Moringa’s potential benefits cover a wide range of wellness bases. Here are seven ways it may help your health.
1. May Reduce Inflammation
Like many plant-based foods, moringa contains antioxidants, including carotenoids, flavonoids, and phenols. It harbors isothiocyanates and quercetin, which have anti-inflammatory effects, says San Diego–based integrative medicine physician Markus Ploesser, MD, chief innovation officer at Open Mind Health.
Antioxidant compounds like these are known for combating the harmful compounds called free radicals, which contribute to the cellular inflammation associated with chronic diseases and aging. Not surprisingly, research shows that moringa may hold promise for treating inflammatory conditions like glandular inflammation, headache, and bronchitis.
2. May Protect Against Arthritis
Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, moringa may be useful for arthritis symptom relief, Dr. Ploesser says. One animal study, for example, found that an extract of moringa was effective at treating arthritis in rats. Ploesser points out that this may not translate to similar results in humans. “The evidence in the context of autoimmune diseases remains inconclusive and requires further research,” he says.
3. Could Lower Blood Sugar
If you have blood sugar issues such as diabetes, moringa could be one potential option in your treatment toolkit. “Moringa lowers blood sugar by increasing the levels of insulin secretion,” explains Christiane Matey, RDN, of Mint Nutrition in Mooresville, North Carolina. According to one animal study, moringa also increases the uptake of glucose (blood sugar) by the muscles and liver, ultimately decreasing the liver’s production of glucose. This could be helpful for people with diabetes who need to bring down their blood sugar, but additional studies on humans are needed.
4. Could Benefit Heart Health
A moringa supplement may enhance cardiovascular health in a couple of ways. First, moringa leaves contain heart-protecting compounds that may help lower cholesterol levels, Matey says. Multiple studies have found that these bioactive alkaloid compounds reduce blood cholesterol in animals.
The herb’s multitasking antioxidants may also get involved in cardiovascular health and “may protect the heart by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress,” Ploesser says. Note that these areas require further study in humans.
5. May Improve Memory
We’d all like to ensure that our minds stay sharp as we age. It’s possible that moringa could serve as an aid for cognition. “Moringa’s antioxidants and neuroprotective compounds may support brain health,” Ploesser says. “Quercetin and chlorogenic acid, both found in moringa, have been linked to improved cognitive function and protection against neurodegenerative diseases.” According to a study done on animals, moringa could be used to treat dementia and improve spatial memory. Ploesser emphasizes that most studies on moringa and memory have been conducted on animals, and that firm conclusions in humans require more evidence.
6. May Protect Liver Health
The high concentration of polyphenols in moringa may help protect the liver from damage caused by toxins, medication, or oxidative stress, Ploesser says. “Studies have indicated that moringa may help restore liver enzymes to normal levels and reduce fibrosis.” Since these studies have primarily been conducted on rodents, it’s important to interpret their results with caution.
7. May Support the Immune System
“Due to its high levels of vitamins A and C, moringa may help boost immune function,” Ploesser says. “The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of moringa could also play a role in preventing infections.” It’s worth noting that the amounts of vitamins A and C in a standard serving (2 teaspoons) of moringa powder are relatively low. Significantly higher doses of moringa may be required to achieve immune health benefits.
