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Moringa: Everything You Need To Know
3 min
Moringa has been used for thousands of years, but does it have a place in the modern world? Available in various forms, from capsules to powdered extracts and dried leaves, discover everything this plant has to offer for yourself!
Also known as “the miracle tree”, is moringa the secret to well-being and even weight loss? There's plenty to be said about this plant, so if you're unsure what to make of moringa, allow us to clue you in on everything you need to know.
What is moringa?
Moringa oleifera, otherwise known as “drumstick tree”, or simply moringa, is a tree that's long been harnessed for its potential wellness benefits. Native to India, it can also be found in other parts of Asia, South America, and Africa. The moringa tree is steeped in a rich history, with uses dating all the way back to 2000 BCE. The seed pods and leaves are packed full of protein, vitamins, and minerals, and thus are a popular option for those looking to boost their diet and overall well-being.
How to use moringa
As you might expect, moringa comes in numerous forms. Typically, it can be purchased as a powdered extract or in capsule form. However, both fresh and dried leaves can also be bought, and utilised in a wide variety of ways.
Of course, capsules can be taken with water for a moringa boost at any time of the day, but those looking to get more creative can do so easily with extracts and leaves. Many choose to add a little powdered extract to drinks such as smoothies or juices, or sprinkle it onto dishes such as salads and pasta. Some even use it as an ingredient when making bread, cakes, and other pastries. Simply put, moringa is extremely versatile and effortless to use.
Outside of extracts and capsules, moringa leaves, whether dried or fresh, can be brewed into a tea with boiling water. Some add a little sugar to sweeten its spinach-like taste. Moringa leaves can also be eaten as is, so don't be afraid to add a little to your salad!
What are the possible benefits of moringa?
Moringa offers numerous potential benefits for the body and mind. To start, the leaves of this tree are highly nutritious. In fact, around 21g of freshly chopped leaves offers up 2g of protein, 19% of your RDA of vitamin B6, 12% of your RDA of vitamin C, and 8% of your RDA of iron, to name just a few nutritional benefits.
Not only teeming with nutrients, moringa is also packed with antioxidants that can be massively beneficial to daily well-being. Moringa has been studied in the realm of inflammation, blood pressure, weight loss, and more—though more research is needed in order to make concrete assertions about its influence.
What are some possible side effects of moringa?
There are very few reported side effects of using moringa, making it an excellent option for many. Of course, if you're considering consuming moringa, it's worth consulting with your doctor before doing so. Although side effects are uncommon, those consuming too much powdered extract may experience nausea. Moreover, it's thought that moringa may possess some anti-fertility qualities, so pregnant women should avoid consuming moringa.
Moringa: FAQ
- 🌱 Can you grow moringa at home?
- Although native to areas such as India and Africa, the drumstick tree can be cultivated relatively easily in areas outside of its normal habitat. That said, the plant performs best in Mediterranean and tropical climates. You have the choice of growing moringa from seeds or from cuttings, with cuttings being the preferred method due to the fact they won't need to be transplanted. Plant in moist, well-drained soil.
- 🏋️ Can you use moringa for weight loss?
- There is some evidence to suggest that moringa can aid in weight loss (Xie et al., 2018). The high levels of antioxidants and chlorogenic acid in the plant are chiefly associated with this potential effect. That's not to say that moringa is a quick fix for weight issues, but alongside a balanced diet and exercise, it could lend a hand.
- ☕ How often can you drink moringa tea?
- Is there such a thing as too much when it comes to moringa tea? Hot drink enthusiasts will be thrilled to learn that there isn't really a “cut-off point” for the beverage. However, the daily dose for nutritional purposes is around 70g, meaning that a few cups should do the trick. With no caffeine present, moringa can be enjoyed at all hours of the day.
- ✅ How long does it take for moringa to start working?
- Some may feel the possible benefits of moringa fairly soon after using it, but you certainly won’t experience an instant reaction or “buzz”. Give it at least a month or two of consuming moringa before drawing any personal conclusions. Be sure to set a benchmark for yourself, and record how you feel before, during, and after using moringa to see how it affects you over time.
Get more out of moringa today
Although moringa’s use dates back thousands of years, there is still very much a place for this plant in the modern world. With few side effects and numerous potential benefits, users open themselves up to a world of possibility with this plant. So, what are you waiting for? Pick yourself up some moringa, or grow it from home; the choice is yours!
- Xie J, Wang Y, Jiang WW, Luo XF, Dai TY, Peng L, Song S, Li LF, Tao L, Shi CY, Hao RS, Xiao R, Tian Y, & Sheng J. (12/18/2018). Moringa oleifera Leaf Petroleum Ether Extract Inhibits Lipogenesis by Activating the AMPK Signaling Pathway - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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