Is Moringa Good For You? 5 Science Based Benefits

Moringa is a plant that is widely consumed and has a long history of traditional use. This post will discuss five research-explored aspects of Moringa oleifera.

We will cover its (1) dense nutritional profile, (2) antioxidant richness, (3) research on cholesterol, (4) research on blood sugar, and (5) compounds studied for their antioxidant properties.

A Short History of Moringa

Originating in the Himalayan foothills of Southeast Asia, the Moringa oleifera tree, also known as the drumstick tree, has been used traditionally for centuries and valued as part of the diet in many cultures. In addition, it is also appreciated for its diverse nutrient content.

Almost all parts of this tree are edible including its leaves, flowers, and seeds. Most recent research suggests moringa can be used as a functional ingredient in food. The easiest way to do this is by shade drying and then crushing the leaves into powder form to create, you guessed it, Moringa Powder! We’ll cover how to use moringa powder in another article soon. For now, let’s dive into the research to understand more about this popular plant.

1. Highly Nutrient Dense

Nutrients are substances our bodies need for growth and maintenance of life – and moringa is jam packed with them!

A published review on the nutritive importance of moringa notes every part of the tree as a storehouse of important nutrients. The leaves are rich in minerals like calcium, potassium, zinc, magnesium, iron and copper. Vitamins like beta-carotene of vitamin A, vitamin B such as folic acid, pyridoxine and nicotinic acid, vitamin C, D and E also are present. See the table below for a full list of nutrients available in the leaves, pods, and seeds.

Moringa is widely consumed for its rich nutrient profile. Researchers have studied moringa leaf powder in the context of nutrition; you can read more in this study, which looked at a daily dose of 10 grams of moringa leaf powder in children, including measures such as average weight gain.

Coupled with the fact that most Americans aren't getting sufficient amounts of Calcium, Potassium, Fiber, Magnesium, Vitamin A, C, and E – the addition of moringa to one’s diet can help to fill in these nutritional gaps.

For reference, 1 Gram Moringa Powder Contains in total:

• 25 x more iron than spinach
  
  
• 15 x more potassium than bananas
  
  
• 4 x more protein than egg
  
  
• 10 x more vitamin A than carrots
  
  
• 17 x more calcium than milk
  
  
• 7 x more vitamin C than oranges
  
  

2. Rich in Antioxidants

Antioxidants are substances that can help slow down damage to cells caused by free radicals. Free radicals that aren’t removed from the body efficiently can lead to oxidative stress. Antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals, which is why many people include antioxidant-rich foods as part of a balanced diet.

According to a 2021 study the moringa tree can be considered a great source of antioxidants, with a higher production capacity than many conventional plant-derived sources.

The high antioxidant composition of the moringa leaf is one reason it is a popular addition to many diets.

See the total Moringa Powder nutrition data below:

• 92 nutrients including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fats, sterols, alcohols, ketones, acids, alkaloids and flavonoids
  
  
• 46 antioxidants
  
  
• 36 plant compounds studied for their antioxidant properties
  
  
• 18 amino acids
  
  
• 9 essential amino acids

3. Studied for Cholesterol Levels

Cholesterol is a substance found in your blood. While your body needs it, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is part of a balanced lifestyle.

This raises the question, has moringa been studied in relation to cholesterol? There are both animal and human studies that have explored this topic.

This study examined the crude leaf extract of Moringa oleifera alongside a high-fat diet and measured changes in serum, liver, and kidney cholesterol levels. You can read more about the findings on PubMed.

An animal study investigated plaque formation in cholesterol-fed rabbits over 12 weeks of treatment with moringa extract. You can read more about the researchers' observations on PubMed.

Researchers continue to study Moringa oleifera in the context of cholesterol and cardiovascular health.

4. Compounds Studied for Antioxidant Properties

Moringa contains plant compounds that researchers have studied for a variety of properties. Much of this research has been limited to animal studies.

The compounds in moringa leaves that scientists have studied are called isothiocyanates and are found in the leaves, pods, and seeds.

This animal study explored moringa and its traditional uses; you can read more on the publisher's site.

More human studies are needed to better understand these plant compounds. For now, researchers continue to explore moringa's properties.

5. Studied for Blood Sugar Levels

Maintaining a healthy blood glucose level is part of a balanced lifestyle. Several studies have looked at Moringa oleifera in the context of blood sugar.

One study analyzed 30 women taking 1.5 teaspoons (7 grams) of moringa leaf powder every day for three months and measured fasting blood sugar levels. You can read more about the findings on the publisher's site.

A second, smaller study looked at adding 50g of moringa leaves to meals and measured the rise in blood sugar. You can read more about the results on the publisher's site.

Regarding moringa and blood sugar, these results are interesting. However, more research and clinical trials are needed to better understand this topic.

Key Points to Review

Moringa oleifera is a tree that has been used and consumed traditionally for centuries.

Though it is a popular superfood, there is plenty of progress left to be made in the realm of scientific research.

Thus far, studies have explored moringa’s provision of essential nutrients and antioxidants. Researchers have also studied it in the context of blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

So, is moringa good for you? If you’re interested in adding moringa to your routine, choose the best moringa powder supplement by making sure it is sourced responsibly and from its region of origin, is Organic, and Non GMO.

Medical Disclaimer

Please speak with your doctor or other licensed healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement including Moringa. None of the content on this site is or should be considered medical advice. The purpose of this article is simply to highlight relevant research for those curious about moringa.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.