13 Health benefits of moringa

Moringa, also called tree of life or white wattle, is a medicinal plant that has a large amount of vitamins and minerals, such as iron, carotenoids, quercetin, vitamin C, among others, which provide greater antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

For this reason, this plant has been used to treat some respiratory diseases, reduce anxiety, lose weight and even control the concentration of glucose in the blood in diabetic people. However, there are still few studies that prove all its benefits and that describe the minimum doses, as well as their safety for human use.

The scientific name of the moringa is Moringa oleifera and, generally, its most used part is the leaf. In 2019, Anvisa banned the sale of any product containing this plant, precisely because of the lack of studies that demonstrate the effective doses and the safety of the plant for health.

Benefits of moringa

According to some scientific studies, moringa can be used for several situations, with its main benefits:

1. Increase respiratory capacity, helping to fight diseases such as asthma; Prevent diabetes, as it has properties that help to regulate oxidative stress, which reduces blood sugar levels, protecting cells; Protect the heart, as it prevents the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine and the formation of fatty plaques in the arteries, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases; Regulate blood pressure, as it improves blood circulation because of its vasodilator effect; Assist in weight loss, as it has fibers and proteins that help increase the feeling of satiety; Prevent and fight anemia, since its leaves have a large amount of iron (105 mg per 100 g of leaf), favoring the formation of red blood cells; Increase the body's defenses, as it consists of substances, such as vitamin C, polyphenols and beta-carotene, which strengthen the immune system; Have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects due to the presence of isothiocyanates, quercetin and chlorogenic acid, which are substances that help to decrease the inflammatory process, relieving the symptoms of rheumatism and inflammation of the prostate, for example; Protect and moisturize the skin due to the large amount of B, C, E and A complex vitamins it has, thus favoring the healing of the skin; Improve the health of the digestive system, as it prevents and helps in the treatment of stomach ulcers, in addition to helping to combat constipation due to its large amount of fibers; Help treat hemorrhoids, as it has a vasodilating effect, stimulating blood circulation; Improve vision, as it consists of beta-carotene, which is a precursor component of vitamin A, which, among other functions, is responsible for maintaining vision health; Helping to lessen the effects of menopause, as it helps to control inflammation and oxidative stress levels during this period, making the concentration of hormones during menopause stable. Know how to identify the symptoms of menopause.

Moringa properties

The properties of moringa include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-diabetic, vasodilator, anticholinergic, anti-rheumatic and healing properties.

Moringa tea

Moringa tea does not include the list of plants approved by Anvisa for consumption and, therefore, should be avoided until further studies prove the plant's efficacy and safety.

However, experts indicate that people who have the habit of using this plant, and do not want to stop using it, should consume only 2 cups, or 500 mL, of this tea per day, as these are amounts that do not seem to pose a health risk..

Other forms of consumption

In addition to tea, moringa can also be found in the form of capsules, seeds or powder. However, these forms are also prohibited for sale in Brazilian territory, and should not be used.

Side effects and contraindications

The consumption of moringa can result in some side effects, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It is recommended to avoid consuming the root and its extracts, without professional guidance, as they contain toxic substances that, when used in excessive concentrations, can cause paralysis and can even lead to death.

Moringa intake is not recommended for pregnant women and infants, as this medicinal plant can interfere both in pregnancy and in the production of breast milk. Know which teas the pregnant woman can and cannot take.