Leaves, fruits, and seeds of the moringa plant are safe to be consumed by mouth. It is however risky to consume the roots or their extracts as it contains a toxic substance. Pregnant women should take extra care so as not to consume moringa roots. The leaves of this plant have a slightly laxative effect and this may cause some digestive problems in some people.
Pregnant women and women who are nursing should also avoid moringa plants as not much research has been conducted in this area and therefore, it is unclear whether or not it will affect you or your baby adversely. On the whole, it is pretty safe to use the moringa plant in all the forms that it is available. You just have to source it from a trusted source or brand.
Side Effects of Moringa
Heart rate and blood pressure
Those who are being treated for low blood pressure should consult their doctor before taking moringa. The side effects of Malunggay capsules include lowering blood pressure and lowering heart rate, due to the alkaloids in the plant. For many, this can be very helpful, but those with low blood pressure should be careful.
Liver and kidneys
In laboratory studies, moringa leaves also increase the risk of liver and kidney damage in mice. Although it is not known exactly how this affects people, the estimated doses are thought to have no side effects.
Moringa may also reduce how quickly the liver goes down with other medications. This can increase the side effects and side effects of other medications. One of the side effects of moringa, if overused, is to increase the toxicity in the liver, so taking the right dose is important.
Low pulse (hypotension)
Moringa may bring down circulatory strain. There is a worry that it may bring down circulatory strain excessively, causing swooning and different manifestations, in individuals who as of now have a low pulse.
Pregnancy and childbirth
The group should be particularly concerned about the side effects of taking moringa pills by pregnant women. Although the Moringa leaf has many positive effects on breastfeeding, it is known that chemicals in the root, bark, and flowers can contract the uterus.
Therefore, the use of moringa during pregnancy is not recommended. In groups studying the adverse effects of moringa, obstetricians are among the most concerned, with several studies showing the adverse effects of moringa in those receiving fertility treatment.
Low thyroid function
Levothyroxine is a drug used to treat people with low thyroid function. Studies show that moringa can reduce the amount of levothyroxine in your body that you can absorb Make sure you consult your doctor.
Diabetes
There is ample evidence that moringa can be used to lower blood sugar, and as a result, it can be an important tool in the fight against diabetes. However, when used in combination with diabetes medications to lower blood sugar, the side effects of moringa leaf powder can lead to unwanted side effects. Taking moringa and diabetes medications can cause hypoglycemia.
Low blood pressure
Moringa may lower blood pressure. While this may be of great benefit to some people, one of the side effects of moringa pills is to increase blood pressure and reduce the effects of high blood pressure drugs. This condition can exacerbate any related health conditions.
Uses of Moringa
In addition to its health benefits, the moringa plant has a host of other uses as well. Moringa can be used as an aphrodisiac and it also has proved to increase milk production in new mothers.
The oil in moringa seeds can be used in foods, perfumes, hair care products, and also as a machine lubricant. Moringa, when applied directly to the skin, helps to kill germs and to dry wounds. It can also be used topically to cure infections, athlete’s foot, dandruff, gum disease, snakebite warts, and wounds.
The leaves, bark, fruits, and roots of moringa are edible and they are consumed widely in India and parts of Africa. Moringa extracts also possess anti-cyanobacterial qualities and they help to purify water.
Health Benefits of Moringa
Moringa anti-inflammatory properties
The presence of flavonoids like beta-carotenoids, Vitamin C, quercetin, and Chlorogenic acid in moringa help to prevent inflammation. Quercetin helps to stabilize histamine production in the body and while Chlorogenic Acid helps to balance blood sugar levels. Moringa helps to control inflammation as fluctuations in blood sugar levels have been found to cause inflammation, diabetes, and other problems.
Moringa benefits bones health
Moringa has essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus which help to keep our bones healthy and strong. Extracts from this Moringa plant have been found to possess anti-inflammatory properties that help to treat conditions like arthritis and also help to fix mandibular or jaw bone fractures.
Moringa for cancer patients
Moringa extracts help to prevent cancer as they contain phenolic components like quercetin and kaempferol which exhibit chemopreventive properties. Niazimicin is a bioactive compound present in moringa which helps to restrain the development of cancer cells.
Moringa extracts prevent the proliferation of malignant cells and help induce apoptosis or programmed cell death and thus help prevent various types of cancer like ovarian cancer, liver cancer, and skin cancer.
Moringa antibacterial properties
Moringa extracts act against food-borne microorganisms like Salmonella, Rhizopus species, E.coli, Enterobacter aero genius, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus and thus protect us from the disease-causing microbes. The leaves of the moringa plant have anti-fungal properties that help to inhibit the growth of disease-causing fungi and prevent us from contracting diseases.
Moringa benefits brain health
Moringa is rich in Vitamin E and Vitamin C and this helps to fight oxidation which may lead to neural degeneration. Moringa has an essential role in regulating essential neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline in the brain which play a vital role in the functioning of memory, mood, and even organs. Consumption of Moringa can help to have an affirmative effect on mental health and aids in preventing Parkinson’s disease.
Moringa good for liver disease
The liver is one of the most vital organs of our body and it is responsible for the metabolism of fats and nutrients, bile production, and even blood detoxification. The liver carries out all these functions with the aid of enzymes and moringa oil helps to maintain the liver enzyme levels. Moringa helps to reduce fibrosis and liver damage by reducing oxidative stress and increasing the protein content in the liver.
Moringa helps to improve the body’s immunity
Moringa leaves contain ethanol which helps to boost body immunity. It helps to improve cellular immune response and increases the count of leucocytes and antibodies which protect our body against a variety of illnesses.
Moringa reduces symptoms of diabetes
Moringa leaf powder helps to reduce lipid and glucose levels and regulates oxidative stress. It also helps to improve hemoglobin levels and the total protein content in people suffering from diabetes. Moringa helps to fight diabetes by lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Moringa helps prevent kidney problems
Moringa extracts act as effective bio-absorbent and helps to remove heavy metals and harmful toxins from the body. Thus consumption of moringa help to fight against nephrotoxicity, a condition where kidneys are damaged due to exposure to toxins or drugs. Moringa exhibits this property due to the presence of powerful antioxidants.
Moringa prevents respiratory problems
Moringa plant extracts help to prevent asthma and inflammation in the respiratory airways. Moringa helps to reduce the severity of asthmatic attacks and prevents other respiratory disorders like wheezing, cough, dyspnea, and contraction of the chest. Moringa seeds have anti-allergenic qualities that have positive effects on the respiratory system as well.
FAQ
Is it safe to take Moringa daily?
Moringa is LIKELY SAFE when the leaves, fruit, and seeds are eaten as food. Moringa leaf and seeds are POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth as medicine, short term. Products containing moringa leaf have been used with apparent safety for up to 90 days.
Why is Moringa bad for you?
In these countries, Moringa oleifera can be an important source of many essential nutrients. However, there is one downside: Moringa leaves may also contain high levels of antinutrients, which can reduce the absorption of minerals and protein.
What happens when you drink Moringa everyday?
Studies reveal that it reduces liver damage and even helps prevent liver injury. It may also help in restoring liver enzymes, which allow the organ to perform its many duties: clear our blood of drugs, chemicals, and alcohol; convert glucose to starch for storage; and excrete wastes via bile, to name a few.
