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Moringa Leaves – 16 Health Benefits That You Should Know

Moringa tree is also known as the ‘miracle tree’ and there is a good reason why. The leaves, fruit, sap, oil, roots, bark, seeds, pod and flowers of the tree have medicinal properties. The products from the tree have many uses. It is also known as the ‘drumstick tree’. It is found mostly in Asia, Africa, and South America.

Moringa Leaves Nutrition

The drumstick leaves commonly known as moringa leaves are nutritionally very rich, leaving behind carrots, oranges and even milk in terms of nutrition value. The leaves find many uses in Indian cuisine as they are versatile and can be incorporated into the diet in many ways. Adding them to juices and using them as stir-fry vegetables are the most common ways in which they are eaten. When consumed in their natural form, the moringa leaves have no side effects.

Did you know that fresh Moringa oleifera leaves are not only packed with nutrients but also provide several health benefits? They contain about 6.7 grams of protein for muscle health, 1.7 grams of fats, 12.5 grams of carbohydrates for energy, and 0.9 grams of fiber for digestion. Adding these nutrient-rich leaves to your diet can be a great way to boost your overall nutrition and support a healthy lifestyle.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Amazing health benefits of moringa leaves:

1. Rich in Vitamins and Minerals

Moringa leaves are rich in vitamins A, C, B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 and Folate. They are also rich in magnesium, iron, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc.

One cup of moringa leaves will contain 2 grams of protein, magnesium (8 per cent of the RDA), Vitamin B6 (19 per cent of the RDA), Iron (11 per cent of the RDA), Riboflavin (11 per cent of the RDA)  and Vitamin A (9 per cent of the RDA).

2. Rich in Amino Acids

Moringa leaves are rich in amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. 18 types of amino acids are found in them and each of them makes an important contribution to our wellbeing.

3. Fight Inflammation

Inflammation is how a body naturally responds to pain and injury. Moringa leaves are anti-inflammatory in nature due to the presence of isothiocyanates. They have niazimicin that is known to reign in the development of cancer cells. Inflammation is the root cause of many diseases like cancer, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and many autoimmune diseases. When we suffer an injury or infection, the body suffers increased inflammation.

Basically, it is a protective mechanism against trauma but because of a wrong lifestyle and an unhealthy diet, inflammation can increase in the body. Long-term inflammation leads to chronic health issues. Eating moringa leaves helps to reduce inflammation.

Read More: 10 Top Anti-Inflammatory Food to Include in Your Diet

4. Rich in Antioxidants

Moringa leaves have anti-oxidative properties and protect against the damaging effects of free radicals present in the environment. The damage caused by free radicals is responsible for many chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart problems and Alzheimer’s.

Moringa leaves are rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene that act against free radicals.

They also have Quercetin which is an antioxidant that helps to lower blood pressure. Another antioxidant that is present in moringa leaves is Chlorogenic acid which helps to stabilize blood sugar levels post meals.

A study in women showed that taking 1.5 teaspoons of moringa leaf powder regularly for three months had shown a significant increase in blood antioxidant levels.

5. Lower Blood Sugar Levels

Sustained high blood sugar levels lead to the development of diabetes in individuals. Diabetes, in turn, can cause heart problems and organ damage in the body. To avoid this, it is good to keep the blood sugar levels in check. Moringa leaves are a perfect resource for that as they stabilize the blood sugar levels due to the presence of isothiocyanates.

Based on my medical experience, I want to emphasize the potential benefits of Moringa leaves for eye health. These leaves contain high concentrations of vitamin A, which play a vital role in warding off night blindness and maintaining optimal vision. Regular consumption of Moringa oleifera leaves, either as whole leaves or in powdered form, can provide the essential vitamin A needed to support healthy eyes and potentially delay the onset of conditions like cataract.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD

Did You Know?

6. Lowers Cholesterol

Apart from oats, flaxseeds, and almonds, moringa leaves are a dependable remedy against high cholesterol. Cholesterol is the major reason why people suffer from heart diseases and eating moringa leaves has known to show considerable improvement against high cholesterol levels. Moringa oleifera can lower those levels and protect against the risk of heart disease. Pregnant women usually experience higher levels of cholesterol, which can in turn increase the risk of developing gestational diabetes during their term. What is gestational diabetes? It is a type of diabetes that is first detected in pregnant women who did not have diabetes before they were pregnant. Moringa leaves can certainly be included in the diet for gestational diabetes

Read More: 6 Simple Ways to Reduce Cholesterol Levels

7. Protects the Liver

Those who have tuberculosis can benefit greatly from moringa leaves as they reduce the negative effects of anti-tubercular drugs. The leaves accelerate the repair of the liver cells. The leaves have a high concentration of polyphenols that protect against oxidative damage to the liver and may even reduce it. They increase the protein levels in the liver.

The liver is the site of blood detoxification, fat metabolism and nutrient absorption and it can function properly only if the liver enzymes are normal. Moringa leaves stabilize these liver enzymes.

Moringa health benefits

8. Protects Against Arsenic Toxicity

In many parts of the world, arsenic contamination is a common problem. Arsenic has found its way in our systems through many food items, particularly rice.

Long-term exposure to this element can lead to the development of cancer and heart disease. Research on lab animals has shown that moringa leaves to combat the effects of arsenic toxicity.

9. Good for the Stomach

Moringa leaves are beneficial against digestive disorders. Those who suffer from constipation, bloating, gas, gastritis and ulcerative colitis should add Moringa leaves to their diet.

The leaves have antibiotic and antimicrobial properties which make them an ideal remedy against digestive disorders. Even the high amount of B vitamins in the leaves helps in improving digestion.

10. Improves Bone Health

Moringa leaves are rich sources of calcium and phosphorus. Both of these elements are needed for good bone health. Since moringa leaves have an anti-inflammatory nature, they help combat arthritis and may even heal bones that are damaged.

Moringa oleifera also fights against osteoporosis and keeps bone and teeth strong

11. An Antiseptic

Moringa leaves are antiseptic and fight off many bacterial infections. They are even beneficial towards wound healing and help to heal bruises, minor cuts, and burns quickly as they reduce the clotting time.

12. Improve Lactation

Moringa leaves for pregnancy can be beneficial due to their nutrient-rich composition, potentially supporting the health of both the expectant mother and the developing baby. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, moringa leaves were used to increase lactation in nursing mothers. Since they are a rich source of protein, important vitamins, and essential nutrients, consuming moringa leaves is very good for the health of the mother and the baby.

13. Helps in Weight Management

Moringa leaves increase fat burning in the body. They slim down the person without depleting energy reserves. This keeps the person feeling buoyant and nourished. They reduce cravings for food and boost metabolism. They also lower cholesterol.

14. Good for Skin and Hair

Due to an abundance of antioxidants and nutrients, moringa leaves improve the health and appearance of skin and hair. They add suppleness to the skin and shine to the hair. The antioxidants present in moringa leaves reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin. They have about 30 antioxidants present. Not just this, a paste of moringa leaves for hair. when applied to the scalp reduces dandruff and adds life and bounce to dull, lifeless hair. The leaves also strengthen the hair follicles. Moringa leaves for skin also has proven to be beneficial for acne-prone skin, however, more research is required. This is why moringa leaves are part of many cosmetics. They improve the skin tone and add a glow due to their purifying nature and therapeutic properties.

Read More: 7 Home Remedies for Glowing Skin

15. Good for Nervous System

Many nervous disorders have been known to show positive results with the moringa leaves uses. They support brain health and work as neuro-enhancers. The high concentration of vitamins E and C combat neural degeneration and help improve brain function. Those who have a migraine or suffer from recurring headaches must eat moringa leaves regularly. These leaves also work as mood balancers as they stabilize the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline which are important for memory, mood, and for stimulus-response.

16. Good for Detoxification

Moringa leaves are natural cleansers and help to detoxify the system. This helps to keep the body and increases immunity against various infections. They also increase the energy levels in the body.

Also Read: Moringa Powder Benefits: Research-Based Overview of Its Health Advantages

Potential Downsides

Over the years, I have observed that Moringa leaves are truly remarkable. They contain not only 9 essential amino acids but also 7 non-essential amino acids, making them an exceptional source of protein. This unique combination of amino acids found in Moringa leaf powder can have numerous benefits for your overall health and well-being. Adding Moringa leaves to your diet can be a great way to ensure you’re getting a wide range of essential nutrients.

Dr. Smita barode, BAMS

Interactions with Moringa

Thyroid MedicinesParticularly, Levothyroxine medicine. Since moringa may increase thyroid function, it should not be taken along with other thyroid medicines.
Medicines broken down by the liverMoringa may slow down the breakdown of medicines in the liver, this may lead to subsequent issues.
DiabetesBoth moringa and diabetes medicines reduce the amount of glucose in the blood. If both are taken together then the blood sugar may drop too low.
Blood pressureMoringa has blood pressure-lowering properties, when taken with pressure medication it may cause your blood pressure to drop.

Conclusion

Moringa leaves provide a powerful punch of nutrition and have an anti-inflammatory nature. Their antioxidative properties combined with their cellular-health protective properties make them a new ‘superfood’. They suppress the production of inflammatory enzymes and lower sugar levels. Make these a regular part of your diet to reap rich health benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What happens when you drink moringa everyday?

Consuming Moringa everyday may lead to modest reductions in blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Moringa leaves are highly nutritious and can be consumed everyday which proves to be highly beneficial for people who are lacking in essential nutrients.

2. What is the ideal way to have moringa?

You can take moringa on its own, on an empty stomach, or on a full stomach. You may take it with food, or without. It’s entirely up to you or as advised by the doctor.

3. How long does it take to see positive results from moringa?

You may not see positive results instantly after consuming moringa. You must continue having moringa for at least a month or two to see good results. 

4. What is Moringa tea?

Moringa tea is an herbal tea made by steeping the moringa leaves in pure hot water. This tea can also be made using moringa leaf powder and tea bags. It is naturally caffeine-free and you can consume it any time of the day.

5. What is moringa good for?

Moringa is good for a variety of health benefits. It is rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, which can help boost energy, support immune function, and provide overall nutrition. Moringa is also known for its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

6. What are the potential benefits of moringa for women?

Moringa offers numerous potential benefits for women, including improved nutrition, increased energy, and support for bone health due to its rich mineral and vitamin content. It may also help address anemia and offer anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to overall well-being. However, it’s essential for women to consult healthcare professionals before adding Moringa to their diet, particularly during pregnancy or while nursing.

7. What are the potential benefits of moringa for men?

Moringa offers several potential benefits for men, such as improved vitality, enhanced energy, and support for overall well-being due to its rich nutritional profile. It may also aid in addressing specific health concerns, but consulting with healthcare professionals before incorporating Moringa into their diet is advisable.

8. What are the potential benefits of moringa leaves for weight loss?

Moringa leaves for weight loss show promise due to their low-calorie, nutrient-rich nature, which can help control appetite and support weight management. When integrated into a balanced diet and exercise routine, they contribute to a holistic approach to sustainable weight loss. However please consult with your healthcare provider before adding moringa leaves to your diet

9. How can moringa leaves for eyes benefit vision?

Moringa leaves for eyes offer a valuable source of vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining optimal eye health and preventing conditions like night blindness and cataracts.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation of the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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12 Natural Remedies For Mouth Ulcers

People who have experienced mouth ulcers know the discomfort and pain that this condition can cause. Eating becomes next to impossible and whatever little you try to ingest goes down very painfully. Stress has a big role to play in these ulcers appearing inside the mouth along with malnutrition. The exact causes of mouth ulcers vary from person to person. Some of the common causes of mouth ulcers include:

Here’s a quick guide on the different types of ulcers 

Types of UlcersSymptoms
Minor AphthousIt has smaller, painful mouth sores- They are typically oval or circular in shape- These sores will usually heal within two weeks- Does not leave scars after healing is complete
Major AphthousCharacterised by extremely painful, large sores- They have an irregular shape, much deeper than minor ulcers- It can take about six weeks to heal- Major ulcers may leave permanent scars
HerpetiformThese are pinpoint size ulcers, between 1-2 mm- They usually occur in groups of 10 to 100, forming irregular shapes- These ulcers typically do not scar- They heal within 1-2 weeks
TraumaticUlcers due to injury while brushing, sharp tooth, dental prosthesis, braces or cheek bites

Did You Know?

Home Remedies For Mouth Ulcers

There are several drugs and medications available in the market that can provide temporary relief from the condition. It is important to consult a doctor for the correct diagnosis and treatment of oral ulcers. Simple home remedies may help in addition to the prescribed treatment. Here is a list of home remedies which are popular for mouth ulcers.

1. Honey

Honey has many beneficial properties. However, you may be unaware of the fact that it can also be effective for mouth ulcers. Apply honey on the ulcers and let it remain. Since the ulcers are inside the mouth, you can accidentally ingest the applied honey along with your saliva. However, it is essential that you keep applying honey to the ulcer spots after every few hours.

Honey has antimicrobial properties and can aid in repairing any open wound quickly. Aside from reducing the ulcer, the honey also protects the area from infections.

2. Baking Soda Paste

Take equal amounts of baking soda and water. Mix them to create a thick paste. Apply this paste to the mouth ulcer and let it dry out. Once the mixture has dried, rinse your mouth with water and gargle as well. This should be done three times a day.

Baking soda is actually a chemical compound named sodium bicarbonate. This compound is used in many home-cleaning solutions. It also acts as one of the best mouth ulcer cures, as it can reduce the pain significantly. The baking soda neutralizes the acid formed by the ulcer, which eventually treats the condition.

3. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is used in a wide variety of activities across most of India. However, very few people are aware of its healing properties when it comes to mouth ulcers. Simply apply a bit of coconut oil to the surface of the ulcer and let it stay on. You can also apply it while going to sleep at night. Similar to honey, coconut oil includes antimicrobial properties that help to reduce ulcers naturally. The same compound also acts as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic treatment for your mouth ulcers. Applying the oil can reduce the pain caused due to mouth ulcers.

4. Saltwater

Mix a tablespoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water. Now gargle thoroughly using this liquid. Once you are done, you can gargle with plain water to remove the salty taste from your mouth. Using this procedure, you can soothe some of the pain and discomfort that you experience during the mouth ulcer. The antiseptic properties of salt are well known.

5. Toothpaste

Who knew that simple toothpaste can help against mouth ulcers as well? However, any good toothpaste contains antimicrobial properties that can reduce the swelling and pain of mouth ulcers.

Apply the toothpaste using a Q-tip. Ensure that you cover the entire ulcer region with toothpaste. Leave the paste on for a few minutes before rinsing it off. You can keep applying the toothpaste each day until you see the whiteness disappear from the ulcer. However, applying toothpaste to the ulcer can be quite painful. This pain can be offset by applying aloe vera gel on the spot.

6. Orange Juice

Orange is a great source of Vitamin C, which can prevent and aid mouth ulcers. However, consuming a whole orange may be difficult when you are suffering from these ulcers. A great remedy for mouth ulcers is to drink two glasses of freshly squeezed orange juice every day.

Research has shown that Vitamin C deficiency can lead to mouth ulcers. Apart from this, Vitamin C is known to boost the immunity of a person, allowing their body to fight against all kinds of infections and diseases.

7. Clove Oil

Clove is an essential part of one of the most used spice mixes in India, Garam Masala. Clove oil is extracted from the flower bud. This extract is used in a wide range of natural remedies, including toothache and mouth ulcers. In case of mouth ulcers, take a small piece of cotton and apply the oil directly to the ulcer. Wait till the ulcer tissue absorbs the oil.

Remember to rinse your mouth with warm water prior to the application of the clove oil. This will clean up the surface of the ulcer region. Clove contains eugenol and antimicrobial properties that help deal with all oral issues. The pain and inflammation are also treated by the application of this oil.

8. Coconut Milk

Use coconut milk to gargle when you are suffering from mouth ulcers. This is one of the best remedies for mouth ulcer. When repeated three to four times each day, you are likely to feel a soothing effect and also reduced pain emanating from your ulcers.

9.Turmeric Powder

Turmeric is an antiseptic, which is used in almost all Indian dishes. Along with fighting infections, turmeric is also effective in battling against the inflammation and pain from mouth ulcers. The product has antimicrobial properties as well.

Take a bit of turmeric powder and some water. Mix to form a thick paste. Apply this paste on the ulcers every morning and evening. Leave it on for a few minutes and then rinse it off properly. You should start noticing the difference immediately.

10. Garlic

Garlic is another common item in every Indian kitchen. While it is commonly used to flavour curries and dals, garlic can also act as a great remedy for mouth ulcers. The Allisin compound present in garlic makes it antimicrobial, which helps against a range of infections.

To use garlic, cut a clove in half and dab it on the ulcer spot for a minute or two. After this is done, rinse your mouth properly to remove the raw garlic odour from your breath. You can repeat this twice or even thrice each day.

11. Cabbage Juice:

Boil a raw cabbage and puree it once after it is sufficiently boiled. Drink this juice three to four times each day to receive the needed benefits. Cabbage possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the pain in your mouth, allowing you to consume solid foods easily, even though you may be suffering from severe mouth ulcers.

12. Apple Cider Vinegar

Next time you are at the grocer’s, pick up a bottle of apple cider vinegar. Take a tablespoon of this and mix it with half a cup of warm water. Take this solution inside your mouth and rinse with it. Keep repeating for a minute or two. Once this is done, rinse your mouth thoroughly with plain water. You can keep repeating this every morning and evening, till the time that the ulcer heals.

Apple cider vinegar has anti-bacterial properties that will kill the germs which caused the ulcer in the first place. It will also speed up your recovery.

These are some of the home remedies that will likely improve mouth ulcers. However, there are several kinds of mouth ulcers, each with a different cause and treatment. Some mouth ulcers where bleeding occurs may be more severe than normal ulcers. Try out these hacks and see whether you receive any benefits from them. If you do not notice any improvement, you should visit the doctor immediately.

It is important to understand that oral ulcer cure depends on the type and cause of the ulcer. A doctor can best advise you on this. Above mentioned remedies are popular but lack scientific evidence and may not be effective for everyone.

Also Read: Mouth Larva: Understanding This Medical Condition and Its Treatment

Foods to avoid

If you already have a mouth ulcer, avoid some food and drinks to prevent the condition from deteriorating further. You can avoid the following food in order to heal the mouth ulcer faster.

At any rate, most mouth ulcers take around 7 to 10 days to be completely cured. You should have no issue with it once a couple of weeks pass by.

When to seek professional help for mouth ulcers

As effective as home remedies may be, you must also have a backup plan in case the home remedies for mouth ulcers fail:

Some other telling signs that can indicate that your mouth ulcer is not just a normal ulcer but could maybe even be mouth cancer are if you smoke products containing tobacco if you drink alcohol quite frequently, and if are infected with human papillomavirus (HPV).

For the best result, follow the medications and home remedies advised by a doctor. The best way to avoid mouth ulcers, however, is to avoid overstressing yourself, maintain proper oral hygiene and follow a balanced diet.

Also Read: Does Honey Expire? Unveiling The Truth About Honey’s Shelf Life

FAQs

Q1. What is the main cause of mouth ulcers?

Most mouth ulcers are caused by things you can try to avoid, such as biting the inside of your cheek. Braces, badly fitting dentures, rough fillings or a sharp tooth are also responsible for mouth ulcers. Cuts or burns while eating or drinking, for example, hard food or hot drinks can aggravate mouth ulcer causes.

Q2. What is the fastest way to get rid of mouth ulcers?

The combination of salt and hydrogen peroxide will help the sore caused by mouth ulcers heal faster. Sometimes the simplest remedy is the best. You can also add some salt to warm water and rinse for about 30 seconds to get relief.

Q3. How long do mouth ulcers last?

Aphthous ulcers, also called canker sore, are small painful sores inside the mouth. They are oval-shaped ulcers with a yellow-grey centre that a red ring surrounds. Canker sores typically last 1–2 weeks.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation of the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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