Moringa is a vibrant plant native to Southeast Asia that is often used in food and traditional medicine. The leaves have a peppery taste that’s even stronger than arugula, and the seeds are sometimes used as a spice.
Lately, moringa has received a lot of attention for its superfood properties! This nutrient-dense plant is a fantastic green leafy vegetable, much like spinach or kale! Moringa is rich in calcium, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, magnesium, and so much more.
Keep reading as we dive into some of its research-backed claims and how you can incorporate this wonderful food into your daily life.
1. May Reduce Inflammation
According to the Cleveland Clinic, moringa is rich in antioxidants, even in small amounts, which is critical for fighting oxidative stress caused by free radicals in the body. While it’s impossible to avoid oxidative stress completely, moringa’s antioxidants can support lowered inflammation (a side effect of oxidative stress).
Current research shows that moringa has significant anti-inflammatory effects because of its many active compounds. One study found that it reduced both inflammation and pain, which may be helpful for individuals with chronic inflammatory conditions.
2. May Lower Blood Sugar and Enhance Heart Health
Moringa has been studied as a protective agent against cardiac damage and vascular dysfunction. Traditionally, moringa has been known as the “miracle tree” and used to treat conditions ranging from diabetes and anemia to infectious diseases.
Recent research has found that moringa contains powerful phytochemicals that act as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and anti-apoptotic agents (which promote cell survival and health!). All of these factors can improve heart contractions while protecting the heart from damage. Plus, they can act as natural vasorelaxants, meaning they relax blood vessels and increase blood flow.
All this to say that, in addition to its many amazing nutrients, moringa can support improved heart health in numerous ways!
For even more evidence-based herbs that support heart health, check out our previous article here.
3. May Support Healthy Blood Sugar Levels
Moringa leaf extract may help individuals with diabetes by supporting healthier blood sugar and insulin levels. It may even help protect against organ damage and other complications of diabetes. Researchers concluded that moringa may be an excellent functional food for managing diabetes and its resulting complications.
While this aspect of moringa still needs further research, we’re excited to see it explored as an option.
4. May Help With Weight Loss
Moringa may help with weight loss in several ways. In addition to being nutrient-rich and potentially anti-inflammatory, which can support your weight loss journey, a study on moringa seed extract found that it may have an anti-obesity effect.
This study concluded that moringa has potential anti-obesity effects, which may be due to multiple supportive benefits, including:
- Decreasing body weight and body mass index
- Improving lipid levels by supporting healthier cholesterol and triglyceride levels
- Increasing “good” cholesterol levels
On top of this, the Cleveland Clinic shares that moringa is low in calories but rich in fiber and protein, which can help those watching their weight fill up on healthy, nutrient-dense food.
Our Favorite Moringa Remedies
We love adding moringa to our routines in several ways: drinking a delightful cup of tea featuring this superfood and combining it with an herbal supplement, like our moringa shake formulas. This way, we get a punchy double-dose of this anti-inflammatory, supportive herb.
Some of our favorite teas featuring moringa:
- Good Moringa to You! Tea: This restorative tea delivers a blast of Vitamin A, C, and E, plus healthy antioxidants and polyphenols! We’ve given it a fantastic natural citrus flavoring to make it a delightful treat first thing in the morning.
- Organic Moringa Leaf Tea: This caffeine-free tea is pure organic moringa leaves! Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, this tea is traditionally used to support overall wellness and a healthy inflammatory response.
- Prickly Pear Herb & Fruit Tea: Have a craving for something juicy and tart? This smooth, balanced blend features juicy prickly pear with soft floral notes and a touch of tartness. It’s packed with vibrant fruits and herbs, including moringa leaves, lemon verbena, apples, oranges, dragon fruit, and strawberries.
- Pecan Tart Black Tea: Need a burst of caffeine in the morning? This whimsical, caffeinated tea combines moringa leaves, pomegranate, sarsaparilla root, and other supportive ingredients to create a decadent drink reminiscent of crunchy caramel, pecan tart, and a drizzle of white chocolate.
- Raspberry in Paris Rooibos Tea: If you love raspberries, you’ll adore this elegant combination of luxury rooibos tea with raspberry pieces, blackberry leaves, and moringa leaves. It’s antioxidant-rich with a delicate flavor.
- Aries Tea: Whether you are an Aries or have it somewhere in your chart, this tea is perfect for balancing common Aries concerns, such as problems with headaches, fevers, and poor memory. This tea encourages mental balance, soothes nerves, and supports your fiery nature.
- Fruit Cake Rooibos Tea: This tea is autumn in a cup, featuring harvest berries, autumn fruits, caramel, and hazelnut flavors blended into this wonderful, warming treat. Moringa leaves, elder berry, and apple are among the supportive herbs in this blend, which is packed with flavor and herbs to help you feel your best.
Other moringa products we love:
- Moringa Leaf Capsules: These antioxidant-rich capsules are known to support healthy blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, and promote overall wellness.* They don’t call moringa a superfood for nothing!
- Moringa Leaf Powder: Rich in vitamins and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and iron, this powder is a quick and easy way to incorporate moringa into your daily routine. It’s easy to add to your morning shake or breakfast (think cereal, yogurt, oatmeal, etc.). We love that moringa is a good source of fiber too, as it can help with satiety and encourage better digestion!
- Power Greens Power Shake: The ultimate all-in-one shake formula for those of you trying to up your greens intake. This shake powder contains spirulina, moringa, wheatgrass, and more to fortify and nourish your body and mind.
We hope this article inspires you to incorporate this superfood into your diet one way or another!
Herbalist Natalie & Herbalist Leilah
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Natalie Hajdu-Voakes is a consulting herbalist and the owner of The Herb Stop, with over 28 years of hands-on experience in crafting herbal remedies and promoting natural wellness. |
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products and statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. Consult your healthcare provider before use.