Around the world, this plant is known as both the miracle tree and the tree of life. And right now the medical establishment is buzzing about the health benefits it contains. But, what exactly is moringa and why are scientists singing its praises, insisting that health benefits of this hearty tree are enormous?
Moringa is a substantial tree that is native to the Northern India Himalayan region but is increasingly found in other regions of the world. It is also commonly known as the drumstick tree, horseradish tree, or ben oil tree. Almost all of its parts are edible and staples of traditional/herbal medicines. The leaves and pods are commonly eaten in parts of India and Africa. Moringa which is botanically known as Moringa oleifera, is a popular plant known for its rich antioxidant properties. So far, scientists have carried out various researches on the plant and have identified some of its more intriguing health benefits.
Moringa rounded leaves are overflowing with nutrition that includes: protein beta carotene, calcium, vitamin C, and potassium, and many other valuable health properties. How much good stuff does it contain? Well, consider this, Ed Bernhardt of The Tico Times notes that one hundred grams of dry moringa leaf has nine times the protein as the same quantity of yogurt, 10 times the vitamin A of carrots, 15 times the potassium of bananas, 17 times the calcium of milk, 12 times the vitamin C of oranges, 25 times the iron of spinach.
Wow, that is quite the nutritional punch!
But for diabetics what makes moringa especially compelling is its ability to help control a person’s blood sugar. Several studies have shown that Moringa may help lower blood sugar levels. The effect is caused by plant compounds like isothiocyanates that are contained in the Moringa leaves.
A study published in the March 2014 issue of Acta Histochemica, researchers fed extracts of Moringa oleifera leaves to albino rats that were suffering from streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Scientists, who monitored the fasting plasma glucose levels of the rats, noted that by the end of the trial, the rats who consumed Moringa extracts had reduced their fasting plasma glucose levels from 380 percent to 145 percent compared to the control group.
“Experimental findings clearly indicate the potential benefits of using the aqueous extract of M. oleifera leaves as a potent antidiabetic treatment,” the researchers concluded.
But before you run out to get your hands on some manga supplement, remember to speak to your doctor first.
