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Moringa, also called tree of life or white wattle, is a medicinal plant that has a large amount of vitamins and minerals, such as iron, carotenoids, quercetin, vitamin C, among others, which provide greater antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
For this reason, this plant has been used to treat some respiratory diseases, reduce anxiety, lose weight and even control the concentration of glucose in the blood in diabetic people. However, there are still few studies that prove all its benefits and that describe the minimum doses, as well as their safety for human use.
The scientific name of the moringa is Moringa oleifera and, generally, its most used part is the leaf. In 2019, Anvisa banned the sale of any product containing this plant, precisely because it considers that there are few studies that demonstrate the effective doses and the safety of the plant for health.
Possible benefits of moringa
According to some scientific studies, moringa can be effective for:
1. Increase breathing capacity
Some studies indicate that this plant appears to be able to alleviate the symptoms of chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma, as it helps to increase the concentrations of hemoglobin and, consequently, of circulating oxygen in the blood.
2. Prevent diabetes
Moringa has antioxidant properties that can help regulate oxidative stress in the body, which reduces blood sugar levels, as well as protecting the body's cells.
3. Protect the heart
Because it is rich in fiber, this plant can help decrease the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine and the formation of fatty plaques in the arteries, thus decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
In addition, due to its antioxidant effect, moringa can also prevent or decrease inflammation in the body, which contributes to heart health.
4. Regulate blood pressure
Due to the presence of tocopherols, polyphenols and flavonoids in its composition, moringa could help regulate blood pressure, as these substances have a vasodilating effect, which helps to relax blood vessels and improve blood circulation.
5. Help with weight loss
Moringa is a plant rich in fibers and proteins, which help to increase the feeling of satiety and, consequently, decrease the amount of food and calories ingested, facilitating weight loss.
In addition, some animal studies also indicate that moringa can help decrease the amount of fat accumulated in the body.
6. Prevent and combat anemia
Moringa leaves have a large amount of iron (105 mg per 100 g of leaf), which could favor the formation of red blood cells and increase the amount of hemoglobin in the blood, helping to treat anemia, especially anemia caused by lack of iron.
7. Increase the body's defenses
Moringa has vitamin C, polyphenols and beta-carotene in its composition, which are substances that have the potential to help strengthen the immune system, increasing the body's natural defenses.
8. Have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect
Due to the presence of isothiocyanates, quercetin and chlorogenic acid, which are substances that help to decrease the inflammatory process, moringa could be used to relieve the symptoms of inflammatory problems, such as rheumatism and even inflammation of the prostate, for example.
9. Protect and moisturize the skin
Due to the large amount of B, C, E and A vitamins it has, the moringa can favor the formation of collagen, in addition to facilitating the healing of the skin and its hydration.
10. Improve the gastrointestinal system
The consumption of moringa can prevent and assist in the treatment of stomach ulcers, in addition to helping to combat constipation, due to its large amount of fibers.
In addition, as it has a vasodilating effect, moringa could also be used to treat hemorrhoids, by stimulating blood circulation.
11. Prevent the appearance of cancer
Some studies seem to indicate that moringa has an anti-cancer effect, as it seems to stimulate the destruction of cancer cells, mainly in the breast and intestine.
12. Improve vision health
Moringa is rich in beta-carotene, which is a precursor component of vitamin A, which, among other functions, is responsible for producing visual pigments that help maintain healthy eyesight.
13. Decrease symptoms of menopause
Since it helps to control inflammation and oxidative stress levels during this period, moringa could help maintain the concentration of hormones during menopause, decreasing the intensity of symptoms. Know how to identify the symptoms of menopause.
Moringa properties
The possible properties of moringa include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antidiabetic, vasodilator, anticholinergic, anti-rheumatic, antihypertensive, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective and healing properties.
However, it is important to remember that the plant's properties are still under study and several results seem to be inconclusive.
Moringa tea
Moringa tea does not include the list of plants approved by Anvisa for consumption and, therefore, should be avoided until further studies prove the efficacy and safety of the plant.
However, experts indicate that people who have the habit of using this plant, and do not wish to stop using it, should consume only 2 cups, or 500 mL, of this tea per day, as these are amounts that do not seem to pose a health risk .
Other forms of consumption
In addition to tea, moringa can also be found in the form of capsules, seeds or powder. However, these forms are also prohibited for sale in Brazilian territory, and should not be used.
Side effects and contraindications
The consumption of moringa can result in some side effects, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It is recommended to avoid the consumption of the root and its extracts, without professional guidance, as they contain toxic substances that, when used in excessive concentrations, can cause paralysis and can even lead to death.
Moringa intake is not recommended for pregnant women and infants, as this medicinal plant can interfere both in pregnancy and in the production of breast milk. Know which teas the pregnant woman can and cannot take. People with thyroid problems should also avoid consuming this plant, as it appears to affect the production of thyroid hormones.
Nutritional composition
The following table indicates the nutritional composition for each 100 g of powdered moringa:
Components | 100 g of moringa |
Energy | 500 kcal |
Protein | 33.33 g |
Carbohydrates | 66.67 g |
Fibers | 33.3 g |
Sodium | 233 mg |
calcium | 2667 mg |
Iron | 6 mg |
Vitamin C | 40 mg |
Vitamin A | 2 mg |
Bibliography>
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