By Auwalu Musa Umar
Zogale (moringa olofera )Moringa oleifera is a plant native to northern India that can also grow in other tropical and sub-tropical places, like Asia and Africa. Folk medicine has used the leaves, flowers, seeds, and roots of this plant for centuries.
It’s traditionally been used as a remedy for
Moringa has many important vitamins and minerals. The leaves have 7 times more vitamin C than oranges and 15 times more potassium than bananas. It also has calcium, protein, iron, and amino acids, which help your body heal and build muscle.
: It’s also packed with antioxidants, substances that can protect cells from damage and may boost your immune system. There’s some evidence that some of these antioxidants can also lower blood pressure and reduce fat in the blood and body.
It’s traditionally been used as a remedy for such conditions as:
Diabetes
Long-lasting inflammation
Bacterial and fungal infections
Joint pain
Heart health
Cancer
Cancer: In lab tests, leaf extracts slowed the growth of pancreatic cancer cells and helped chemotherapy work better. Other lab studies show that moringa leaves, bark, and roots all have anti-cancer effects that might lead to new drugs.
Diabetes: Several early studies show that insulin-like proteins found in moringa may help lower blood sugar. Plant chemicals found in the leaves might help the body process sugar better, and it may affect how the body releases insulin.
: Memory: Some experts think the antioxidants and other health-promoting plant chemicals may heal stress and inflammation in the brain
Cardiovascular Disease
Extracts of the moringa leaf may help to lower cholesterol and improve heart health. A review published in Frontiers in Pharmacology in 2012 examined the existing clinical and animal trials of moringa leaf and concluded it may be an effective treatment for dyslipidemia, a condition marked by elevated levels of cholesterol, triglycerides (a type of blood fat), or both.
There is six main function of zogale:
6 Science-Based Health Benefits of Moringa oleifera: …..
1. Moringa oleifera Is Very Nutritious
Moringa leaves are an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals. One cup of fresh, chopped leaves (21 grams) contains
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
No:2. Moringa oleifera Is Rich in Antioxidants
Antioxidants are compounds that act against free radicals in your body.
High levels of free radicals may cause oxidative stress, which is associated with chronic diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Several antioxidant plant compounds have been found in the leaves of Moringa oleifera.
In addition to vitamin C and beta-carotene.
Quercetin: This powerful antioxidant may help lower blood pressure.
Chlorogenic acid: Also found in high amounts in coffee, chlorogenic acid may help moderate blood sugar levels after meals
NO:3. Moringa May Lower Blood Sugar Levels.
However, most of the evidence is based on animal studies. Only a few human-based studies exist, and they’re generally of low quality.
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.
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%.
Scientists believe these effects are caused by plant compounds such as isothiocyanates.
: No:4. 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.
In fact, sustained inflammation is linked to many chronic health problems, including heart disease and cancer.
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.
NO: 5. Moringa Can Lower Cholesterol
NO: 6. Moringa oleifera May Protect Against Arsenic Toxicity.
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.
Arsenic contamination of food and water is a problem in many parts of the world. Certain types of rice may contain particularly high levels.
Long-term exposure to high levels of arsenic may lead to health problems over time.
For instance, studies have linked long-term exposure to an increased risk of cancer and heart disease.
Interestingly, several studies in mice and rats have shown that the leaves and seeds of Moringa oleifera may protect against some of the effects of arsenic toxicity.
Auwal Musa Umar
(RDN,MNSN) registered Dietitian Nutritionist,Member Of Nutrition society of Nigeria.
He is Currently the President (ANDs/IDN)Association Of Nigerian Dietitians/Institute of Dietetics in Nigeria. Kano state chapter.
