A series of benefits of Moringa leaves for health
KONTAN.CO.ID – JAKARTA. Moringa leaves are often associated with mystical things. In fact, Moringa leaves have many health benefits.
Moringa leaves are often used in rituals or traditional ingredients. However, scientifically, Moringa leaves store many good benefits for health.
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Moringa leaves, also called moringa, are believed to help maintain blood sugar levels and have a high antioxidant content. In addition, the nutritional content of Moringa leaves is no less good.
As a component often used in traditional medicines, the health benefits of Moringa leaves are not a myth.
Several studies say, this one leaf can provide various health benefits, such as:
1. Provide nutrition for the body
Moringa leaves are a good source of vitamins and minerals for the body. About 20 grams of chopped Moringa leaves contain the following nutrients:
- Protein: 2 grams
- Vitamin B6: 19% of the recommended daily intake
- Vitamin C: 12% of the recommended daily intake
- Iron: 11% of the recommended daily intake
- Riboflavin (vitamin B2): 11% of the recommended daily intake
- Vitamin A: 9% of the recommended daily intake
- Magnesium: 8% of the recommended daily intake
2. Rich in antioxidants
Antioxidants function to protect the body from free radicals. Free radical levels that are too high, can increase the risk of various diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, to heart disease.
3. Helps lower blood sugar levels
Moringa leaves are also said to help lower blood sugar levels. Unfortunately, not many studies have revealed the benefits of Moringa leaves in this regard.
4. Helps relieve inflammation
Moringa leaves contain isothiocyanates, which are anti-inflammatory agents. So, this plant is believed to help relieve inflammation that occurs in the body.
5. Lowering cholesterol
The so-called benefits of Moringa leaves can help lower cholesterol, making it the target of many people. In Moringa leaves, its cholesterol-lowering effect is said to be similar to almonds and oats.
6. Protect the body from arsenic poisoning
In research conducted in test animals, Moringa leaves are said to protect the body from arsenic toxins, which often enter the body through contamination of food and water.
7. Help overcome cancer
Another benefit of Moringa leaves that is no less great is its ability to slow down the growth of cancer cells. This makes Moringa leaves also useful in helping chemotherapy more effectively.
8. Good for memory
The content of antioxidants and chemicals present in Moringa leaves is believed to relieve stress and inflammation in the brain. This makes it good for improving memory.
9. Good for the heart
Moringa leaf extract is said to have the potential to overcome dyslipidemia, a type of heart disease due to increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the body.
10. Prevent anemia
The high iron content in Moringa leaves is believed to help prevent anemia. Even so, further research still needs to be done to ensure the benefits of this Moringa leaf.
11. Potential to overcome bacterial infections
Moringa leaf extract is also believed to help relieve infections that occur due to bacteria. The reason is, this plant contains ingredients that are antimicrobial, so that they can destroy bacteria, especially gram-positive bacteria.
12. Believed to be good for menopausal women
Moringa leaves, which are consumed in powder form, are believed to help increase antioxidant levels in women who have experienced menopause. At the age of menopause, antioxidant levels in the body will indeed decrease due to reduced production of the hormone estrogen. However, further research is still needed to determine the benefits of these Moringa leaves.
13. Good for malnourished children
One of the less well-known benefits of Moringa leaves is their ability to help increase body weight in malnourished children. This benefit can be obtained by consuming moringa powder for two months regularly.
Even so, don’t just give this leaf preparation to children. Pay attention to possible side effects and discuss it with your doctor first about its safety.
Until now, there are still not many studies that mention the side effects of consuming Moringa leaves in the long term.
However, experts are concerned that consuming excess Moringa leaves can cause nausea, diarrhea and heartburn. In addition, even though moringa leaves are believed to be beneficial for health, you should not try to use other parts of the moringa tree that have not been scientifically proven.
For example, consuming the roots of the Moringa tree. The reason is, the roots of the Moringa tree contain toxic ingredients. In addition, avoid consuming Moringa tree extract if you are pregnant and breastfeeding, to prevent its effects on the fetus and baby.
If you take supplements that contain Moringa leaves, make sure the supplement has been registered with the Food and Drug Administration (BPOM), to ensure its safety.
In addition, be aware of the possibility of an allergic reaction to Moringa leaves. Even though it’s natural, it doesn’t mean we can use it carelessly.
Immediately contact your doctor if allergy symptoms appear such as shortness of breath, itching, and rashes after consuming this plant. (Wisnubrata)
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This article has been published on Kompas.com with the title “Peek at the Various Benefits of Moringa Leaves for Health”,