Moringa…….. Moringa oleifera tree have
been reported to demonstrate antioxidant activity due to its high
amount of polyphenols. Moringa oleifera extracts of
both mature and tender leaves exhibit strong antioxidant activity
against free radicals, prevent oxidative damage to major
biomolecules, and give significant protection against oxidative
damage." Further, in a study of women taking
1.5 teaspoons of moringa leaf powder daily for three months, blood
levels of antioxidants increased significantly.
3.Lower Blood Sugar
Levels
Moringa appears to have anti-diabetic
effects,7 likely
due to beneficial plant compounds contained in the leaves,
including isothiocyanates. One study found women who took seven
grams of moringa leaf powder daily for three months reduced their
fasting blood sugar levels by *3.5 percent. Separate research revealed that
adding *0 grams of moringa leaves to a meal reduced the rise in
blood sugar by *1 percent among diabetic
patients.
4.Reduce
Inflammation
The isothiocyanates, flavonoids, and
phenolic acids in moringa leaves, pods, and seeds also have
anti-inflammatory properties. According to the Epoch
Times. "The tree\'s strong
anti-inflammatory action is traditionally used to treat stomach
ulcers. Moringa oil (sometimes called Ben oil) has been shown to
protect the liver from chronic inflammation. The oil is unique in
that, unlike most vegetable oils, moringa resists
rancidity. This quality makes it a good
preservative for foods that can spoil quickly. This sweet oil is
used for both frying or in a salad dressing. It is also used
topically to treat antifungal problems, arthritis, and is an
excellent skin moisturizer."
5.Maintain Healthy
Cholesterol Levels
Moringa also has cholesterol-lowering
properties, and one animal study found its effects were comparable
to those of the cholesterol-lowering drug
simvastatin.As noted
in the Journal of
Ethnopharmacology: "Moringa oleifera is used in Thai
traditional medicine as cardiotonic. Recent studies demonstrated
its hypocholesterolemic effect. ... In hypercholesterol-fed
rabbits, at *2 weeks of treatment, it significantly (P<0.*5)
lowered the cholesterol levels and reduced the atherosclerotic
plaque formation to about *0 and *6%, respectively. These effects
were at degrees comparable to those of
simvastatin. ... The results indicate that
this plant possesses antioxidant, hypolipidaemic, and
antiatherosclerotic activities, and has therapeutic potential for
the prevention of cardiovascular diseases."
6. Protect Against
Arsenic Toxicity
The leaves and seeds of moringa may
protect against some of the effects of arsenic toxicity, which is
especially important in light of news that common staple foods,
such as rice, may be contaminated.*3 Contamination of ground water by arsenic has also become a
cause of global public health concern, and one study
revealed: "Co-administration
of M.
oleifera [moringa] seed powder (**0 and **0 mg/kg, orally)
with arsenic significantly increased the activities of SOD
[superoxide dismutase], catalase, and GPx with elevation in reduced
GSH level in tissues (liver, kidney, and
brain). These changes were accompanied by
approximately *7%, *4%, and *7% decrease in blood ROS [reactive
oxygen species], liver metallothionein (MT), and lipid peroxidation
respectively in animal co-administered
with M.
oleifera and arsenic. Another interesting observation
has been the reduced uptake of arsenic in soft tissues (*5% in
blood, *5% in liver, *4% in kidneys, and *4% in brain) following
administration of M. oleifera seed powder (particularly at
the dose of **0 mg/kg). It can thus be concluded from the
present study that concomitant administration
of M.
oleifera seed powder with arsenic could significantly
protect animals from oxidative stress and in reducing tissue
arsenic concentration. Administration of M.
oleifera seed powder thus could also be beneficial during
chelation therapy…"
Moringa leaves may even
purify water…. And more
From a digestive standpoint, moringa
is high in fiberthat,
as the Epoch Times put it, "works like a mop in your intestines… to
clean up any of that extra grunge left over from a greasy
diet.Also
noteworthy are its isothiocyanates, which have anti-bacterial
properties that may help to rid your body of H. pylori, a bacteria
implicated in gastritis, ulcers, and gastric cancer. Moringa seeds
have even been found to work better for water purification than
many of the conventional synthetic materials in use
today.
According to Uppsala University "A protein in the seeds binds to
impurities causing them to aggregate so that the clusters can be
separated from the water. The study… published in the
journal Colloids and Surfaces A takes a step towards
optimization of the water purification
process Researchers in Uppsala together
with colleagues from Lund as well as Namibia, Botswana, France, and
the USA have studied the microscopic structure of aggregates formed
with the protein. The results show that the
clusters of material (flocs) that are produced with the protein are
much more tightly packed than those formed with conventional
flocculating agents. This is better for water purification as such
flocs are more easily separated." There is speculation that moringa\'s
ability to attach itself to harmful materials may also happen in
the body, making moringa a potential detoxification
tool. How to use Moringa If you have access to a moringa tree, you can use
the fresh leaves in your meals; they have a flavor similar to
a radish. Toss them like a salad, blend them into
smoothies, or steam them like spinach. Another option is to use
moringa powder, either in supplement form or added to smoothies,
soups, and other foods for extra nutrition. Moringa powder has a
distinctive "green" flavor, so you may want to start out slowly
when adding it to your meals. You can also use organic, cold-pressed moringa oil
(or ben oil), although it\'s expensive (about *5 times more than
olive oil. As mentioned, while I don\'t necessarily recommend
planting a moringa tree in your backyard (a rapid-growing tree can
grow to *5 to *0 feet in just a few years), you may want to give
the leaves or powder a try if you come across some at your local
health food market. As reported by Fox News, this is one plant food
that displays not just one or two but "Virtually all parts of the plant
are used to treat inflammation, infectious disorders, and various
problems of the cardiovascular and digestive organs, while
improving liver function and enhancing milk flow in nursing
mothers. The uses of moringa are well documented in both the
Ayurvedic and Unani systems of traditional medicine, among the most
ancient healing systems in the world. Studies show that
moringa leaves possess anti-tumor and anti-cancer activities, due
in part to a compound called niaziminin. Preliminary
experimentation also shows activity against the Epstein-Barr virus.
Compounds in the leaf appear to help regulate thyroid function,
especially in cases of over-active thyroid. Further research points
to anti-viral activity in cases of Herpes simplex
."