What Are The Health Benefits Of Moringa Tea

Helps Reduce High Blood Pressure And Blood Sugar Levels

Along with being rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene, moringa leaves contain two more important antioxidants, quercetin, and chlorogenic acid.

While quercetin has been found to reduce blood pressure in hypertensive rats, similar effects are yet to be investigated in humans .

The chlorogenic acid, also found in coffee, on the other hand, might help regulate blood sugar levels .

Moringa also contains polyphenols and bioactive compounds called isothiocyanates that help reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels, keeping your blood pressure and glucose levels in check.

How To Make Moringa Tea

It is easy to make moringa tea, especially when the tea comes from your own garden. The tea is prepared from dried moringa leaves. Below are the steps to prepare this beneficial tea.

Ingredients

1 Cup of hot water 1 Teaspoon blended or crushed dried moringa leaves Honey

Step no. 1: Place the moringa leaves with a scoop into a cup

Step no. 2: Add the hot water whilst allowing the leaves to brew for about 3 to 5 minutes or until its colour changes

Step no. 3: Take the honey & mix it in to taste

You can serve the moringa tea hot or cold throughout the year.

May Inhibit Arsenic Toxicity

In many impoverished nations, arsenic is a major problem when it comes to the water supply. The chemical may also leach into groundwater and contaminate food crops. Arsenic toxicity symptoms include abdominal pain, vomiting, and watery or bloody diarrhea. Acute arsenic poisoning can be fatal by causing complete organ failure.

A few small studies have shown promise in the use of moringa to prevent arsenic poisoning. These studies have largely been conducted in controlled lab experiments and on small rodent studies. More research is needed to establish the use of moringa as a treatment for arsenic toxicity.

One study published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine found that dietary supplementation with moringa leaves inhibited the triglyceride and glucose increases associated with arsenic. The leaves also inhibited cholesterol changes typically witnessed during arsenic poisonings in mice .

A second animal study published in Environmental toxicology and Pharmacology found that moringa seed powder exhibited therapeutic effects on rats suffering from arsenic poisoning. The moringa seed helped to restore healthy glutathione levels an reactive oxygen species in the rat’s blood .

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Who Should Not Take Moringa

Pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding.

People on blood-thinning medications.

If you have low blood sugar , monitor the levels regularly as moringa might lower it further.

In people with low blood pressure, moringa may cause fainting.

It may also worsen the situation for people who have underactive thyroid glands .

Consult a doctor before giving moringa to young children or elders.

S To Brew Moringa Tea

Wanted to get the magical benefits of this amazing moringa tea? Let us look at the procedure behind the making of this amazing tea to get its benefits.

Ingredients

• Honey or agave as a sweetener .

Procedure

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How To Use It

As you can probably tell by now, this plant can be used in many different ways in order to utilize all the available moringa benefits. Because of the long transport time needed to ship moringa from parts of Africa or Asia where its grown, in the U.S. its usually sold in powder or capsule form, which prolongs its shelf life.

An interesting characteristic of moringa? Its said to taste like a mix between horseradish and asparagus. It might not have the most appealing flavor, but its a supplement with one of the the richest supplies of vital nutrients in the world.

Dosage Recommendations

Theres no recommended or required dosage of moringa at this time since its only an herbal supplement and not an essential nutrient. That said, theres some evidence that the optimum dose for humans has been calculated to be 29 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.

Its recommended that you start by taking half a teaspoon of dried moringa orally per day for three to five days, increasing your intake slowly over two weeks as you get acclimated to its effects.

Most people choose to take moringa every several days but not every single day for long duration of time, since it can can cause laxative effects and an upset stomach when overused.

Here are the most common ways to use moringa to get the best moringa benefits possible:

It May Regulate Thyroid Hormones

In one animal study, moringa leaf extract was shown to be an effective thyroid hormone regulator, especially in female test subjects.

Editor’s note: Pregnant women or women trying to conceive are advised against taking moringa.

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May Improve Heart Health

Animal studies also suggest that moringa can improve heart health. Moringa contains plant compounds known as sterols and quercetin, which may help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, says Ben-Asher.

High blood pressure and cholesterol levels are linked to a greater risk of heart disease and stroke.

It Can Help Your Sex Life

Stress can stress your sex life. It can throw hormone levels off, spiking cortisol and decreasing dopamine to lower libido. In animal studies, moringa has not only been show to bring down cortisol levels, but it may also naturally boost testosterone levels, a known sex drive supporter. In one study, moringa extract worked to enhance sexual performance in stressed rats by suppressing cortisol and increasing testosterone.

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Potential Risks Of Moringa Tea

Both animal and human studies have shown moringa to be generally safe. Still, moringa products could pose a risk to some individuals. Before you use moringa tea, consider these potential health risks:

Drug Interactions

Moringa can decrease the effectiveness of at least one diabetes drug. It can increase the side effects of other drugs. If you take medications, talk to your doctor before drinking moringa tea.

Pregnancy Concerns

In animal studies, moringa has inhibited reproduction. The bark of the moringa tree has been linked to a risk of miscarriage. Although moringa tea is not made from bark, pregnant women should avoid moringa altogether.

Interaction with Chemotherapy

Moringa has been shown to boost the effectiveness of certain chemotherapy drugs. Still, those undergoing chemotherapy should not use herbal products unless they ask their doctor first. Herbs can interact with chemotherapy drugs.

Benefits From Drinking Moringa Tea

Moringa is a tree with a rich nutritional profile thats native to India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. There are several different species, but the most common and widely consumed is moringa oleifera. This is sometimes referred to as the miracle tree. Its also been called the tree of life, mothers milk, drumstick tree, and horseradish tree.

The tree is fast-growing, drought-resistant, and can reach 40 feet in height. Nearly every part of the plant is edible and has medicinal qualities, but the pods, leaves, flowers, and bark are most frequently used. Its valued in Ayurvedic therapy for a range of uses, including its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiviral and antidepressant properties.

Its bark is thick and white-colored and its leaves are long and oval-shaped. The tree has been used since ancient times and was valued by the Greeks and Egyptians. Currently, several humanitarian organizations are encouraging its growth in rural communities to help combat malnutrition.

The plants grow so quickly that within six months of planting a cutting, the first harvest can be taken. By the second year, one tree can produce nearly 300 seed pods that might be parboiled and added to curry or roasted and eaten like nuts.

Unique Glucosinolate Found in Moringa

The isothiocyanate found in broccoli and many other cruciferous vegetables is sulforaphane. However, the unique glucosinolate found in the moringa plant is metabolized to moringin.

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It May Lower Blood Sugar Levels

Research supports the idea that the moringa plant could potentially have anti-diabetic properties. A small study published in the journal Nutrients reported that adding moringa leaf powder to food reduced the blood sugar response to meals of study participants with diabetes. Unfortunately, the powder also significantly reduced the palatability of the food, per the researchers.

What Does Moringa Tea Taste Like

Dry moringa leaves have a very strong scent with earthy and dry grass notes and light underlying sweetness. If you like the scent of autumn fields, cut dried grass and hay, you will like the scent of moringa leaves too. They have an olive green color. Moringa is available as loose leaf and powder. Brewed tea has an intense yellow color and a delicate scent similar to the scent of the dry leaves.

Moringa tea has a very pleasant flavor, with light hay notes and no bitterness at all. It leaves a very light sweet aftertaste. If you are not a fan of herbal teas because of their intense or bitter flavors, moringa may be the right herbal tea for you.

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Health Benefits Of Moringa Tea

Moringa is the latest addition to the list of superfoods. In Eastern medicine, the small tree called moringa oleifera has been used to both treat and prevent medical problems including heart disease, diabetes, liver problems, and arthritis. It has gained popularity in Western cultures recently, where individuals mix water with powdered moringa leaves to create a healing beverage known as moringa tea. This drink is packed with essential nutrients, such as iron, calcium, magnesium, beta carotene, potassium, and vitamins A, B6, and C. Learn about the significant health benefits of drinking moringa tea now.

Keeping Diabetes In Check

Moringa tea has been shown to reduce the blood sugar levels in diabetics. A study was carried out in which 30 women took 1.5 teaspoons of moringa powder daily up to three months. The results showed that there was a 13.7% decrease in fasting blood sugar levels. A similar study showed that a total of six participants added 50 grams of moringa leaves to the meal reduced the increase in blood sugar levels as much as 21%. Some studies show that taking moringa tea after meals reduces blood glucose levels post-meals.

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Side Effects Of Moringa

In general, its well-tolerated. However, there are known drug interactions and some circumstances when its not recommended.

• Some believe moringa can trigger uterus contractions, so avoid if youre pregnant.
• Not recommended for breastfeeding mums the effects on the nursing infant arent fully understood.
• Due to its effects on blood sugar, it may not be suitable for those with diabetes.
• As moringa may reduce blood pressure, it could cause fainting and dizziness if youre already prone to low blood pressure.
• The taste isnt for everyone, so you may prefer to use it sparingly.
• There are concerns it could worsen an underactive thyroid.
• Also avoid if youre taking medication for low thyroid function.
• Moringa possibly changes how the liver breaks down some medications, so seek advice if this applies to you.
• The roots contain spirochin, a toxic substance, so avoid ingesting this part of the plant.

It Protects The Liver & Kidneys

Moringa powder contains high concentrations of polyphenols that keep the liver safe against oxidation, toxicity and damage caused by anti-tubercular drugs.

Also, people who ingest moringa extract are less likely to develop stones in the kidneys, bladder or uterus. The high levels of antioxidants might aid toxicity levels in the kidneys as well.

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It May Help Balance Hormones

Menopause can throw women’s hormones out of whackand make them feel off, but moringa may help. A study published in the Journal of Food and Science Technology found that postmenopausal women who took a combination of moringa leaf powder and amaranth leaf powder for three months not only had decreased markers of oxidative stress, but they also had better fasting blood glucose and increased hemoglobin levels, which could mean more balanced hormones. Moringa has also been linked to improved thyroid health, which controls hormones related to energy, sleep, and digestion.

May Protect The Liver

The liver is essential for maintaining our health and processing nutrients from our diet. In animal studies, moringas high levels of protective compounds called polyphenols helped protect the liver and promote recovery of damaged tissue.

Very recent human trials suggest a possible role for moringa as an anti-cancer drug for liver cancer.

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How To Make Moringa Tea At Home

Moringa powder is widely available online and in grocery stores nowadays. It can be boiled in filtered water and then passed through a sieve to get a bright green tea, which is the moringa tea. However, if you don’t trust brands and packaged powders, then you can also make moirnga powder at home. All you need to do is get your hands on some fresh moringa leaves, dehydrate them and then grind them to make a powder. Alternatively, you can just clean the leaves and boil them in water for a few minutes to make moringa tea.

If you suffer from any chronic conditions, then make sure you consult a dietitian or your doctor, before adding this tea to your diet.

Risks And Side Effects

What are the side effects of taking moringa? Because its completely natural and free from chemical additives , when taken by mouth or used on the skin it seems to be very well-tolerated.

Moringa side effects are still possible and may include:

• lower blood pressure
• cell mutations when high amounts of seeds are consumed
• interference with fertility

Leaves, fruit, oil and seeds from the moringa tree have been consumed safely for centuries, but today there are various forms of supplements or extracts sold, so its important to buy the purest kind you can find and to read ingredient labels carefully.

During pregnancy or when breastfeeding, its best to avoid moringa extract, root or high doses of supplements since not enough research has been done to show its safe. Its possible that chemicals within the plants root, bark and flowers can lead to contractions of the uterus, which can cause complications during pregnancy.

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Moringa Benefits Hormonal Balance Digestion Mood & More

By Jillian Levy, CHHC

• Moringa vs. Matcha

Have you ever heard of moringa before? Although this plant was initially discovered for its beneficial properties thousands of years ago, only recently has moringa become known as one of the most impressive herbal supplements to hit the holistic health market.

In fact, in 2008 the National Institute of Health moringa the plant of the year, acknowledging that perhaps like no other single species, this plant has the potential to help reverse multiple major environmental problems and provide for many unmet human needs.

What are the health benefits of moringa? To date, over 1,300 studies, articles and reports have focused on moringa benefits, finding that it contains compounds that are especially important in parts of the world where disease outbreak and nutritional deficiencies are common.

Research shows that just about every part of the moringa plant can be utilized in some way, whether its to make a potent antioxidant tea or produce an oily substance that lubricates and nourishes the skin.

Is Moringa Safe For Everyone

It is generally considered safe to eat the leaves and seed pods, however caution should be exercised over the bark and pulp. This is especially relevant during pregnancy because the bark contains chemicals which may promote uterine contractions and may increase the risk of miscarriage.

Those on prescribed medication including blood pressure tablets, diabetes medication and levothyroxine should check with their GP or pharmacist to ensure moringa is appropriate for their use.

If youre on prescription medication, have a relevant medical condition or have concerns, speak to your GP for guidance.

Kerry Torrens is a Registered Nutritionist with a post graduate diploma in Personalised Nutrition & Nutritional Therapy. She is a member of the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine and a member of the Guild of Food Writers. Over the last 15 years she has been a contributing author to a number of nutritional and cookery publications including BBC Good Food.

All health content on bbcgoodfood.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local health care provider. See our website terms and conditions for more information.

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It’s A Source Of Plant

Whether you’re a vegetarian or just trying to cut down on meat, it’s not always easy finding convenient plant-based protein. Sure, there are lentils and tempeh, but sometimes you just want a quick, no-cook add-in to sprinkle on smoothie bowls or add to soup. That’s where moringa comes in. Powders made from its crushed leaves are packed with protein3 grams of protein per tablespoon, in factand have a leg up on legumes because they contain all the essential amino acids, necessary for muscle repair, energy production, and mood regulation.