Moringa leaves have been better known as food ingredients which are usually processed into vegetables.
In fact, Moringa leaves can also be used as medicinal plants, because there are many health benefits that can be obtained from Moringa leaves.
The results of the study show that Moringa leaves can prevent various diseases because they contain many very important nutrients.
Moringa leaves contain all the essential amino acids that are very important, namely arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalinine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine.
In addition, Moringa leaves also contain protein, fat, beta carotene (vitamin A), thiamin (vitamin B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), vitamin C, calcium, carbohydrates, copper, fiber, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Fresh Moringa leaves will be better consumed after they are dried and mashed because all the nutrients they contain will increase except for vitamin C.
7 benefits of Moringa leaves for health.
1. Prevent diabetes.
According to research, Moringa leaves can balance blood sugar levels and reduce complications related to diabetes.
Based on the results of clinical trials in 2016, Moringa leaves are said to be able to increase insulin production so that they can help prevent diabetes.
In this study, 4 grams of Moringa leaves were proven to increase insulin circulation and lower blood sugar levels in the body.
According to another small clinical trial published in the journal Nutrients in 2018, Moringa leaves can also reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes in people with diabetes.
The study showed that Moringa leaves made post-meal glucose spikes more stable up to 40 mg/dL and shortened the peak blood sugar spike time by about 20 minutes.
The same study found that Moringa leaves had no significant impact on blood sugar in subjects who did not have diabetes.
According to a study conducted in 2012 and published in the Journal of Diabetes, the benefits of this plant are believed not only to be found in the leaves. Moringa fruit extract has also been shown to help treat diabetes.
2. Prevent cardiovascular disease.
The benefits of Moringa leaves for further health are able to prevent cardiovascular disease. This plant is believed to be able to help improve heart health and lower cholesterol.
Moringa seeds have also been used since ancient times to lower blood pressure and improve heart function. A 2017 study of rat subjects, for example, found that Moringa seeds were able to protect against heart disease and could treat high blood pressure.
Another study, which was also conducted on rat subjects and published in 2019 found that Moringa seeds can prevent age-related heart and blood vessel disorders.
Although new research was conducted on animal subjects, Moringa leaves also have the potential to reduce inflammation related to oxidative stress and relax arteries to improve blood flow.
3. Reducing inflammation
Several studies conducted by scientists showed that the isothiocyanates contained in the leaves, pods, and seeds of Moringa are the main anti-inflammatory compounds.
However, so far only research has been conducted on animals and test tubes. Further research is needed on the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory in humans.
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to infection or injury. Even so, this condition can also cause problems if it continues for a long time. Ongoing inflammation can lead to many chronic health problems, including heart disease and cancer.
4. Lowering cholesterol
As mentioned earlier, Moringa leaves are believed to be able to help lower cholesterol. High levels of cholesterol in the body are usually associated with an increased risk of a number of diseases, including heart disease. Read also: Benefits of Garlic for Health and Side Effects
5. Protects from arsenic poisoning
Arsenic contamination can be found in water and food, including rice. Consuming high levels of arsenic for a long time can cause various diseases, such as heart disease and cancer. Based on animal studies, Moringa leaves and seeds can protect the body from the effects of arsenic poisoning. Even so, further research is needed regarding the effectiveness of Moringa leaves against arsenic poisoning in humans.
6. Overcoming erectile dysfunction
Moringa leaves have been used for a long time to treat erectile dysfunction in traditional medicine, because these leaves can act as an aphrodisiac or arousal. Although it has not been proven in humans, studies in mice have shown that Moringa can improve sexual function in men and women by increasing testosterone levels.
7. Healthy eyes
According to a doctor and herbalist from South Tangerang, Dr. Prapti Utami in the book “Leaves of Moringa: Antidiabetic, Eye Companion, Kidney Protector” written by the Editor of Trubus (2019), dried Moringa leaves contain 10 times more vitamin A than carrots.
While fresh Moringa leaves contain four times more vitamin A than carrots. In addition, Moringa also contains other minerals and nutrients, including high antioxidants that can help cell repair, so that it can support the restoration of eye function.
However, consuming Moringa alone cannot provide direct benefits to the eyes. This leaf only serves as a nutritional supplement. Prapti reminded, Moringa must be consumed wisely.
Consuming too many Moringa leaves will actually affect blood pressure and increase stomach acid. Just consume one tea bag or the equivalent of 6 grams of dry Moringa leaf powder per day.
While fresh Moringa leaves, it is recommended to only consume about 30 grams per day.
Editor: Nabilla Tashandra