Moringa leaves have been better known as foodstuffs that are usually processed into vegetables. Moringa leaves can also be used as a medicinal plant because many health benefits can be obtained from moringa leaves.
The study results showed that moringa leaves could prevent
various diseases because they contain many essential nutrients. Moringa leaves
contain crucial amino acid elements that are very important: arginine,
histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine,
tryptophan, and valine. In addition, moringa leaves also contain protein, fat,
beta carotene (vitamin A), thiamin (vitamin B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3),
vitamin C, calcium, carbohydrates, copper, fiber, iron, magnesium, and
phosphorus.
Fresh moringa leaves will be better consumed after drying
and mashed. All the nutrients they contain will increase except vitamin C.
Here are seven benefits of moringa leaves for health:
1.
Prevent diabetes
According to research, moringa leaves can
balance blood sugar levels and reduce diabetes-related complications. Based on
the results of clinical trials in 2016, moringa leaves increase insulin
production to help prevent diabetes. In the study, 4 grams of moringa leaves
were shown to improve insulin circulation and lower blood sugar levels in the
body. Add Borax to Your Laundry Water to Get These Benefits According to
another small clinical trial published in the journal Nutrients in 2018;
moringa leaves can also lower post-meal blood sugar spikes in people with
diabetes. The study showed that moringa leaves make post-meal glucose spikes
more stable to 40 mg/dL and shorten the peak time of blood sugar spikes to
about 20 minutes. The same study found that moringa leaves had no significant
impact on the blood sugar of subjects who did not have diabetes. According to a
survey conducted in 2012 and published in the Journal of Diabetes, the benefits
of this plant are believed not only in the leaves. Moringa fruit extract has
also been shown to help with diabetes.
2.
Prevent cardiovascular disease
The benefits of moringa leaves for other
health can prevent cardiovascular disease. This plant is believed to be able to
help improve heart health and lower cholesterol. See also: These Health
Benefits Contained in Carrots Moringa seeds were also used long ago to reduce
blood pressure and improve heart function. A 2017 study of mouse subjects, for
example, found that moringa seeds were able to protect against heart disease
and could treat high blood pressure. Another study, conducted on mouse subjects
and published in 2019, found that moringa seeds can prevent age-related heart
and blood vessel disorders. Although new research has been conducted on animal
objects, moringa leaves also can reduce inflammation related to oxidative
stress and relaxation of the arteries to facilitate blood flow.
3.
Reducing inflammation
Reported from Healthline through
KOMPAS.com, several studies conducted by scientists show that isothiocyanate
contained in moringa leaves, pods, and seeds is the primary anti-inflammatory
compound. However, so far, new research has been done on animals and test
tubes. More research is needed on the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory in
humans. Inflammation is the body's natural response to infection or injury.
Even so, this condition can also cause problems if it continues for a long
time. Ongoing inflammation can lead to many chronic health problems, including
heart disease and cancer.
4.
Lowering cholesterol
As mentioned earlier, moringa leaves are
believed to help lower cholesterol. High cholesterol levels in the body are
usually associated with an increased risk of several diseases, including heart
disease.
5.
Protect against arsenic poisoning
Arsenic contamination can be found in water
and food, including rice. Consuming high levels of arsenic for a long time can
cause various diseases, such as heart disease and cancer. Based on animal
studies, moringa leaves and seeds can protect the body from the effects of
arsenic poisoning. Even so, more research is needed regarding the effectiveness
of moringa leaves against arsenic poisoning in humans.
6.
Overcoming erectile dysfunction
Moringa
leaves have been used for a long time to treat erectile dysfunction in
traditional medicine because these leaves can act as an aphrodisiac or arousal
generator. Although not yet proven in humans, studies in mice prove that
moringa can improve sexual function in men by increasing testosterone levels.
7.
Healthy eyes
According to doctors and herbalists from
South Tangerang, dr Prapti Utami, in the book "Moringa Leaves:
Antidiabetics, Eye Friends, Kidney Protectors" written by Editor Trubus
(2019), dried moringa leaves contain vitamin A 10 times more than carrots.
While fresh moringa leaves contain four times more vitamin A
than carrots, moringa also contains minerals and other nutrients, including
high antioxidants that can help cell repair to support the restoration of eye
function. However, consuming moringa alone can not give direct benefits to the
eyes. These leaves only serve as nutritional complements. Prapti reminded
moringa that they must be finished wisely. Overeating moringa leaves will affect
blood pressure and increase stomach acid. Consume one tea bag or equivalent to
6 grams of dried moringa leaf powder per day. While fresh moringa leaves, it is
recommended that only be consumed about 30 grams per day.
This article has been aired on Kompas.com with the title "7 Benefits of Moringa
Leaves for Health"
