Moringa Leaves, also known as Sahjana ki Pattiyam or Pattiyan, is a feathery (or bipinnate) compound leaf with smaller leaflets attached to a long central stem. These leaflets can be 1 to 12” in length while the entire leaf is approx 1 to 2ft in length. The leaves primarily have a feathery appearance and are bright to dark green with a textured or slightly matte surface.
Moringa contains a number of essential vitamins, including vitamins A, B2, B6, B12, C, D and E. And when it comes to the taste, these leaves are mild and slightly earthy and reminiscent of spinach with a subtle peppery tone to them. Moringa leaves are often used in powdered form in shakes, smoothies, sprinkled on food, and teas, or you can add it in sauces, curries, stews, soups, or salads.
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Moringa Leaves Nutritional Profile
| Particulars | Amount |
| Calories | 36 Kcal |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Fat | 0.5g |
| Vitamin A | 6,770mcg (754% of DV) |
| Vitamin C | 51.7mg (86% of DV) |
| Vitamin E | 2.32mg (12% of DV) |
| Vitamin B2 | 0.66mg (39% of DV) |
| Vitamin B6 | 1.2mg (60% of DV) |
| Folate | 40mcg (10% of DV) |
| Calcium | 185mg (19% of DV) |
| Iron | 4mg (22% of DV) |
| Magnesium | 42mg (11% of DV) |
| Phosphorus | 30mg |
| Potassium | 337mg (9% of DV) |
| Zinc | 0.6mg (4% of DV) |
| Sodium | 9mg |
| Quercetin | 1.5mg |
| Beta-Carotene | 3.5mg |
Moringa Leaves Benefits
Here are some of the important moringa leaves benefits that you should know about.
Helps Lower Blood Sugar Levels
Consistently high blood sugar can be a serious health snarl as it can lead to conditions such as Diabetes. It may further develop into heart disease or organ failure. Thus, it is critical to keep the blood sugar levels in check. Studies suggest moringa leaves benefits by helping the body lower blood sugar levels.
Although the tests on humans are ongoing, researchers have found that 1.5 tsp of moringa leaf powder consumed every day for 3 months can drop sugar levels by 13.5% on average. Moringa can improve insulin sensitivity which is the body’s response to insulin that helps better control. It reduces impaired insulin function which could cause blood sugar levels to soar.
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Rich in Antioxidant
Free radicals in the body contribute to oxidation which is a process where healthy cells are destroyed. The antioxidants in moringa leaves can prevent such conditions by eliminating the free radicals preventing chronic diseases such as heart problems, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s. Free radicals can contribute to oxidation in the blood vessels that leads to hardening of vessels which is a major risk to your cardiovascular health. Thus, antioxidants work by neutralizing these unwanted cells.
Quercetin in moringa leaves has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Beta-carotene in moringa leaves benefits the immune function while chlorogenic acid has anti-hypertensive and anti-inflammatory effects on the body as well. Moreover, antioxidants support immune system functions strengthening it to combat any illnesses or infections.
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Moringa Leaves Benefits Heart Health
Moringa Leaves are good for overall heart health. A study suggested that 120g of cooked moringa leaves consumed every week resulted in lower blood pressure compared to a controlled group that didn’t have any moringa in their diet. The blood-lowering properties are all thanks to chlorogenic and quercetin. Moringa Leaves also contain potassium, an essential mineral that extracts excessive sodium from the blood that would otherwise cause spikes in blood pressure.
The range of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties such as Quercetin protects cardiovascular health such as by preventing lipid formation. Excessive inflammation can cause the hardening of arteries in the heart called atherosclerosis.
Moringa is also a remedy to lower cholesterol levels which is a major reason behind heart diseases. It reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol which is considered as ‘bad’ for the body. Moringa also has effects in lowering triglyceride making it good for your heart.
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May Prevent Rheumatoid Arthritis
Moringa leaves have anti-inflammatory properties that could have a favourable effect on those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. It may help manage symptoms. Moreover, its antioxidant properties can neutralize free radicals that usually contribute to tissue damage and inflammation in the events of chronic diseases including rheumatoid arthritis.
May Prevent Kidney Stones
Moringa leaves are diuretic which means it increases urine production in the body which is good for the kidneys as it may dilute the concentration of minerals that would otherwise lead to kidney stones. However, more research is required to support the said statement. Moreover, moringa leaves have been used to curb urinary issues as traditional medicine.
Supports Digestive Health
Dietary fibre as a part of moringa leaves nutritional profile aids in digestion. Consumption of fiber leads to reduced appetite and increased feeling of fullness which is good for those watching their weight. Fiber is an insoluble substance that binds with the stool adding bulk and regulating bowel movements. It can also prevent digestion-related issues such as constipation thanks to its laxative effect. It is also good for those suffering from gastritis, gas, bloating, and ulcerative colitis to name a few.
Additionally, moringa is known to have antibacterial and antibiotic properties that can inhibit the growth of infections and pathogens. The antiseptic properties help heal minor cuts and bruises as well.
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May Prevent Cancer
One of the unparalleled moringa leaves benefits is that it may prevent certain types of cancers. Studies have suggested the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties in these leaves can tackle the issue of oxidative stress responsible for the development and progress of cancer in the body. It has compounds such as isothiocyanates and glucosinolates, both of which have anti-cancer properties that can potentially inhibit the growth of cancer cells and promote cell death or apoptosis.
Arsenic contamination in water and food is a major global problem and can lead to health issues when exposed over time. It may contribute to heart diseases and cancer as moringa leaves may help reduce the toxicity of arsenic in the body. Preliminary studies show promising results over cancer, however, human trials on a large scale are ongoing to conclude the effects of moringa on various types of cancer cells.
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Conclusion
Moringa leaves help in lowering blood sugar levels and blood pressure in the body promoting a healthy cardiovascular system. Moringa leaves benefits can help reduce bad cholesterol in the body, prevent inflammation and may have benefits over various types of cancer to name a few.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is compiled information from generic and public sources. It is in no way a substitute, suggestion, or advice for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. BeatoApp does not claim responsibility for this information.
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