Moringa powder: uses and nutritional benefits

Moringa is a perennial tree belonging to the Moringaceae family. This tree likes the so-called difficult climatic conditions, which explains its presence in tropical and subtropical countries. In Moringa, everything can be eaten: from the seeds to the leaves, Moringa is multi-use. The leaves can be eaten fresh, as an herbal tea or dried. Moringa powder comes from the drying and grinding of Moringa leaves. Moringa powder is full of vitamins, such as vitamins A and E. Moringa (leaf) has demonstrated health benefits beyond its high nutritional value. Thanks to its antioxidant activity, it protects the brain, liver and kidneys. Its fibers, along with flavonoids, also help to harmonize blood sugar, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. On the culinary side, the Moringa powder has a slightly bitter taste. It can be used in both sweet and savory preparations. Latin name: Moringa oleifera Lam. Stuntz. Botanical family: Moringaceae. Part used : Leaf.

Recommended consumption

Moringa powder is a concentrate of energy and nutrients. It is best to increase doses as you go along to avoid unpleasant side effects. As a cure or for pleasure, 2 to 6 g of Moringa powder, or 1 to 3 teaspoon(s) of Moringa powder per day.

In what form?

To make the most of its benefits, you can use it :

  • In powder form
At what time of day?

We advise you to use it during the following meal(s) to take full advantage of its benefits:

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Snacks
  • Dinner
What modes of use?

You can integrate them into the following preparations to facilitate its taking:

  • Soup
  • Dessert
  • Yoghurt, dairy
  • Dish
  • Smoothies, juices
  • Compote

Health Nutrition Benefits

4 g of Moringa powder contain a significant portion of the Population Nutrient Reference (PNR) for Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin E and Vitamin K. They also contain, to a lesser extent, Protein.

As such,Moringa powder can complement your healthy and varied diet.

Metabolism

The hypoglycemic effect of Moringa leaves is associated with the interesting contribution of fibers and flavonoids. Moringa powder reduces the risk of developing diabetes and improves blood sugar levels in pre-diabetic and diabetic patients. It also slows down the risks of vascular complications related to diabetes by fighting against oxidative stress. On another level, they will help to reduce cholesterol and triglyceridemia.

Body, face and hair care

Moringa powder promotes hair growth. A scientific study shows an increase in the number of follicles after a supplementation of Moringa powder. Concerning the skin, thanks to its richness in vitamin A, Moringa will preserve the appearance of the skin by contributing to its renewal.

Urogenital system

It seems that the Moringa powder protects the kidneys. This property allows to delay chronic renal diseases. However, this capacity is indicated only on the animal. Further studies are necessary before affirming its beneficial character on renal health.

Nervous system, well-being

Oxidative stress would be one of the main causes of development of neurodegenerative diseases related to age. Thanks to its strong antioxidant power, Moringa powder can claim to fight against oxidative stress increasing neurodegeneration. In addition, Moringa powder provides carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are fuel for cells, especially for carbohydrate-dependent cells that can only feed on carbohydrates. Nerve cells are carbohydrate-dependent cells. In short, Moringa powder is an ally of cognitive functions.

Digestive system

A diet insufficiently rich in fiber leads to slowed bowel emptying and even constipation. To learn more: constipation and diet. Moringa powder is rich in fiber, it will restore and regulate digestive transit. It is also said to protect the liver from overeating and excess alcohol. However, this capacity is indicated only on the animal. Further studies are necessary before affirming its beneficial character on the hepatic health.

Circulatory system

An adequate supply of vitamin K is necessary for the proper functioning of the blood coagulation process. The latter is essential in case of blood vessel breach. The Moringa participates greatly in the contributions of vitamin K.

Ocular system

The Moringa in powder takes part in the good functioning of the vision by the contribution in vitamin A. Within a varied and balanced diet, the antioxidant power of the vitamin A takes part in the prevention of the decline of the visual acuity related to the age.

Immune system

Vitamin A has an action on the genetic material. Naturally, it promotes the synthesis of cells such as immune cells. Thus, within the framework of a correct hygiene of life, the Moringa in powder reinforces the response of the immune system.

Nutritional properties

Main properties

  • Hair Growth: A scientific study evaluated the effect of Moringa powder on hair. The latter observed an increase in the number of follicles in the anagen phase (growth phase) in the group of individuals tested with Moringa powder. Moringa powder would have an activity on the promotion of hair growth.
  • Antioxidant (vitamin E, polyphenol, beta-carotene): several scientific studies claim that Moringa powder fights against oxidation. One study evaluates the ORAC score of Moringa powder at 8360 µmol ET/100 g, and the FRAP score at 59.32 µmol Fe2+eq/g. These two scores are synonymous of a strong antioxidant activity. Moringa powder would act simultaneously on free radicals by providing antioxidant compounds (beta-carotene, vitamin E, quercetin, kaempferol, apigenin, gallic acid), also by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes, namely catalases, superoxide dismutases and glutathione peroxidases.
  • Neuroprotective: through its antioxidant power, a scientific study indicates that Moringa powder protected neurons from the harmful effects of free radicals. Moringa powder prevents neuronal dysfunction. This study concludes on the encouraging potential of Moringa powder for the protection of neurons and the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Anti-inflammatory: Moringa powder contains many bioactives that may be involved in the anti-inflammatory process. Among them, flavonoids such as quercetin were able to inhibit NF-kB activation, and NF-kB-dependent downstream events. Nk-kB is a naturally occurring protein in cells. It is produced in response to stress-related stimuli. A deregulation of Nk-kB would be associated with certain inflammatory diseases.
  • Antibacterial: Flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol, phenolic acid and other phytochemical properties have been identified as the most potent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant. One study, in vitro, observes inhibition of the growth of certain bacteria (Bacillus subtili and Salmonella typhi) when brought into contact with Moringa leaf powder. This same study states that Moringa stem powder still has better efficacy.
  • Hypolipidemic (fiber): scientific studies on animals have observed a decrease in serum levels of triglycerides, very low density lipoproteins (VLDL-cholesterol) and low density lipoproteins (LDL-cholesterol). This general hypolipidemic power is explained by the high fiber content. Fibers capture lipids before their absorption.
  • Contributes to energy metabolism (carbohydrates, lipids): the Moringa powder is an energy carrier. The latter is mostly provided by carbohydrates and also in a smaller proportion by lipids.
  • Regulates blood sugar (fiber, protein): Moringa powder shows hypoglycemic effects. Several animal studies indicate improved glucose tolerance and reduced fasting blood glucose levels. This hypoglycemic potential has been analyzed in vitro. In vitro, experiments have shown that Moringa powder inhibits the activity of pancreatic alpha-amylase and intestinal alpha-glucosidase (two enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism). This effect reduces glucose absorption, helping the body to regulate blood sugar levels. In addition, Moringa powder is rich in fiber and protein. These macronutrients decrease the glycemic index of Moringa, stabilizing the glycemia after the meal.

Secondary properties

  • Hepatoprotective: In animals treated with Moringa powder, scientists observed a decrease in serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase (markers of liver function). These results were confirmed by histological examinations, which revealed an improvement in drug-induced liver and kidney damage. Further studies are needed to evaluate its effectiveness in humans.
  • Nephroprotective: The same scientific study evaluating the liver protection effects of Moringa powder also claimed that Moringa powder protects the kidneys. Indeed, animals supplemented with Moringa powder had less kidney damage and lower serum BUN and creatinine levels (two markers of kidney function). As for its hepatoprotective potential, further studies are needed to really ensure this property in humans.
  • Tissue Growth (Vitamin A): Moringa powder is rich in vitamin A. The vitamin plays a role in the process of cell specialization. This means that vitamin A promotes cell synthesis, its action will be visible on all systems of the body: immune, digestive, nervous, skeletal...
  • Immunomodulating (vitamin A): by its richness in vitamin A, Moringa powder stimulates the production of immune cells. Indeed, vitamin A acts on the genetic regulation in general, which includes the cells of immunity.
  • Skin regenerator (vitamin A): through the high concentration of vitamin A in Moringa powder, it participates in the renewal of mucous membranes and skin.
  • Laxative (fiber): moringa powder is rich in fiber. Fibers are not digested and absorbed by the body. They will therefore be directly eliminated through the stool. Moreover, they behave like sponges and swell in the presence of water. The whole increases the total volume of the stools which accelerates the digestive transit.
  • Hemostatic (vitamin K): Moringa powder is extremely rich in vitamin K. Vitamin K has an indispensable function in the coagulation process: it is involved in the maturation of coagulation factors.
  • Contributing to normal vision (vitamin A): rich in vitamin A, Moringa powder helps maintain vision. Vitamin A is nicknamed the "vision vitamin", it supports the synthesis, protection and function of various components of the eyes.

Nutritional values

*Recommended Daily Allowance

Learn more about the plant : Moringa

Moringa is a perennial tree, the most cultivated of the Moringaceae family. Native to India, in the valleys south of the Himalayas, Moringa has spread and acclimatized in all tropical and subtropical regions. It can be found in South America, Africa, North-East India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Moringa is also called "the tree that never dies", because it shows a great ecological plasticity. It can grow on both rich and poor soil. It is little affected by drought nor by heavy rainfall. The altitude does not seem to worry it either. Moreover, its growth is fast, it can take until 7 m in one year.

Its trunk measures on average 30 cm in diameter, it is straight and not very developed (3 m maximum height). The branches form a parasol and extend much more. The leaves are alternate, bi or triennial and develop only on the terminal part of the branches. The young leaves are covered with a gray down, which they lose while growing. The flowers have a cream color, they are numerous and give off a pleasant smell. The fruit is a three-lobed pod. When the pods are dry, they open to release the seeds. Each pod contains 12 to 35 seeds. The seeds are round and have a brown shell. A tree can produce 15,000 to 25,000 seeds per year.

Moringa is considered one of the most useful trees in the world, as almost all parts of the tree can be used for food, medicine and industrial purposes. In fact, the leaves, flowers and green pods are common vegetables in producing countries. It is even believed that it could fight malnutrition and enhance food security in disadvantaged regions. Moringa has various nicknames like "Morunga", "White Acacia", "Horseradish", "Winged Moringa", etc. It is even mentioned as "Shigon" in the Sushruta Samhita (a treatise of medicine and surgery founding Ayurvedic medicine, its creation is estimated to be in the 1ᵉʳ and 2ᵉ centuries AD). This mention also indicates Moringa has been cultivated by humans for millennia.

African Moringa Powder or Indian Moringa Powder

Although Moringa is not very demanding regarding its climatic conditions, it seems that these conditions vary the nutritional composition of Moringa leaves. One study analyzed the nutritional composition of Moringa leaves from Africa and another from India. It appears that the African Moringa leaves were less "nutritious" than the Indian Moringa leaves. The researchers believe that the overly high temperatures in Africa denature the nutritional components, which may explain the nutritional differences.

Organic Moringa (in powder)

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