling in the feet, ankles and legs. In adverse cases, it can also affect other body parts including the face. Moringa powder’s anti-inflammatory properties can help prevent water retention and thus reduce the risk of edema.
Protects the liver
Moringa powder is especially good for the liver. It helps to restore liver enzymes in a damaged liver. It also protects the liver from any damage caused due to anti-tubercular drugs. The liver helps in crucial bodily functions such as blood detoxification, fat metabolism and bile production. Moringa powder aids the liver in performing all these functions optimally.
A healthy gut
The main cause of indigestion or any stomach disorders can be a deficiency of vitamin B3. Moringa powder is rich in vitamin B3 and can treat stomach issues like gastritis, constipation and ulcers. Its antibiotic and antiinflammatory properties also help in keeping the gut healthy.
Treats hormone related issues
Moringa is rich in selenium, a chemical component which when found in deficit in the body develops the thyroid. Apart from this, moringa is also a rich source of zinc and several vitamins like A, E, C and B which are all thought to treat th yroid. It helps the body to bring back hormone secretion levels to normal and thus, also helps in treating several mental health disorders like depression, anxiety and fatigue.
Nutritional Value
Moringa is a storehouse of several minerals, proteins and vitamins. It is especially rich in vitamins A, E, B and C, zinc, fibre, calcium, magnesium, amino acids and protein. But what makes it truly a superfood is that it has no bad fats and cholesterol. It is a natural energy booster.
Uses
The best way to incorporate moringa into your diet is in its powder form. Add 1-2 tablespoons or teaspoons (if you're just starting to use it) into any dish that you’re making or simply to a glass of water and drink it down. If you’re not too fond of its slightly bitter taste, you can consume it with a tablespoon of honey.
It can also be sprinkled over salads, eggs and pasta. Add a pinch of it to your next baked item’s batter. Stir it into soups, dips, sauces and stews. The possibilities of incorporating moringa powder into your diet are endless. Experiment and figure out what’s the best option for you.
Side Effects
Anything consumed in excess has its side effects and moringa powder is no exception to this.
- Since moringa is proven to be effective in lowering blood sugar levels, it is advised that diabetic patients do not intake any form of moringa in case they are already on medication. Doing so may have adverse consequences.
- Some studies have shown that moringa has some antifertility properties. Therefore, it is advised that pregnant women do not consume it.
The bottom line is that if you are already on certain medication for any medical complication, it is best to consult your doctor before including moringa in your daily diet.
FAQs
Q.1 What are the benefits of Moringa for Asthma?
Moringa could help with the treatment of bronchial asthma. It contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It decreases bronchial tube irritation. This lessens the severity of the symptoms while also improving breathing.
Q2. What are the benefits of Moringa for Diarrhoea?
Moringa has been shown to be helpful in the treatment of diarrhoea. It's antibacterial as well as anti-inflammatory. It prevents the bacterium that causes diarrhoea from multiplying. It also lowers the gut inflammation caused by the illness.
Q3. What are the benefits of Moringa for Diabetes mellitus (Type 1 & Type 2)?
Moringa reduces the risk of diabetes related complications. Moringa has been shown to help in diabetes management. It aids in the reduction of high blood glucose levels. It also aids in the release of insulin by pancreatic beta cells.
Q4. What are the benefits of Moringa for Swelling?
Moringa might be beneficial in the management of swelling. This is because of its anti-inflammatory property.
Q5. What are the benefits of Moringa for Disease of thyroid gland?
Moringa may be useful in the treatment of thyroid problems. It aids in the regulation of thyroid hormone levels. It prevents T4 hormone from being converted to T3 hormone. As a result, the level of T3 hormone decreases while the level of T4 hormone rises. Moringa has been shown to be helpful in the treatment of hyperthyroidism in studies.
Q6. Is Moringa Powder good for the liver?
Moringa is beneficial to the liver. It aids in the reduction of liver enzymes. Moringa can also help to prevent fatty liver disease caused by non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This protects liver cells from harm.
Q7. How to consume Moringa Powder?
Mix 1-2 teaspoons of Moringa Powder into any dish or drink. The simplest way to think of it is as a superfood seasoning; simply use it like any other green herb or condiment.
Q8. When is the best time to take Moringa?
To get the best benefits in the quickest amount of time, experts recommend taking 2-3 capsules a day, 10-30 minutes before meals.
Q9. Can Moringa aid weight loss?
Moringa powder can be used to make a weight-loss-friendly morning tea. Moringa can help you lose weight by lowering fat production and promoting fat breakdown.
Q10. Are there any side effects of consuming Moringa?
There is no documented toxicity or side effects associated with moringa usage.
Because moringa is a vegetable, there aren't many negative consequences to eating it. Include moringa powder in your healthy diet; however, if you have any negative side effects, consult a doctor.