Counteracts free radicals
Moringa leaves have a high antioxidant content. Antioxidants themselves are known to have good properties in warding off free radicals. Exposure to free radicals can increase a person’s risk of developing chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and heart disease.
Lowers blood sugar levels
Another health benefit of moringa is that it helps lower blood sugar levels. It is certainly very useful for those who experience diabetes. In a 2019 study, it was found that moringa can help treat diabetes caused by insulin resistance. Insulin resistance makes your body less able to absorb blood glucose into the body optimally. As a result, glucose remains in the bloodstream. However, further research is still needed. You may consume moringa to help control diabetes but do not stop the diabetes medication given by your doctor.
Relieves inflammation
Inflammation is one of the immune system’s responses to disease. However, too high levels of inflammation in the body can signal the presence of chronic diseases. It contain isothiocyanates that function as anti-inflammatory substances. That’s why moringa is said to be able to help relieve inflammation.
Lower cholesterol
The next health benefit of moringa is that it helps lower cholesterol. In moringa leaves, the cholesterol-lowering effect is said to be similar to almonds and oats. This is because moringa leaves have fiber content that can help reduce bad fat levels as well as reduce the absorption of cholesterol into the bloodstream. Even so, this certainly needs to be balanced with a healthy lifestyle so that cholesterol can be controlled significantly.
Maintain heart health
Given its properties that can lower cholesterol, indirectly drinking Moringa leaf decoction can also maintain heart health. Moringa leaf extract is said to have the potential to overcome dyslipidemia, which is one type of heart disease due to increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the body. Not to mention, moringa can also help lower blood pressure. When blood pressure is normal, heart function will also improve.
Helps with cancer
Moringa leaves are said to be efficacious to help treat cancer. This is thanks to the eugenol content contained in it. The Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention mentioned that eugenol can make chemotherapy more effective. Another study in the lab also proved that moringa leaf extract can slow the growth of pancreatic cancer cells. Even so, this research is still limited and other studies on a larger scale are needed to prove it.
Increase breast milk production
Moringa leaves are also known to have benefits for increasing milk production in breastfeeding mothers. A study published in the journal PLOS One states that moringa consumption can increase breast milk production on the fourth to fifth day after mothers give birth to premature babies. The quantity, and consumption of food (biscuits) containing moringa leaves can also improve the quality of breast milk, especially the amount of protein contained in breast milk. Not surprisingly, there are now many breast milk boosters containing moringa.
Reduces menopausal symptoms
Osteoporosis is one of the health risks that arise when a woman enters menopause. This is because women who have menopause experience a decrease in estrogen production. Estrogen itself plays a role in maintaining bone density. One way to prevent bone problems due to decreased estrogen is to eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals. One of the nutrient-rich plants that have important benefits in bone health and calcium absorption. According to the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology journal, this is thanks to the micronutrients in moringa, including boron, vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium.
Boosts the body’s immune system
Moringa oleifera is high in antioxidants. Moringa leaves contain seven times more vitamin C than oranges. The high content of antioxidants and vitamin C makes moringa leaves can help increase endurance. In addition, the higher potassium content, about 15 times more than bananas, also helps the body recover and build muscle.
Maintain healthy skin
Moringa leaves also have beauty benefits, especially for facial skin. Some of the benefits of moringa leaves for the face include preventing premature aging and treating acne. This is because moringa also has antimicrobial benefits that can help treat acne. The International Journal of Cosmetic Science mentioned, that moringa natural oil contains linoleic acid which can help treat acne naturally.
Improves memory
The antioxidant content and chemicals present in moringa leaves are believed to overcome stress and inflammation in the brain. In addition, there is also a high protein content in moringa leaves that can increase neurotransmitter production. This will affect your mood, emotions, and learning ability. Not only that, moringa leaves can also improve memory by changing enzyme activity in the brain area for learning and memory.
Prevents anemia
The high iron content makes it efficacious as one of the vegetables to help prevent anemia. Moringa supplements may also be able to help you overcome anemia. However, if your doctor prescribes iron tablets, do not replace them without your doctor’s knowledge.
Boosts child nutrition
One of the lesser-known benefits of moringa for children is its ability to help increase the weight of malnourished children. This property can be obtained by consuming moringa leaf powder for two months regularly. However, do not immediately give this leaf preparation to children. Pay attention to the possible side effects and discuss with your pediatrician about its safety.
Maintain eye health
It contains antioxidants and beta-carotene, which are beneficial to help maintain eye health. For this reason, moringa leaves are claimed to stop the dilation of retinal blood vessels and prevent capillary membrane thickening, while inhibiting retinal dysfunction.
Relieves gout
This is due to the content of active substances that are useful for reducing uric acid levels through several stages. The process to prevent unbearable pain is to inhibit uric acid synthesis, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
