In this evidence based article regarding functional foods (superfoods) effects on our body systems, I will briefly discuss some therapeutic use of Moringa.
After reading this article, you will become more confident to add Moringa in your daily diet.
Here are several convincing research evidence that supports these incredible benefits of moringa.
Moringa might prevent some types of cancer cell growth
As I said, there are many research studies conducted on human cancer cell lines, including:
• Hepatocarcinoma,
• Colorectal carcinoma,
• Breast carcinoma,
• Ovarian,
• Prostate and
• Lung cancer cell line [30, 31].
Every studies results demonstrated that to some extent Moringa might be able to prevent at least some cancer cell growth.
The moringa leaf extract might be effective against leukemia (up to a point) due to its potent cytotoxic effects on cancer cell growth [30].
Since all standard cancer medications have some side effects see if your medical doctor approves it, you can add it as a chemo preventive agent.
I personally prefer moringa because it is relatively safe for human use and it does not cause any long term adverse or side effects [26].
Of course in the case of cancer, is not just nutrition which can help – cancer is a multi-factorial disease.
But, to some extent moringa can improve some of these factors by inducing:
• Apoptosis,
• Carcinogen detoxification,
• Anti-tumour cell proliferation, and
• Anti-inflammatory activities.
A gift of Moringa leaf supplement can act as a kiss of the good life to any of your close relatives, family members and friends.
This simple gift can actually help them to activate their body system against carcinogenesis by inhibiting:
• tumour angiogenesis and
• carcinogen activation [32].
Cell protection from free-radical damage
All health-conscious people know about ‘antioxidant’, which has a high potential to provide cell protection by preventing free radical damage.
To boost your knowledge, I will briefly explain to you why these free radicals are harmful to our body.
In brief the free radical formation is a continuous cellular consequence that occurs due to:
- normal essential metabolic processes or
- exposure to harmful rays, or due to
- chemicals,
- pollutants,
- cigarette smoking and even
- alcohol consumption
- etc.
Free radicals are unstable and highly reactive, and usually damage our body’s DNA, lipids [fats], proteins, and carbohydrate structures [sugar].
To some extent this burden of excess free radicals are responsible for increasing the risk of cancer and atherosclerosis by inducing:
• Chromosomal defects,
• Oncogene activation of genes which could potentially cause cancer and,
• Modulate arterial walls to impart endothelial cell injury respectively [33].
Moringa has potent antioxidant properties and it is effective to prevent free radical-induced DNA damage by decreasing free radical levels [30].
But, also lowers, controls and eliminates some of the inflammation.
We mostly believe that infection always brings inflammation.
But,
Did you know that many non-infectious diseases like arthritis, edema, tumour, cancer, autoimmune diseases also have an inflammatory association [34]?
The inflammation is just one of the underlying causes for a wide range of diseases including:
• Arthritis,
• Asthma,
• Edema and
• Autoimmune conditions like Rheumatoid arthritis, Type 1 diabetes, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Celiac disease, Psoriasis [35].
It has been proven that Moringa has the ability to inhibit some inflammatory mediators such as cytokine production in the human body.
Quercetin, the phytochemical present in Moringa leaf extract can reduce the inflammatory process by inhibiting the action of neutral factor kappa-beta (NF-κB).
NF-κB is a pro-inflammatory mediator and activation of NF-κB leads to inflammation and also increase free radicals levels [36, 37].
Moringa leaves also improve white blood cell count and activate the immune response [38].
Altogether, moringa lowers, controls and eliminates at least some inflammation.
Improve brain function – and how it increases one’s brain performance at work
Ageing is one of the common causes of the neurodegenerative condition.
Moringa acts as a neuroprotector and improves cognitive activity.
Moringa exerts its therapeutic effects on hippocampal neurons, which are present in our hippocampus, the important structure of the brain and plays a critical role in the formation of new memories [39].
It significantly enhances neuronal structural growth.
The antioxidant property of Moringa reduces oxidative stress in the brain.
These positive neurological benefits improve brain functioning [40].
Working memory is always necessary for learning and achieves success at work.
Research evidence showed the antioxidant and nootropic (brain booster) activities of Moringa enhances memory [41].
Therefore,
Moringa may be an unusual solution to unfold the technical hitch at your workplace, by boosting your learning ability.
Cardiovascular disease
Chronic dyslipidemia increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Dyslipidemia is characterised by an increased level of triglycerides, phospholipids, and cholesterol in the blood.
It has been found that the plasma level of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol [LDL – poor cholesterol] is higher in people in the UK [42].
Moringa leaves have a potential role to modulate the reverse cholesterol transport [43].
Reverse cholesterol transport is a physiological mechanism through which our body can remove some excess cholesterol including triglycerides and low-density lipo-proteins from different tissues.
It also transports them to liver for removal through the gall bladder, whereas high-density lipoprotein restores into the heart tissue for healthy cardiac functioning [44].
You may know that liver synthesises lipids [fats].
Daily consumption of Moringa can also regulate the lipid synthesis and reduce triglycerides levels and control overall cholesterol levels [45].
Therefore,
Adding Moringa in your daily diet is just a convenient method to help control some of dyslipidemia effects, without changing your diet habits much.
However,
Changing your dietary habits and using a customised nutrition diet plan will significantly help you!!
This clinical trial result also shows that 4.6 g-tablets of Moringa leaves, taken over a 50-day treatment period was effective to reduce:
- total cholesterol,
- triglycerides
- low-density lipoprotein,
- very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level
- with the improvement of high-density lipoprotein, HDL [40].
Heart attack
Cardio-tonic drugs are a standard treatment to improve cardiac functioning of heart attack patients [46].
Moringa acts as a cardiotonic [47] and may be helpful to improve heart functioning.
Stroke
Moringa containing bio-active phytochemicals like quercetin and alkaloids provides you with cardio-protective effects [39].
To some extent this benefit of Moringa might offer some protection from a stroke attack.
Moringa is also effective to control increased heart rate (tachycardia) and gives protection against stroke [48].
Blood pressure
Increased oxidative stress and resistance in the blood vessels leads to increased blood pressure.
Moringa leaves have the ability to modulate the vascular function and potent antioxidant properties.
Both of these therapeutic properties help Moringa to improve blood pressure in hypertensive subjects [49].
A recent human study reported consumption of 120 g of cooked Moringa leaves potentially lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure [50].
How it helps bronchitis
If you or your close one gets affected by a seasonal bronchitis.
Moringa, the natural ingredient can help you to alleviate the condition.
The symptoms of bronchitis often make you worry, as chronic cough and breathlessness reduce the quality of life.
Bronchitis is an infectious condition associated with inflammation of airways.
Alkaloid Moringine derived from Moringa relaxes bronchioles.
In addition, the antipyretic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory effect of Moringa helps to provide some symptomatic relief.
If they don’t have any sensitivities or allergies you can give this herb to your children also.
Just make sure that no one including you has any particular food sensitivities or allergy to moringa.
This research shows that Moringa is a safe and effective alternative option for upper respiratory tract infections [51].
Moringa Combats Effectively Anemia
Iron deficiency anemia is more common in women.
Are you using an iron supplement?
I suggest why don’t you try Moringa leaf supplement?
In the earlier section in this article I have already show that Moringa contains 25% more iron content than spinach.
This will definitely help you to improve your hemoglobin level.
A human trial conducted on anemic women reported that a 200 mg Moringa tablet improves iron deficiency anemia in women [52].
In another human study, it has confirmed that Moringa significantly improves hemoglobin level and more effective in older patients than the younger aged group [53].
Eczema and skin disorders
Topical application of Moringa is effective to improve inflammatory skin disorders like atopic dermatitis or eczema [54].
But there is not much Moringa containing topical products that are formulated and marketed in the UK.
My research can ensure you that very soon Moringa containing products will spread in the UK market.
Moringa researchers have already found:
• 36 anti-inflammatory bio-active phytochemicals in Moringa leaves along with a rich source of multiple vitamins including
• Vit A, C, and D help to ameliorate eczema.
Here is a testimony of a user also explains moringa powder benefits on the skin against eczema:
“YES. I’ve had to deal with eczema for 35 years, daily applying cortisone to my face and all over the areas that may have gotten too much heat or sun. I’m on my 4th day of taking moringa and have no bumps or sign of eczema anywhere. And I spent 2 hours in the sun and 90-degree heat on the second day! It works. Not only for eczema – for everything!” [55]
You might already be aware that…
I am not selling moringa supplements.
This functional food could significantly support your weight loss, exercise recovery, mental performance and maximise your health.
Due to the fact that this plant is a very potent superfood I have decided to share with you at least some of the most important Moringa benefits.
- If you would like to lose weight fast and safe, transform your body shape, fitness or health.
- Or if you have any questions whatsoever regarding nutrition or supplementation please contact me now through this link here, and I will get back to you in less than, 24 hours.
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