Often referred to as the “Miracle Tree,” Moringa oleifera is native to South Asia but now flourishes across tropical regions worldwide. Known for its exceptional healing potential, this plant is believed to help prevent or treat nearly 300 different illnesses.
What to know about Moringa?
Packed with over 92 nutrients and 46 antioxidants, moringa offers powerful protection against free radicals, helping to ward off chronic conditions like cancer and heart disease. It also contains anti-inflammatory compounds, making it a valuable tool for promoting overall health.
Though the leaves are small, they are densely nutritious. They contain protein, calcium, iron, and essential vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K, along with important amino acids such as leucine, lysine, tryptophan, and valine. The pods are slightly less nutrient-dense but are incredibly high in vitamin C—just 100 grams provides 157% of the daily recommended intake.
The leaves have a slight radish-like flavor with a texture similar to spinach, making them ideal for salads. They can also be dried or powdered and added to food. The young pods are eaten like green beans, while the seeds—resembling peas—can be consumed or pressed into a nutrient-rich oil. Remarkably, every part of the tree is edible, including the flowers and roots.
In the West, moringa is gaining popularity for its anti-diabetic, anti-fungal, anti-tumor, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Health Benefits of Moringa Oleifera
1. Anti-Cancer
Moringa’s cancer-fighting abilities stem largely from its antioxidants, which combat oxidative stress. The leaves and pods contain beta-carotene and vitamin C, as well as powerful antioxidants like quercetin (which helps lower blood pressure) and chlorogenic acid (also found in coffee), known for regulating blood sugar.
It also contains kaempferol, which supports cellular health. One study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology found that taking 7 grams (1.5 teaspoons) of moringa leaf powder daily for three months significantly increased blood antioxidant levels.
Moringa includes a range of non-essential amino acids like glycine, tyrosine, and histidine, which contribute to immune support, tissue repair, and potentially suppress tumor growth.
2. Anti-Inflammatory
Moringa contains compounds like isothiocyanates, flavonoids, and phenolic acids that help reduce inflammation, especially beneficial for stomach ulcers.
The oil made from moringa leaves, sometimes called Ben Oil, protects the liver from chronic inflammation and can also treat fungal infections, arthritis, and even serve as a natural skin moisturizer.
3. Cholesterol Reduction
A study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that moringa significantly lowers cholesterol levels—comparable to the effects of simvastatin, a pharmaceutical cholesterol-lowering drug.
The researchers noted, “The results indicate that this plant possesses antioxidant, hypolipidaemic, and antiatherosclerotic activities, and has therapeutic potential for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.”
4. Other Benefits
Moringa is high in fiber, aiding digestion and helping to clear toxins from the intestines. Its seeds contain a protein that binds to impurities in water, making them highly effective for water purification—more so than many synthetic materials.
Its leaves can be used as a food preservative by extending the shelf life of meat through oxidation reduction. A study in The Philippine Journal of Pediatrics showed that women taking 250 mg of dried moringa leaf capsules twice daily saw a 152–176% increase in breast milk production within five days.
Research also suggests moringa may protect against arsenic toxicity—especially relevant given rising concerns about arsenic in foods like rice.
How to Use Moringa
You can eat moringa leaves raw, cooked, or juiced. The powdered form can be added to drinks, soups, or sprinkled over meals—perfect for those who struggle to eat enough greens. Moringa is also widely available in capsule and supplement form.
