10 HEALTH BENEFITS OF MORINGA (SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN) - NUTRITION - 2025

The benefits and properties of moringa are extensive; slows aging, improves digestive health, balances sugar levels, protects and nourishes the skin, and many others that I will discuss a little later.

Although this plant was discovered thousands of years ago, it has only recently been known as one of the herbs that works best as a nutritional supplement.

To date, more than 1,300 studies, articles and reports have focused on the positive effects and healing abilities of moringa for health. These benefits are important in some parts of the world where disease outbreaks and nutritional deficiencies are more frequent.

Research shows that almost every part of the moringa plant can be used in some way, either to make an antioxidant tea or to form an oily substance that lubricates and nourishes the skin. Around the world, moringa is used to treat certain conditions such as:

• Inflammation-related diseases
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Anemia
• Arthritis and other joint pain, such as rheumatism
• Allergies and asthma
• Constipation, stomach aches, and diarrhea
• Epilepsy
• Stomach and intestinal ulcers or spasms
• Chronic headaches
• Heart problems, including high blood pressure
• Kidney stones
• Fluid retention
• Thyroid disorders
• Low sex drive
• Bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic infections

What is the nutritional composition of moringa?

Moringa contains:

• Twice the amount of protein in yogurt
• Four times the amount of vitamin A in carrots
• Three times the amount of potassium in bananas
• Four times the amount of calcium in cow's milk
• Seven times the amount of vitamin C in oranges

6 Proven Health Benefits of Moringa

Moringa contains more than 90 protective compounds, including isothiocyanates, flavonoids, and phenolic acids that are responsible for its many properties:

1- Provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds

Moringa powder.

According to a report published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, moringa contains a blend of essential amino acids (building blocks of protein), carotenoid phytonutrients (the same types found in plants like carrots and tomatoes), antioxidants like quercetin, and natural antibacterial compounds that work in the same way as many anti-inflammatory drugs.

Moringa leaves are rich in several anti-aging compounds that reduce the effects of oxidative stress and inflammation, including polyphenols, vitamin C, beta-carotene, quercetin, and chlorogenic acid.

These are associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases of the stomach, lung, or colon cancer; diabetes; hypertension; and age-related eye disorders.

2- Balances hormones and slows the effects of aging

A 2014 study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology demonstrated that moringa, along with amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor) leaves, reduces levels of inflammation and oxidative stress in menopausal adult women.

Antioxidant enzyme levels are affected during the postmenopausal period due to deficiency of female sex hormones, including estrogen.

The researchers wanted to know if these superfoods could help slow the effects of aging by using natural herbal antioxidants that naturally balance hormones.

Ninety postmenopausal women between the ages of 45-60 years were selected and divided into three groups who received various doses of the supplements. Antioxidant status levels, including serum retinol, serum absorbic acid, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde were analyzed before and after supplementation, along with fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin.

The results showed that moringa and amaranth supplementation caused significant increases in antioxidant status along with a significant decrease in oxidative stress markers.

Better fasting glycemic control and increases in hemoglobin were also found. This led the researchers to conclude that these plants have therapeutic potential to help prevent complications due to aging and natural hormonal changes.

Although it has been used as a natural aphrodisiac to increase sexual desire, it also appears to help reduce conception rates. This plant can stimulate the immune system during pregnancy and increase the production of breast milk.

3- Helps improve digestive health

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, moringa has been used in ancient systems of medicine such as Ayurveda to prevent or treat stomach ulcers, liver disease, kidney damage, fungal or yeast infections (such as Candida), disorders digestives and infections.

Moringa oil stimulates liver function and therefore detoxifies the body of harmful substances, such as heavy metal toxins.

It could also help fight kidney stones, urinary tract infections, constipation, fluid retention / edema, and diarrhea.

4- Helps fight diabetes

Moringa helps fight diabetes by containing a type of acid called chlorogenic acid, which has been shown to help keep blood sugar levels balanced. Additionally, it allows cells to absorb or release glucose (sugar), as needed.

This makes moringa a natural antidiabetic and hormonal balancer. In addition to chlorogenic acid, other compounds called isothiocyanates that are present in moringa have also been associated with natural protection against diabetes.

A study published in the International Journal of Food Science Technology found that moringa controlled blood glucose and insulin levels in patients with diabetes when consumed as part of a high-carbohydrate meal.

Different studies conducted by the Institute of Biotechnology at Sadat City University in Egypt have found that low doses of moringa seed powder (50-100 milligrams per kilogram of body weight) help to increase the production of enzymes in the liver, the pancreas and kidneys of rats.

They also found that moringa helps decrease metabolic markers of diabetes in rats; high levels of fasting blood sugar, immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c).

The study results showed that the rats given moringa experienced improved kidney and pancreas health, as well as a reduction in complications from diabetes.

5- Protects and nourishes the skin

Moringa contains a natural antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral compounds that protect the skin from various forms of infections.

Some conditions in which moringa is used are athlete's foot, elimination of odors, reduction of inflammation associated with acne breakouts, treatment of sources of infection or abscesses, removal of dandruff, fight against disease of the gums (gingivitis), and also helps heal bites, burns, viral warts and wounds.

Moringa oil is applied directly to the skin as an astringent agent and kills bacteria. And at the same time it acts as a lubricant and moisturizer for the skin by restoring its natural moisture barrier.

It is a common ingredient used in the manufacture of food and perfumes, as it prevents spoilage by killing bacteria, as well as having a pleasant smell and reducing odors.

6- Helps stabilize mood and protects brain health

Because it is a protein-rich food and a rich source of the amino acid tryptophan, moringa improves the functioning of neurotransmitters. Among them those that produce the sensation of well-being, such as serotonin.

Moringa is rich in antioxidants and thyroid health-enhancing compounds, which help maintain high energy levels, as well as help fight fatigue, depression, decreased libido, mood swings, and insomnia.

7- It can reduce inflammation

Inflammation is the body's natural response to infection or injury. It is essential as a protective mechanism, but it can become a major health problem when it lasts for a long time.

Sustained inflammation is believed to be involved in many chronic diseases, including heart disease and cancer.

Many fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices are known for their anti-inflammatory effects. These include turmeric and pomegranates.

Moringa leaves, pods and seeds have anti-inflammatory properties mainly due to their isothiocyanate content (26, 27, 28).

However, research has so far been limited to laboratory and animal studies. It remains to be seen if moringa has similar anti-inflammatory effects in humans.

8- It can reduce cholesterol

High amounts of cholesterol in the blood have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease.

Many plant foods can effectively lower cholesterol. These include flax seeds, oats, and almonds. Studies in animals and humans have shown that moringa may have similar cholesterol-lowering effects.

Although the lipid-lowering mechanisms are still unknown, apparently its content in plant compounds that intervene in cholesterol metabolism would be responsible for this effect.

9- Could protect against arsenic toxicity

Arsenic contamination of food and water is a problem in many parts of the world. Rice can contain particularly high levels.

While arsenic may not cause symptoms of food toxicity, long-term exposure through food and water can lead to various disorders and ailments.

Observational studies indicate that long-term exposure to arsenic can increase the risk of cancer and heart disease.

Several studies in mice and rats show that moringa leaves and seeds can protect against some effects of arsenic toxicity.

These studies are promising, but it is not yet known whether this also applies to humans.

10- It has effects at the systemic level

Moringa is a unique plant, because almost all parts - leaves, seeds, flowers, pods, stems and roots - can be used as a source of nutrition and take advantage of the medicinal properties that fight free radicals.

The most popular medicinal use of moringa, both traditionally and today, is to dry and grind the plant.

Moringa leaves are packed with numerous nutrients, including antioxidants, protein, calcium, beta-carotene, vitamin C, and potassium.

With an exceptionally high nutritional value, moringa can be used to obtain important trace minerals, proteins and phenolic compounds. The plant contains a rare and unique combination of disease-preventing phytonutrients, including zeatin, quercetin, beta-sitosterol, caffeolinic acid, and kampferol demonstrating strong anti-inflammatory properties.

Numerous studies have shown that these compounds have a protective effect on the heart, are natural stimulants of the circulatory system, and have antitumor, anti-epileptic, antiulcer, antispasmodic, antihypertensive and antidiabetic effects.

Moringa leaves are also used to make tea by steeping the preserved dried leaves in hot water, which releases its chemical compounds in much the same way as green tea is prepared.

Aside from the leaves, the pods of the moringa tree also contain seeds that contain a type of oil. Moringa seed oil can be used in cooking or placed directly on the surface of the body.

Several popular uses for moringa oil are to help retain skin moisture, speed wound healing, and soothe dry or burned skin.