If you buy something through a link on this page, we may earn a small commission. How this works.Moringa oleifera is a plant that has been praised for its health benefits for thousands of years.It is very rich in healthy antioxidants and bioactive plant compounds.So far, scientists have only investigated a fraction of the many reputed health benefits.
Here are 5 health benefits of Moringa oleifera that are supported by scientific research.
1. Moringa oleifera Is Very Nutritious
Moringa oleifera is a fairly large tree native to North India. It goes by a variety of names, such as drumstick tree, horseradish tree or ben oil tree. Almost all parts of the tree are eaten or used as ingredients in traditional herbal medicines. This especially applies to the leaves and pods, which are commonly eaten in parts of India and Africa .Moringa leaves are an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals. One cup of fresh, chopped leaves (21 grams) contain:
Protein: 2 grams
Vitamin B6: 19% of the RDA
Vitamin C: 12% of the RDA
Iron: 11% of the RDA
Riboflavin (B2): 11% of the RDA
Vitamin A (from beta-carotene): 9% of the RDA
Magnesium: 8% of the RDA
2. Moringa oleifera Is Rich in Antioxidant
Moringa oleifera is rich in various antioxidants, including quercetin and chlorogenic acid. Moringa leaf powder can increase blood antioxidant levels.
3. . Moringa May Lower Blood Sugar Levels
One study in 30 women showed that taking 1.5 teaspoons (7 grams) of moringa leaf powder every day for three months reduced fasting blood sugar levels by 13.5%, on average (16). Another small study in six people with diabetes found that adding 50 grams of moringa leaves to a meal reduced the rise in blood sugar by 21% (21).Scientists believe these effects are caused by plant compounds such as isothiocyanates.


4. Moringa Can Lower Cholesterol
Having high cholesterol has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Fortunately, many plant foods can effectively reduce cholesterol. These include flaxseeds, oats and almonds. Both animal- and human-based studies have shown that Moringa oleifera may have similar cholesterol-lowering effects.
5. Moringa oleifera May Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to infection or injury. It’s an essential protective mechanism but may become a major health issue if it continues over a long period of time.Most whole fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices have anti-inflammatory properties. However, the degree to which they can help depends on the types and amounts of anti-inflammatory compounds they contain.Scientists believe that isothiocyanates are the main anti-inflammatory compounds in moringa leaves, pods and seeds.