An important part of Ayurveda, Moringa oleifera is a plant that is also known as drumstick tree/miracle tree/ben oil tree/horseradish tree. Given its high nutritional value and little-known side effects, it has been used as a treatment for and management of various diseases. Every part of this tree has benefits, however, before consumption, especially if one is already taking some medication, it is best to consult a medical practitioner. Let us go through some of the many benefits, side effects, precautions of usage, and dosage of moringa – in any form.
Nutritional Facts of Moringa Oleifera:
Nutritional values of fresh and dried Moringa leaves as well as leaf powder (All values are per 100 g of plant material).
| Nutrients | Fresh Leaves | Dried Leaves | Leaf Powder |
| Calories (cal) | 92 | 329 | 205 |
| Crude Protein (g) | 6.7 | 29.4 | 27.1 |
| Fat (g) | 1.7 | 5.2 | 2.3 |
| Carbohydrate (g) | 12.5 | 41.2 | 38.2 |
| Fiber (g) | 0.9 | 12.5 | 19.2 |
| Calcium (mg) | 440 | 2185 | 2003 |
| Potassium (mg) | 259 | 1236 | 1324 |
| Iron (mg) | 0.85 | 25.6 | 28.2 |
| Magnesium (mg) | 42 | 448 | 368 |
| Phosphorus (mg) | 70 | 252 | 204 |
| Copper (mg) | 0.07 | 0.49 | 0.57 |
| Sulphur (mg) | - | - | 870 |
| Vitamin A (mg) | 1.28 | 3.63 | 16.3 |
| Vitamin B1 (mg) | 0.06 | 2.02 | 2.64 |
| Vitamin B2 (mg) | 0.05 | 21.3 | 20.5 |
| Vitamin B3 (mg) | 0.8 | 7.6 | 8.2 |
| Vitamin C (mg) | 220 | 15.8 | 17.3 |
| Vitamin E (mg) | 448 | 10.8 | 113 |
| Chlorophyll (mg) | 80 | 45 | 1268 |
| Arginine (g/16 gN) | 6% | 1.78% | 1.33% |
| Histidine (g/16 gN) | 2.10% | 0.72% | 0.61% |
| Lysine (g/16 gN) | 4.30% | 1.64% | 1.32% |
| Tryptophan (g/16 gN) | 1.90% | 0.49% | 0.43% |
| Phenylalanine (g/16 gN) | 6.40% | 1.64% | 1.39% |
| Methionine (g/16 gN) | 2% | 0.30% | 0.35% |
| Threonine (g/16 gN) | 4.90% | 1.36% | 1.19% |
| Leucine (g/16 gN) | 9.30% | 1.96% | 1.95% |
| Isoleucine (g/16 gN) | 6.30% | 1.18% | 0.83% |
| Valine (g/16 gN) | 7.10% | 1.41% | 1.06% |
Benefits Of Moringa:
Moringa can be consumed in any form – as a juice, in powder/capsule form, or even as a tea. Moringa leaves contain protein, Magnesium, calcium, iron, potassium, and also Vitamins like A, C, and E. Here are some of the benefits of moringa:
- This wonder herb decreases bad cholesterol levels and increases good cholesterol.
- Moringa’s diuretic properties help to manage blood pressure, and it is also good for those suffering from diabetes.
- It can also be used as a topical application to prevent acne and hasten the healing of wounds, given its antioxidant, flavonoids, and anti-inflammatory properties.
- These properties also help to protect the liver from damage, when it is consumed.
- The paste of the powder of Moringa leaves alleviates joint pains.
- Moringa powder is highly effective to fight against several types of fungi and bacteria. These properties make it a potent antiseptic that can help to sterilize contaminated surfaces.
- The broad types of plant-based compounds present in this herb make it effective to treat diseases such as typhoid, malaria, gastric ulcers, and cancers, and several others
- Moringa powder has the potential to heal hyperglycemia, which is an early warning sign of the onset of diabetes and proves to be a high-risk factor for heart-related diseases
- Scientists believe that Moringa is possibly beneficial to managing bronchial asthma, given its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It helps in reducing inflammation in the bronchial tubes, thus reducing the severity of the symptoms, and improving breathing.
- Through its properties, Moringa inhibits the growth of diarrhea-causing bacteria and reduces intestine inflammation.
- Moringa’s properties that help lower bad cholesterol, also help with the prevention of plaque formation inside the walls of the arteries, which prevents a disease called atherosclerosis.
- This herb helps in the regulation of the thyroid hormone, proving beneficial to manage hyperthyroidism.
- Given its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, Moringa helps to alleviate pain and inflammation of the joints. This is because Moringa contains large amounts of calcium and phosphorous, which are essential for bone and joint health. Moringa extract contains anti-inflammatory properties that can treat arthritis and also potentially heal broken bones.
Moringa Dosage:
Moringa can be consumed as a powder – about ¼ to ½ teaspoon twice a day. It can be sprinkled over salads or fruits too. Alternatively, one can consume about 1-2 capsules/tablets twice a day, or 2-4 teaspoons of moringa juice or syrup twice a day. One to two cups of Moringa tea is another form of consuming this miracle herb.
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Despite the fact that there are hardly any known side effects of this herb, it is always recommended that one consults a physician prior to making any additions to one’s diet. The effects of Moringa really depend on the person consuming it, and there are rarely any effects from consuming the leaves. The side-effects usually come from over-consumption of seeds, roots, and the stem. It is best to check with your medical practitioner as to the optimal dosage to ensure that you are not consuming it at a toxic level. The benefits anyhow outweigh the ill-effects or risks. The leaves of the Moringa plant should be chosen for consumption since they have the maximum benefits, which have been proven through intense research. As with anything, overuse of Moringa too, is not recommended.
In Conclusion:
As a native of India, this plant is poised to become a high source of earnings for the country. The nutritional properties need to be better understood through research, such that they can be used more extensively and corroborate earlier claims.
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