Moringa: The Top Health and Beauty Benefits You Need to Know
Moringa: The Ultimate Nutritional Powerhouse
We have included Moringa in our Must-Have Winter Herbs because it is considered an adaptogen, a natural substance that helps the body adapt to stress. It is known for its ability to increase resistance to various stressors, whether physical, chemical, or biological, and help the body return to balance.
Moringa's adaptogenic properties are gaining recognition for their potential to manage stress and improve overall well-being.
When you add the benefits of the Moringa tree to skincare products, you have a plant that is truly multifaceted. At Earth & Thyme, we include Moringa benefits in our skincare by using an infusion of carrier oils, crushed Moringa leaves, Moringa seed powder, and Moringa flowers. You can also get Moringa oil, which is derived from the seeds. This oil is difficult to extract and therefore very costly. It does not go rancid and is widely used in cosmetics and perfume making. Moringa oil is safe for babies and all skin types.
Highly absorbent, it softens, soothes, and protects the skin.
Native to India but planted around the world, Moringa is one of the most powerful health-enhancing plants known to humanity. The Moringa tree is also known as the Drumstick tree, Horseradish tree, Tree of Life, or Miracle tree. The oil from Moringa seeds is known as ben oil.
The Moringa tree is extremely versatile, and most parts can be used, including the seeds, leaves, bark, pulp, seed oil, and seed cake. The seed oil contains nourishing emollients and is a potent antioxidant, which acts as a natural organic preservative for beauty care products such as lotions, creams, healing gels, shampoos, and soaps. It is used extensively in the perfume industry and in aromatherapy oils, making it very popular in the cosmetic industry worldwide.
The oil has amazing therapeutic properties, including rejuvenating, healing, lightening, and moisturizing. It helps restore skin vitality, supports anti-aging, cleanses, nourishes, and moisturizes.
Some Benefits of Moringa Powder
Reduction of tiredness and fatigue
Research shows that one in five people feel unusually tired, and one in ten suffer from prolonged fatigue. Iron is essential for reducing tiredness and fatigue in the body, while vitamin A supports iron metabolism, ensuring better uptake. Adding Moringa to your daily routine is a natural way to prevent fatigue. Its rich iron content also makes it ideal for vegans, vegetarians, and those with anemia.
Skin
Moringa oil is packed with skin-loving vitamins, including vitamin A and vitamin E. Vitamin A is essential for healthy, radiant skin, and vitamin E protects cells from oxidative stress, helping to fight signs of aging. Moringa has one of the highest antioxidant contents of any food, with six times the antioxidants of goji berries and levels comparable to matcha.
Antioxidants are essential for protecting, repairing, and preventing cell damage, which helps minimize the aging process. They help counteract oxidative stress and the effects of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage collagen, causing skin dryness, fine lines, wrinkles, and premature aging.
Immunity
One of the most important Moringa benefits is its immune-boosting power. Maintaining a strong immune system is essential for protecting against infections and illnesses. Moringa leaves are a rich source of iron and vitamin A, both crucial for normal immune function.
Muscle growth
Moringa leaves are high in protein, containing all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete source of protein. This supports muscle growth and maintenance. Its high protein content is especially beneficial for vegans and vegetarians.
Anti-stress
Studies confirm that Moringa leaves are powerful, natural adaptogens. Adaptogens help the body cope with stress and can also enhance overall health and performance.
Digestion
Moringa powder is rich in calcium, which supports the normal function of digestive enzymes. It also contains fiber, which helps maintain a healthy digestive system and bowel regularity. Fiber also supports weight management by helping you feel fuller for longer and supporting a healthy metabolism.
Energy release
Moringa is a rich source of iron and calcium, both of which support energy-yielding metabolism.
Vision
Moringa is a source of vitamin A, which contributes to normal vision and helps maintain eye health.
Cancer support
Moringa leaves have shown beneficial properties in fighting breast and colon cancer cells, and research is ongoing.
Anti-diabetic
Moringa has been used in traditional medicine and recent studies confirm it can help lower blood glucose levels, making it effective for managing diabetes. Diets rich in plant proteins, like Moringa, may also help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Bone health
Moringa leaves are rich in vitamin K, protein, and calcium, all of which support strong and healthy bones.
Nutritional powerhouse
Moringa is exceptionally rich in vitamins and minerals. It contains more vitamin C than oranges, more vitamin A than carrots, more calcium than milk, more protein than yogurt, more potassium than bananas, and more iron than spinach.
Other Interesting Facts About Moringa
- Water purification: Moringa seeds have a natural coagulant that binds with impurities in water, making it easier to remove them.
- Drought tolerance: The Moringa tree is highly drought-tolerant, making it valuable in arid and semi-arid regions.
- Traditional medicine: In traditional medicine, Moringa leaves are used to treat a wide range of conditions including gastrointestinal problems, headaches, inflammation, anemia, fever, eye and skin infections, and bronchitis.
- Fast-growing and perennial: Moringa trees can be harvested for their leaves multiple times a year and continue to grow year after year.
At Earth & Thyme, we stock Moringa leaves sourced from Zambia. They are organically grown and harvested for us. These leaves can be used for teas or infusions.
There is no doubt that Moringa is a true gift from nature, providing countless benefits for both inner and outer wellness.