The moringa tree, known as the "miracle tree" due to its wide array of medicinal applications, offers a versatile range of benefits. Moringa tea, derived from the leaves of the Moringa oleifera tree, is emerging as a popular health beverage. This article explores the potential benefits of moringa tea, supported by both traditional uses and scientific research.
What is Moringa?
Moringa oleifera, the best-known variety, thrives in the Himalayan foothills, while other species are native to Africa. Characterized by rapid growth, the moringa tree presents itself as a valuable crop with practical applications spanning its beans, roots, seeds, and leaves. The leaves can be consumed like spinach or dried to produce moringa tea or powder. Its alternative names include horseradish tree (due to the taste of its roots) and drumstick tree (due to the shape of its seed pods).
Nutritional Profile of Moringa Tea
While moringa tea may not be a significant source of macronutrients, it offers essential micronutrients. A single tea bag typically contains negligible amounts of calories, protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, and sugar. However, dried moringa leaves retain valuable nutrients, including:
- Calcium
- Iron
- Vitamin A
- Thiamine
It is important to note that moringa leaves lose most of their vitamin C content during the drying process.
Potential Health Benefits of Moringa Tea
Scientific investigations, primarily conducted as lab investigations or animal studies, suggest several potential health benefits of moringa.
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Heart Health: Animal studies indicate that moringa extract can improve heart health by lowering cholesterol levels and reducing plaque formation in arteries, exhibiting effects comparable to statin drugs.
Diabetes Control: Moringa tea may assist in regulating blood glucose levels for individuals with diabetes. While animal studies have shown consistent positive results, human studies have yielded varying outcomes. Some studies demonstrate that moringa consumption can lower post-meal glucose levels. The inconsistencies in results may stem from differences in moringa varieties and preparation methods.
Cancer Treatment: In vitro studies suggest that moringa can slow the growth of human pancreatic cancer cells and enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs. Moringa is generally well-tolerated by lab animals.
Brain Health: Animal studies suggest that moringa leaf extract has positive effects on brain chemistry, warranting further investigation as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease.
Protection Against Chronic Disease: Moringa leaves contain compounds such as polyphenols, tannins, and saponins, which possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, potentially combating heart disease, liver damage, diabetes, and chronic inflammation.
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Supporting Immunity: Moringa is a good source of vitamin C, an antioxidant nutrient that supports immune function and collagen production. Moringa has been said to provide seven times more vitamin C than oranges.
Reducing Inflammation: Moringa contains polyphenols - natural compounds that stimulate antioxidant activity, which can neutralize cell-damaging free radicals and reduce inflammation in the body that underlies chronic disease.
Improving Blood Sugar Levels: In a small study on people with prediabetes, those who took 2,400 milligrams (mg) of dried moringa leaf powder daily improved fasting blood glucose and A1C levels over 12 weeks better than those who took a placebo, according to a double-blind, randomized trial.
Protecting and nourishing skin and hair: A laboratory study has suggested moringa may help heal skin wounds more quickly. Moringa seed oil may also have benefits for hair health.
Treating edema: Applying moringa seed oil reduced skin inflammation in mice with ear edema.
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Protecting the liver: Researchers discovered compounds in moringa that could be useful for liver disease. One of these compounds reduced fat buildup in liver cells and increased the activity of proteins that break down fat.
Preventing and treating cancer: Moringa contains properties that may help prevent cancer. For example, it contains niazimicin, a compound that suppresses the development of cancer cells. Moringa leaf extracts, bark, and other parts of the plant may have properties that can kill cancer cells and could prove useful in treating breast, liver, colorectal, and other cancers.
Treating stomach upset: Moringa extracts may help treat some stomach disorders. The leaves may help prevent colon cancer. Moringa leaves have shown a laxative effect, making moringa a possible option for constipation. It may reduce stomach acid secretions, suggesting it could prevent peptic ulcers. Moringa may help prevent ulcerative colitis as its anti-inflammatory effects may protect the digestive system from damage.
Fighting foodborne bacterial infections: Moringa contains substances that may act against some foodborne pathogens, such as Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli).
Preventing rheumatoid arthritis: Moringa may help prevent rheumatoid arthritis.
Treating mood and nervous system disorders: The antioxidant activity of moringa may protect against disorders that affect the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s disease, neuropathic pain, and depression.
Protecting the cardiovascular system: Moringa contains a range of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents, such as quercetin, which may help protect cardiovascular health. Moringa may also have cholesterol-lowering properties.
Treating diabetes: Moringa leaf extract may benefit people with diabetes. They may assist with managing blood sugar and insulin levels and protect against organ damage. Its properties could help prevent complications and slow disease progression.
Treating asthma: The lung function of guinea pigs improved after researchers gave them a moringa extract.
Reducing high blood pressure: Moringa contains substances that may help manage blood pressure.
Improving eye health: Moringa may help with improving eye health.
Treating anemia and sickle cell disease: Moringa has been used to treat and prevent anemia. This is due to its antioxidant properties, its chelating activity - which means it can help remove excess iron - and other factors.
Supporting weight loss: Moringa seed extract may help manage various factors related to obesity, supporting weight loss, preventing inflammation, managing lipids, lowering cholesterol levels, protecting the liver, improving insulin sensitivity, reducing oxidative stress, and regulating fat absorption.
Potential Risks and Considerations
While generally considered safe, moringa products may pose risks to certain individuals.
Drug Interactions: Moringa can interfere with the effectiveness of diabetes drugs and increase the side effects of other medications. It is crucial to consult a doctor before consuming moringa tea if you are taking any medications.
Pregnancy Concerns: Animal studies suggest that moringa may inhibit reproduction, and moringa bark has been linked to miscarriage. Pregnant women should avoid moringa products.
Interaction with Chemotherapy: While moringa may enhance the effectiveness of certain chemotherapy drugs, individuals undergoing chemotherapy should seek medical advice before using herbal products.
Thyroid Issues: Moringa appears to aid thyroid function. However, it can also cause problems if a person is taking other thyroid medications. A person should speak with a doctor before taking moringa.
Moringa and Weight Loss: Examining the Evidence
Moringa powder has been suggested to promote weight loss. Animal and test-tube studies demonstrate that moringa can reduce fat formation and enhance fat breakdown. However, human studies are needed to confirm these effects.
Some studies have explored the effects of multi-ingredient supplements containing moringa on weight loss. In one study, obese individuals taking a supplement containing moringa, turmeric, and curry lost more weight compared to a placebo group. Another study yielded similar results with a larger sample size. However, these benefits cannot be solely attributed to moringa, as the supplements contained other active ingredients.
Moringa Tea vs. Green Tea: A Comparison
Green tea has long been recognized for its health benefits, including antioxidant properties and metabolism-boosting effects. However, moringa tea presents a compelling alternative with its unique nutritional profile.
Nutritional Density: Moringa powder may have an edge over green tea in terms of nutritional density.
Caffeine Content: Green tea contains caffeine, which can provide alertness but may also lead to side effects for some individuals. Moringa tea is caffeine-free, offering a gentler alternative.
Taste: Green tea can have a slightly bitter taste, while moringa tea has a milder, earthy flavor.
Cost: Moringa offers a more budget-friendly wellness alternative.
Forms of Moringa
Moringa is available in various forms, including powder, capsules, and tea. Moringa leaf powder is versatile and can be added to smoothies, juices, or other beverages.
Dosages
People should always read the label on the extract and follow dosage instructions.
The Saudi Arabian Study on Moringa Peregrina Leaf Extract (MPLE) and Bark Extract (MPBE)
A study investigated the anti-obesity and hepatoprotective effects of ethanolic Moringa peregrina leaf extract (MPLE) and bark extract (MPBE) in rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD).
Study Design:
- 48 male rats were divided into six groups: control (standard diet), HFD, HFD + MPBE (300 mg/kg), HFD + MPBE (600 mg/kg), HFD + MPLE (300 mg/kg), and HFD + MPLE (600 mg/kg).
- MPLE and MPBE were administered orally for eight weeks.
Key Findings:
- MPLE significantly reduced HFD-induced increases in food intake, body weight, fat pad weights, glucose and insulin plasma levels, and leptin and resistin serum levels.
- MPLE improved glucose levels after oral or intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests, reduced serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL concentration, reduced hepatic triglycerides and cholesterol levels, and increased serum HDL levels.
- MPLE improved liver architecture, reduced fat accumulation, and reduced hepatic malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 levels.
- Hepatic glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities were significantly increased.
- The 600 mg/kg dose of MPLE exhibited more pronounced effects.
- MPBE did not significantly alter the measured markers.
Conclusion:
The findings suggest that MPLE possesses anti-obesity and hepatoprotective effects in HFD-fed rats, potentially through modulating lipid metabolism, improving insulin sensitivity, and reducing inflammation.
How to Prepare Moringa Tea
Moringa tea can be prepared using moringa powder or dried moringa leaves. To make moringa tea using powder, add half a teaspoon of moringa powder to warm (not boiling) water and stir well.
Precautions and Considerations
As with all supplements, the Food & Drug Administration does not monitor moringa, so a person cannot be sure of its purity or quality. It is essential to purchase supplements from a trustworthy source and to follow any instructions with care. More clinical research is needed to confirm that moringa is safe and effective for many of these uses in humans.