One of the most popular and beneficial green superfoods is
the moringa oleifera, known in popular parlance as “drumstick”, “miracle” or
“horseradish” tree. The tree is native to the Himalayan foothills of India but
is now commonly cultivated in the semiarid, tropical, and subtropical zones of
the world.
The moringa tree has a high nutritive value and each part of
it is viable for commercial or nutritional purposes. While the benefits of this
tree have become known to the West only in the recent past, moringa has been
utilized in and around the Indian subcontinent for centuries. Its prolific
nutrient composition made it one of the profound medicinal herbs to be used in
traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
With that being said, the tea that is made from ground and
dehydrated moringa leaves is undoubtedly one of the most nutritious teas that
can be consumed.
Moringa tea is credited with the presence of numerous
essential vitamins and minerals. The tree itself, specifically the leaves,
pods, and seeds, contain a variety of essential phytochemicals such as tannins
and flavonoids, which make their way into the moringa tea once the leaves are
ground.
Here are a few important health benefits and uses of moringa tea.
1. Packed With Antioxidants
Moringa tea is full of antioxidants, vitamin C, and
beta-carotene. Dr. Amy Shah, double board-certified MD says, “Antioxidants
offer a range of health benefits and help in combating and eliminating free
radicals in the body, preventing the onset of oxidative stress that can
potentially be harmful”.
The leaves of this tree are also rich in quercetin.
“Quercetin is an antioxidant that may help to stabilize blood sugar, disarm
disease-causing free radicals and help prevent heart disease”, she adds. The
leaves also contain chlorogenic acid, which according to research, may help
regulate and control blood sugar levels.
2. Contains Anti-inflammatory Compounds
Moringa tea is anti-inflammatory in nature due to the presence
of inflammation-fighting agents known as isothiocyanates, which alleviate
low-grade inflammation. “Inflammation is a normal response to stimuli in the
body, however, chronic inflammation has been shown to lead to health concerns
including high blood pressure”, says Dr. Shah. Studies suggest that phenolic
glycosides and other compounds in moringa demonstrated immunosuppressive and
anti-inflammatory activities.
3. Aids in Digestion
The anti-inflammatory compounds in moringa tea help improve
digestion, calm the stomach, and generally improve overall gastrointestinal
health. The antibacterial properties of this tea also help your gut function at
its optimum state. “Many superfoods, like moringa extract, may help to keep the
gut healthy and functioning properly. The high antibiotic and antibacterial
properties of moringa may help stop the growth of pathogens in the gut.
Additionally, moringa is high in vitamin B, which helps with overall digestion,
reducing bloating, constipation and other digestive issues”.
4. Boosts Immune System and Energy
Potent levels of ascorbic acid and other antioxidants make
this tea ideal for protecting against symptoms of cold and flu. “These
antioxidants stimulate the production of white blood cells that help fight
against oxidative stress, thereby helping to strengthen the immune system.”
Moringa tea is also a non-caffeinated energy booster.
“Avoiding caffeine and choosing natural energy boosters is ideal at promoting a
healthy sleep/wake cycle and keeping circadian rhythms inline”, adds Dr. Shah.
5. Improves Skin and Hair Health
The potent antioxidant properties of moringa boast a high
concentration of a chemical termed ‘cytokinins’. This not only helps repair
damaged cells but also boosts cell growth and stabilizes collagen. Moringa tea
is loaded with proteins as well as all nine essential amino acids and has
sufficient quantities of vitamin C and B-complex. “Amino acids are the building
blocks of protein, which help to promote hair growth and retain moisture in the
skin. Because of this, regular intake of moringa is a great way to improve skin
and hair health”, explains Dr. Shah.
Dr. Amy Shah,
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