10 Science-based Health Benefits of Moringa Leaf Powder
Moringaoleifera, also earned the name “The miracle tree” and “The tree of life”. It’s the most nutrient-rich food on the planet, beating spirulina, kale and most superfoods. There’s a saying in Indonesia: “The world is not as wide as the health benefits of Moringa”! So, what are Moringa’s benefits?
Moringa leaves have been used for centuries for their medicinal properties. They are the most nutrient-rich part of the tree containing a variety of vitamins, amino acids and minerals. Moringa leaves are also very rich in anti-inflammatory, antidepressant and antifungal properties.
Moringa is renowned for having:
– Vitamin A
– Vitamin B1, B2, B3 and B-6
– Vitamin C (Folate and ascorbic acid)
– Vitamin E
– Iron
– Calcium
– Potassium
– Zinc
– Magnesium
– Phosphorus
The other good news is Moringa leaves are packed with plant-based protein. 100g of Moringa leaf powder contains around 25g of protein! It also contains all the essential amino acids which can help repair muscle, improve mood and increase energy!
Here are the benefits of Moringa (supported by scientific research)
1. Reduce inflammation
Long-lasting inflammation is linked to many chronic health problems. Scientists believe the isothiocyanates are the main anti-inflammatory compounds in Moringa, which can significantly defeat inflammation enzymes and proteins in your body.
2. Support brain health and manage anxiety
Moringa leaves contain abundant vitamins C and E that can help fight against oxidative stress which is linked to Alzheimer’s and dementia. Also, some studies show Moringa may help treat anxiety and depression by increasing dopamine and serotonin, the feeling good hormones.
3. Fight free radicals
Free radicals can damage cells and threaten your overall health. Moringa leaves are rich in a number of beneficial antioxidants including vitamin C, quercetin and chlorogenic acid. Those compounds can help fight free radicals, lower blood pressure and stabilize blood sugar levels.
4. Decrease cholesterol
High cholesterol is one of the risk factors of health diseases. Moringa leaves have shown positive effects in decreasing cholesterol in both animal and human studies.
5. Lower blood sugar
High blood sugar can be the main cause of many health problems including diabetes, which in turn can lead to organ damage. Many studies show Moringa can help stabilize blood sugar levels. One study shows that postmenopausal women who take 1 ½ tsp(around 7g) of Moringa leaf powder every day for three months can reduce fasting blood glucose by 13.5% on average, which can also help some postmenopausal symptoms.
6. Nurture your skin and hair
The remarkably high vitamin C content in Moringa leaf makes it the perfect source for supporting skin and hair health. Moringa can help anti-aging and manage acne for both oily and dry skin. Moringa leaves may also strengthen hair follicles and reduce dandruff. These are the reasons why Moringa is one of the popular ingredients in skin/hair care products.
TOP TIPS: Use Moringa leaf powder to make a paste and apply to your skin to improve your skin health!
7. Protect the liver
The liver is the largest internal organ that is responsible for blood detoxification, metabolizing fat and nutrient absorption – Moringa leaf may help it function better!
Several research reviews have shown Moringa can help protect and repair the liver, even in fatty liver disease. Furthermore, recent human trials suggest Moringa can work as an anti-cancer treatment for liver cancer.
8. Strengthen bone health
Moringa leaves contain phosphorus and 4 times more calcium than milk. Both compounds are responsible for improving bone health. Due to Moringa’s high anti-inflammatory properties, it may help reduce arthritis and repair bone damage.
9. Improve gut health
Moringa powder contains 30% of fibre which is the main source to help digestion. The leaf contains natural antibacterial, antibiotic and antimicrobial properties. Scientists have proven Moringa leaves can help with digestive disorders and improve gut bacteria.
10. Assist weight loss
If you are trying to maintain a healthy weight, then Moringa can help! Moringa leaves can increase your body’s ability to burn fat faster and reduce weight gain.
Conclusion: Studies show Moringa leaves are safe for human consumptions
While it is not recommended that pregnant women eat the bark and pulps, research shows that Moringa leaves are safe to consume even in a larger dose. Moringa leaves provide essential nutrition and come with loaded health benefits that make it a new “superfood”.
5 WAYS MORINGA BENEFITS HAIR
As if you need another reason to love moringa, we have compiled a list of the ways that moringa supports good hair days, and for a fraction of the price compared to fancy hair treatments. Towards the end of this article, we added a nourishing moringa hair treatment for you to add to your weekly routine.
We also have an article on 10 Reasons to Eat MoringaEveryday, if you’d like a quick overview. There’s so many reasons to make moringa part of your overall health regime. In this article, we’ll stick to how moringa benefits hair growth and strength.
#1 THE IRON IN MORINGA BRINGS OXYGEN TO THE ROOTS
Iron deficiency has been linked with hair loss for years, now, making iron a logical ingredient for healthy hair growth. Iron helps carry oxygen in the blood, all the way to your scalp. When any living organism has a fresh supply of oxygen, it grows better, including your hair follicles!
Moringa is one of the top vegetarian sources of iron. Just one serving of our KuliKuli moringa powder will give you half of your daily recommended iron. We cover more ways Why Moringa is Good for Women, if thinking about iron made you curious for moringa intake and overall women’s health!
#2 THE ZINC IN MORINGA STIMULATES HAIR GROWTH
Zinc is probably the biggest player in this hair game. Low levels of zinc been linked to poor hair growth, and even hair loss. Healthy levels of zinc also help damaged hair follicles recover more quickly. Zinc is a key contributor to healthy hair follicles, which are the root of every single hair on your head.
Healthy Hair Moringa Routine
#3 THE ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS IN MORINGA BUILD HEALTHY HAIR STRANDS
Moringa is packed with amino acids, the building blocks of cells. There are a handful that are particularly important in hair growth—arginine, cystine, cysteine, lysine, methionine—all of which are abundant in moringa. Many people lack the essential amino acids because of a poor or unvaried diet.
One serving of moringa each morning, though, can give you exactly what you need! We have plenty of recipe ideas forhow to get creative with your moringa too.
#4 VITAMINS C & E IN MORINGA FIGHT OXIDATIVE STRESS
Vitamins C & E are powerful antioxidants. They help fight against damaging free radicals. Free radicals accost the body from both the inside and outside, causing hair to weaken and even turn grey.
Vitamin C can help combat this damage while vitamin E can help repair the damage that is already done. If you are familiar with Vitamin C from an immunity perspective too, we cover more of that in The Science Behind Nourishing Immunity.
#5 THE OMEGA 3S IN MORINGA NOURISH HAIR
Most people think of salmon when they hear about Omega 3 fatty acids, but moringa is a great plant-based source of this fatty acid. Omega 3s help thicken hair strands by plumping them up with healthy fats. In one study published by Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, participants who took Omega 3 supplements found themselves with significantly increased hair growth and increased diameter and density in their hair strands. How cool is that?
Moringa is abundant in antioxidants, vitamins, and essential amino acids. It helps to reduce inflammation due to it’s antioxidant properties, which include vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium (found in cold-water fish, Brazil nuts, and eggs), flavonoids, and phenolics (common in many fruits and vegetables).
If that’s not enough to get your love of moringa started, we also provided a fun and easy “Hair Mask” to try.
DOSAGE: 3 g to 6 g to be taken with milk/water 2 times a day or