The benefits of Moringa leaves for health do not need to be doubted. This plant has long been known as a good herbal plant to maintain blood pressure to prevent cancer. Not only that, Moringa leaves have various other benefits.
Moringa leaves ( Moringa oleifera ) are tropical plants that have long been used as traditional medicine. This plant can be recognized by the shape of its small leaves. Moringa trees are also easy to grow and can live in soil that is not very fertile.
Moringa leaves can be processed into herbs, herbal teas, and supplements. Not a few people also use Moringa leaves as a cooking ingredient. In traditional medicine, Moringa leaves are believed to be efficacious to treat diabetes , joint pain, bacterial infections, to cancer.
Moringa Leaf Nutrient Content
In about 2 grams of Moringa leaves, there are 14 calories and a variety of the following nutrients:
- 2 gram protein
- 1.8–2 grams of carbohydrates
- 0.8 milligrams of iron
- 8.8 milligrams of magnesium
- 70 milligrams of potassium
- 38–40 milligrams of calcium
- 11 milligrams of vitamin C
- 600 IU vitamin A
- 8.5 micrograms of folate
In addition to the various nutrients above, Moringa leaves also contain B vitamins, fiber, phosphorus, selenium, zinc , and copper. Moringa leaves also contain many antioxidants , such as polyphenols .
Benefits of Moringa Leaves for Health
It has been mentioned earlier that Moringa leaves are known as one of the herbal plants that are good for health. The following are the various benefits of Moringa leaves that you can get:
1. Lower blood sugar levels
A study found that Moringa leaves seem to be able to lower blood sugar levels and increase the effectiveness of the hormone insulin. These benefits are good for preventing diabetes and the occurrence of insulin resistance .
However, the benefits of Moringa leaves as a treatment for diabetes in humans still need to be studied further.
2. Overcoming inflammation
Inflammation is the body's natural response to infection or injury. However, you can consume Moringa leaves to relieve the inflammation experienced. Moringa leaf extract is believed to contain substances that can reduce inflammation.
3. Control blood pressure
Moringa leaves contain lots of potassium and antioxidants. Thanks to these ingredients, this plant is known to be useful for lowering blood pressure and keeping it stable so that it can prevent hypertension .
4. Maintain brain health and function
The antioxidant content in Moringa leaves is also beneficial for maintaining brain health and function. Some research shows that adequate intake of antioxidants can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease .
Moringa leaves are also believed to be good for supporting brain performance and improving memory.
5. Inhibit the growth of cancer cells
Extracts of leaves and bark of the Moringa tree have been shown to be effective in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, such as breast, pancreatic, and colon cancer. The benefits of Moringa leaves are thought to be due to their antioxidant content that can prevent cell damage due to free radicals .
6. Increase endurance
Based on research in the laboratory, Moringa leaf extract is known to protect the body from various types of germs, such as Salmonella typhi which causes typhus , Escherichia coli which causes diarrhea, and Staphylococcus aureus which causes skin infections.
Moringa leaves are also known to fight viruses, especially the herpes simplex virus (HSV).
In addition to the various benefits above, Moringa leaves are also believed to be good for reducing cholesterol, overcoming erectile dysfunction, helping to overcome stomach disorders , and preventing the recurrence of asthma symptoms.
Unfortunately, the various benefits of Moringa leaves still need to be investigated further regarding their effectiveness in humans. Therefore, it is recommended that you consult a doctor first before using Moringa leaves as a treatment for certain diseases.
Also keep in mind that so far Moringa leaves have not been proven safe for consumption by pregnant women. Moringa leaves should also not be consumed if you are undergoing certain medications, because of the risk of drug interactions .
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