What Science says about Moringa/Drumstick/ tree?

Moringa oleifera is a plant that has been praised for its health benefits for thousands of years. It is very rich in healthy antioxidants and bioactive plant compounds. So far, scientists have only investigated a fraction of the many reputed health benefits. Here are 6 health benefits of Moringa oleifera that are supported by scientific research. 1. Moringa oleifera Is Very Nutritious Moringa oleifera is a fairly large tree that is native to North India. It goes by a variety of names, such as drumstick tree, horse radish tree, or ben oil tree. Almost all parts of the Moringa oleifera tree can be eaten or used as ingredients in traditional herbal medicines. The leaves and pods are commonly eaten in parts of India and Africa.

The leaves are an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals. One cup of fresh, chopped leaves (21 grams) contains the following:

Protein: 2 grams Vitamin B6: 19% of the RDA Vitamin C: 12% of the RDA Iron: 11% of the RDA Riboflavin (B2): 11% of the RDA Vitamin A (from beta-carotene): 9% of the RDA Magnesium: 8% of the RDA

In Western countries, dried leaves are sold as dietary supplements, in either powder or capsule form. Compared to the leaves, the pods are generally lower in vitamins and minerals. However, they are exceptionally rich in vitamin C. One cup of fresh, sliced pods (100 grams) contains 157% of your daily requirement for vitamin C. The diets of people in developing nations sometimes lack vitamins, minerals and protein. In these countries, Moringa oleifera can be an important source of many essential nutrients. However, there is one downside. Moringa leaves may also contain high levels of antinutrients, which can reduce the absorption of minerals and protein.  Another thing to keep in mind is that if you’re taking Moringa oleifera as a supplement, taking it in capsules won’t supply large amounts of nutrients. The amounts are negligible compared to what you are already getting if you eat a balanced, real food-based diet. BOTTOM LINE: Moringa leaves are rich in many important nutrients, including protein, vitamin B6, vitamin C, riboflavin and iron.

2. Moringa oleifera Is Rich in Antioxidants Antioxidants are compounds that act against free radicals in our bodies. High levels of free radicals cause oxidative stress, which may contribute to chronic diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.  Several antioxidant plant compounds have been found in the leaves of Moringa oleifera.  In addition to vitamin C and beta-carotene, these include: Quercetin: This powerful antioxidant may help lower blood pressure. Chlorogenic acid: Also found in high amounts in coffee, chlorogenic acid may help moderate blood sugar levels after meals. In fact, one study in women found that taking seven grams (1.5 teaspoons) of moringa leaf powder every day for three months significantly increased blood antioxidant levels. 

Moringa leaf extract may also be used as a food preservative. It increases the shelf life of meat by reducing oxidation. 

BOTTOM LINE: Moringa oleifera is rich in various antioxidants, including quercetin and cholorogenic acid. Moringa leaf powder can increase blood antioxidant levels.

6. Moringa oleifera May Protect Against Arsenic Toxicity

Arsenic contamination of food and water is a problem in many parts of the world. Rice may contain particularly high levels.  Although arsenic in food or water does not cause symptoms of toxicity right away, long-term exposure may lead to health problems over time. Observational studies indicate that long-term exposure to arsenic may increase the risk of cancer and heart disease.  Several studies of mice and rats show that the leaves and seeds of Moringa oleifera may protect against some effects of arsenic toxicity.  These studies are promising, but it is not yet known whether this also applies to humans. BOTTOM LINE: Animal studies suggest that Moringa oleifera may protect against arsenic toxicity. However, this has not yet been studied in humans.

Take Home Message To sum up, Moringa oleifera is an Indian tree that has been used in traditional medicine for a very long time. It has been used to treat various different conditions and diseases, but only a few of the health claims have been studied scientifically . So far, studies have shown that Moringa oleifera may lead to modest reductions in blood sugar and cholesterol. It may also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and protect against arsenic toxicity. Moringa leaves are also highly nutritious, and should be particularly beneficial for people who are lacking in essential nutrients.