Do you know the benefits of moringa, the food of the future? Have you ever heard anything about this plant, popularly known as the tree of life? If this is not the case, we recommend that you continue reading these lines where you will know in more detail what Moringa is and what its uses are.
Moringa, also known scientifically as Moringaceae or Moringa oleifera Lam., Is a deciduous plant belonging to the Moringaceae family that originated in different areas of southwestern India, Pakistan and Afghanistan, although its cultivation has now spread to other regions of the world. Although its most widespread use is moringa seeds as an ingredient in foods, this plant has also been used for the preparation of curative remedies due to its medicinal properties.
What is moringa used for: properties and benefits
Moringa, also known colloquially as the tree of life or flower of freedom, is a tree that grows spontaneously in the Himalayas, although nowadays it is also cultivated in different tropical regions such as Arabia, tropical Africa, Sri Lanka, Mexico and Peru, among others. It is named in this way because both moringa seeds and other parts of this plant have a nutritional richness classified as follows:
- Acids: has ascorbic, caffeic, palmitic and behenic acid.
- Amino Acids: contains both essential amino acids (leucine, phenylalanine, isoleucine and lysine) and non-essential (aspartic acid, glutamic acid, arginine and serine).
- Vitamins: highlights its contribution in vitamin A, C, B and E.
- Minerals: contains phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, sulfur and sodium.
- Other nutrients: also has fiber, flavonoids and oxalates.
Properties of moringa
Thanks to its nutritional composition, moringa has the following medicinal properties:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidants
- Antimicrobial
- Antifungal
- Antidiabetics
- Antibiotics
- Hepatic
- Diuretics
- Cardiovascular
- Vulnerary
- Healing
- Vasodilators
Benefits of moringa
Due to the properties cited, moringa has the following health benefits:
- Improves respiratory capacity and combats diseases such as asthma.
- It is recommended for diabetes, since it increases blood insulin levels, thus stimulating the activity of the pancreas.
- It reduces cholesterol levels and the formation of triglycerides in the blood, thus preventing the onset of cardiovascular diseases.
- Its contribution in fiber and amino acids makes it an excellent remedy to lose weight, since it reduces the appetitedue to its satiating effect.
- Improves blood circulation and regulates the pressure of the arteries.
- Relieves the symptoms of diseases such as rheumatism and inflammation of the prostate due to its anti-inflammatory effect.
- Increases the defenses of our body.
- Hydrates and regenerates the skin due to its healing effects.
Moringa to lose weight: how to take it
As we have indicated, moringa is an excellent option for weight loss diets because, due to its high content of fiber and amino acids, it has satiating properties that can help reduce appetite and, therefore, eat less of food.
Although there are different ways of taking moringa, the most appropriate to lose weight are the capsules made with the fruit of this plant. Although the proper dose you should take will be indicated on the product packaging, you will usually have to take one moringa capsule on an empty stomach and another before consuming the main meal.
Moringa for diabetes
Among the different benefits that this plant has, we have also explained that it is suitable for diabetics, since it increases the level of insulin in the blood and thus stimulates the activity of the pancreas. Although we could use the capsules of the fruits of this tree, we can also make moringa tea using its leaves. However, it is important that before using this home remedy you consult with your usual doctor to advise and warn about its use.
To prepare the moringa infusion you will have to follow these steps:
- Add 1 cup of mineral water in a saucepan and heat over medium heat until it starts to boil.
- When the water reaches its boiling point, add 10 grams of moringa leaves and let them cook for 5 minutes.
- Turn off the fire and let the leaves rest a few more minutes.
- Strain the contents and serve in a cup to drink.
- Take 2 cups of this infusion daily.
Moringa for hair
In addition to the different benefits that we have explained previously, moringa is also an excellent home treatment for hair. On the one hand it has vasodilating properties that activate blood circulation and, therefore, stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss. On the other hand, this plant has antimicrobial properties that help to properly clean the hair.
If you want to enjoy these benefits, here’s how to make moringa shampoo for hair:
- You only have to buy a shampoo as chemically as possible and that is specific to your hair type.
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of moringa seed powder.
- Remove the ingredients well and take it regularly.
Moringa for the skin
In addition to being an excellent remedy for hair and other health problems, moringa can also be used for skin care. On the one hand, it has excellent antioxidant properties that prevent premature aging and, on the other hand, due to its richness in vitamins, it helps reduce impurities in the skin and keeps it smoother and more radiant.
Next, we explain how to make a moringa mask for the skin. You will only need:
- Half a tablespoon of moringa powder
- Half a spoonful of avocado
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- Half a tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of hot water
To prepare it, you will only have to add all the ingredients in a container and then stir them well so that they are unified. Then, with a clean face, apply the remedy and let it act 20 minutes. Finally, remove it with plenty of warm water.
Contraindications of moringa
Do not use moringa without supervision in the following cases:
- Hypertension: the abuse of this plant can cause possible decompensation due to its diuretic properties.
- Hypotension: its consumption could accentuate the disease.
- Diabetes: As we have already said, it is essential that before consuming it, you should consult a doctor, as it is a hypoglycaemic plant, which can cause blood glucose to drop more than normal if it is administered together with insulin.
- Insomnia: it is not recommended if you have sleep disorders, since it has stimulating properties.
- Diarrhea: due to its laxative effect, moringa could worsen these digestive problems.