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Would you like: A Good Night’s Sleep Elevated Mood Reduced Inflammation Help with Weight Management Healthy Blood Pressure Levels Balanced Blood Sugar Levels Revitalized Skin and Hair Antioxidant Support If so, you may love Moringa.Moringa has also been shown to help support: Reduced IBS symptoms Possibly fighting against some infections due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties Improved Wound Healing Improved Eye Health Moringa has medicinal properties and contains many healthy compounds including polyphenol and flavonoid antioxidants, such as quercetin and blood-pressure-lowering chlorogenic acid [1].What is Moringa and where does it come from?Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is a tropical tree native to the Himalayan mountains and India. It’s known by various names around the world, such as, Drumstick tree, Horseradish tree, Munga or Malunggay [2].Moringa leaf powder has become increasingly popular since it gained the status of a superfood.Moringa contains isothiocyanates, molecules similar to the very healthy sulforaphane found in cruciferous vegetables [3].Traditional UseMoringa plays an important part in Ayurvedic traditional medicine. According to Ayurvedic tradition, moringa can be used to prevent 300 diseases. In Ancient Egypt, it was used as a cosmetic product to nourish the skin [4].Almost all parts of the plant such as the bark, leaves, seeds, flowers, roots, and immature pods, can be consumed in one form or another.Most commonly it is the leaves that are consumed and used in traditional medicine because they are rich in antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, and carry many nutritional and health benefits. They are traditionally used to boost nutrition and prevent nutrient deficiencies, for malaria, typhoid fever, high blood pressure, and diabetes [5].The seeds and roots of moringa are also believed to help fight bacteria and fungi, and they can also aid in the purification process of water [6].Nutritious oil (“ben oil”) can also be made from the seeds, which is rich in oleic acid similar to olive oil but it is stable at higher temperatures [7].Now hailed as the “miracle tree” [8], it wasn’t until recently that its use started to spread outside of Asia and scientists began to get curious about the various benefits that Moringa possesses.Story of DiscoveryMoringa was first discovered in northern India, around 2000 BC. Traditional doctors quickly discovered its medicinal qualities.Aristocracy and members of royal families took Moringa for its beneficial effects on mental alertness and healthy skin and it became an essential part of traditional Ayurvedic medicine.In ancient India Moringa extract was given to Mauryan fighters on war fronts. They believed it would give them the necessary strength and energy during fights, while also helping with the stress of battle and pain from injuries.The ancient Egyptians highly valued Moringa oil, which was used instead of sunscreen.In Europe, it was the ancient Greeks who discovered various other valuable effects Moringa had on human health. In the later period they introduced Moringa to the Romans, who dispersed the knowledge throughout their empire.In 1817, the Jamaican chamber (at that time still a British colony) discussed Moringa. At the hearing they introduced Moringa oil as a healthy ingredient for salads and other culinary purposes. Within the British Empire Moringa expanded into many other countries around the world.How does it work?Moringa has many benefits, depending on what part of the plant is consumed - it has many active components, the mechanisms of which have been investigated largely in cell and animal studies [9]: Moringa contains tryptophan, which is known to relax the body and help it create serotonin, which is a precursor to melatonin - the main hormone involved in sleep Moringa is very nutritionally dense, so consuming it regularly potentially prevents vitamin, mineral, and nutrient deficiencies [10]. Potentially increases milk production by increasing prolactin levels in the blood [11]. Reduces markers of inflammation such as TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-8 [12]. Fights free radicals and increases antioxidants in cells [13]. Reduces blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and other fats in cells [14]. Increases fat break-down and prevents new fats from being made and stored (in cells) [15]. Prevented blood sugar dysregulation and weight gain even in rats fed a high-fat diet. It worked by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation [16]. People mainly use Moringa to:Boost NutritionMoringa has many nutritional benefits and is rich in vitamins and minerals that are essential for a healthy body.100 g of dry moringa leaves contain [17]: 9 x the Provitamin A (i.e. beta-carotene) found in carrots 15 x the Potassium found in bananas 17 x the Calcium of milk 12 x the Vitamin C of oranges, higher in fresh leaves (200 mg) and highest in freeze-dried leaves 25 x the Iron of spinach Vitamin E (about 100 mg) B vitamins: B1, B2, and B3 Essential amino acids and proteins Support Weight ManagementMoringa can help manage blood sugar levels and support weight management by reducing fat formation. It also promotes fat breakdown.In a study conducted on mice, those that were fed a very high fat diet and 5% moringa concentrate gained significantly less weight over the 3 month study, compared to the mice that were just fed the very high fat diet.Body composition at 4, 8 and 12 weeks showed lower fat accumulation and greater free fat (lean mass) as percentage of body weight in the 5% Moringa concentrate-fed mice compared to the very high fat diet-fed mice [18].Elevate MoodAs Moringa is high in Tryptophan, which is known to relax the body and help it create serotonin - it is thought to be helpful in treating depression, anxiety, and fatigue.A study conducted on Mice appeared to show promising potential on mood elevation [19].Ease Inflammation and IBSMoringa root, bark, leaf, and flower extracts are anti-inflammatory [20].Moringa may help reduce important inflammatory markers in immune cells, such as TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-8. It could also reduce the activity of genes that worsen the inflammatory reaction.In rats with gut inflammation, moringa seed extract reduced inflammation and swelling, ulcers, and overall gut damage.In cells, it could reduce the inflammation-worsening nitric oxide, and at the same time boost the anti-inflammatory IL-10 in immune cells.Sulforaphane-like compounds in moringa blocked the same pathways that painkillers target (COX-2) and reduced inflammation on a DNA-level (reducing MAPKs and NF-κB) [21] In rats, moringa seed extract rich in this compound reduced pain and inflammation similar to aspirin. This powerful compound had similar anti-inflammatory effects as curcumin in cells.How do you take it?Take 1-2 capsules a day, with water and preferably 20-30 minutes before a meal… however depending on what benefits you’d like to focus on when taking Moringa, it may be better to: Take Moringa in the morning to prime your body by giving it the foundation it needs to keep your energy levels high throughout the day. Take Moringa at night to help give your body the fuel and nutrients it needs to sleep well. Any cautions?Taking too much Moringa can impact your body’s ability to uptake certain nutrients and may lower blood pressure and heart rate too much in certain cases.ALWAYS consult a healthcare professional before taking any new supplements. Scientific References: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5633671/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5633671/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5745501/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4490473/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5745501/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5872761/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5146848/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4490473/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5633671/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4490473/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24892837 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4490473/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4490473/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21780550 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28051244 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27966373 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5745501/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4456298/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4719488/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5633671/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5872761