Moringa: Characteristics, Benefits And Properties Of This Plant
In the world there are a large number of plants and vegetables, many of them with important medicinal and/or nutritional properties.
Some of them have been known since ancient times, and some are acquiring increasing prestige over time. One of them is moringa , a type of tree from which different parts are used both for consumption and for other uses. Its properties are many, some of which we are going to mention throughout this article.
Moringa is a species of tree, with a scientific name Moringa oleiferawhich belongs to the Moringaceae family and which enjoys increasing popularity (to the point of being considered a “miracle tree”). This deciduous tree usually measures between 5 and 10 meters in height, with a crown that is generally cone-shaped and flowers that are generally white and have elongated petals.
Also known as a tree for purification, kerlo tree or “drumstick tree” or drumstick tree (due to the elongated shape of its fruits), moringa It comes from northern India although it is also found in Africa and America , as well as in other Asian territories such as Pakistan and Arabia. It grows in humid and generally tropical climates, frequently on the banks of rivers, although it can also survive in dry areas.
The popularity of this plant is enormous, and the leaves, seeds, bark and roots of the moringa oleifera have multiple applications in very diverse areas. The moringa It has among its components vitamins such as A or B, calcium, iron, potassium and magnesium as well as phosphorus and zinc, multiple proteins and acids such as palmitic, ascorbic or oleic.
One of those that stands out the most is gastronomy, being a highly consumed product and in recent times considered a miracle product. Although it is not such, it is It has multiple beneficial properties both when used as a condiment and when used as an oil , possessing nutritional and even medicinal properties. And not only human: it has also been used as fodder for different animals, in which it also seems to have beneficial properties.
In addition to its gastronomic consumption, moringa also has other properties that make it useful. Specifically, One of its main uses is in water purification, specifically its seeds In this area, seeds act as bioabsorbent elements with antimicrobial capacity, as well as as a coagulant in the purification of raw water.
Other uses given to the different parts of this tree include the production of paper or the use of wood as firewood. It can also be used to produce biodiesel.
Beneficial properties of its consumption
There are many components of moringa that are beneficial for health, being a plant very rich in nutrients, mineral salts and vitamins. In addition to this, it has a series of interesting properties that can contribute to improving health. Among these properties, the following stand out.
One of the properties of moringa that may be useful is its antihypertensive capacity, contributing to reducing blood pressure levels and facilitating blood flow
2. Antibacterial and antifungal properties
An especially relevant aspect when we talk about the roots, flowers or seeds of moringa is its ability to fight infections, whether they come from bacteria or fungi. The leaves also have antibacterial properties, inhibiting the proliferation of some microorganisms.
3. Hypoglycemic
Another of its relevant properties is its ability to reduce blood sugar and even urine, being a hypoglycemic agent that may be interesting to take by diabetic subjects.
4. Hepatoprotective
It has been observed that moringa It helps protect the liver, mainly due to the presence of flavonoids such as quercetin And it not only protects, but also contributes to the repair of the cells of said organ.
5. Lowers cholesterol
Moringa also has the ability to help reduce and keep bad cholesterol under control, in addition to reducing the possibility of creating cholesterol plaques that clog the arteries.
6. Antioxidant properties
Moringa also has antioxidant properties, something that helps promote the functioning of the body and combat cellular aging processes caused by free radicals
7. Protects against anemia and fatigue
As we have already said, moringa has a large amount of nutrients and is rich in iron and magnesium, which make it a product that helps us prevent anemic states , also helping to maintain energy levels. and reduce levels of fatigue and weakness.
8. Improves mood
Moringa is considered a plant with the ability to improve energy levels and that also appears to have effects on the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine
Some studies seem to indicate that moringa leaves have components that can help fight or prevent cancer, inhibiting the activity of cancer-promoting bacteria thanks, among other components, to their niazimycin content.
10. Laxative effect
It has been observed that the consumption of moringa has laxative properties, especially regarding its leaves In this way, its consumption may be recommended in cases of constipation.
Some risks and contraindications
Moringa is a product that can be highly beneficial for health and can generally be consumed normally in our daily lives, but it should be taken into account that some of its properties can be harmful to some people.
In this sense, it should be noted first of all that Consumption of the bark and root of this plant can have an abortive effect when given in high doses so pregnant women should avoid it.
Likewise also should be avoided by people with low blood sugar levels , given that, as we have said, it reduces blood sugar and is a hypoglycemic product. It can also cause irritation and in some cases allergic reactions if it is not consumed together with other foods, as well as insomnia or diarrhea.
