Moringa Seeds - Health Skin Hair and other Incredible Health Benefits

Moringa Seeds - Health Skin Hair and other Incredible Health Benefits Of Moringa Seeds

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Moringa seeds, from the Moringa plant are annually harvested in the sub tropics of Asia and Africa. They are highly valued for their nutritional benefit, just like the Moringa plant itself.

Moringa Seeds are rich in vitamins and minerals the human body needs to survive. It’s this rich concentrate of goodness that provides the seeds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cholesterol fighting qualities.

If you think moringa seeds are just like any other seeds that grow on trees, then I am here to change your mind.

Widely known as “drumstick tree” in India, moringa goes by different names in different countries and regions. It is known as ‘Sahijan’ in Hindi, “Munaga’ in Telugu, ‘Murungai’ in Tamil. The Tagalog name in the Philippines is ‘Mulunggay’, which sounds very similar to ‘Moringa’.

Amongst these general benefits, the high presence of vitamins offers incredibly larger doses than our typical sources:

Moringa seeds have more vitamin C than oranges

Four times more Vitamin 4 than carrots

Four times more Calcium than a glass of milk

Three times more Potassium than a banana

And two times more Protein than yoghurt.

What are Moringa Seeds?

Moringa seeds are obtained from the pods of the Moringa plant (Moringa Oleifera) or the drumstick tree, native to Northern India.Fresh and raw moringa seeds are quite tender, but as soon as they get dried, they become hard and start to resemble small beans. They are greyish-white in colour with unique wing-like structures. They can be steamed, boiled or roasted for various purposes," says Dr. Divya Choudhary, Chief Dietitian, Max Super Speciality Hospital.

According to Dr. Manoj K. Ahuja, Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj, "Moringa is a nutrient-dense plant that is rich in vitamins, calcium, iron and essential amino acids. It can benefit the body in a number of ways."

There are 4 edible parts of the moringa plant – its pods, leaves, seeds, and roots. Apart from producing edible parts, this plant also has the potential to solve problems like malnutrition, starvation, rural poverty, public health, deforestation and aesthetics . The incredible health benefits of moringa seeds are obtained from the pods of the Moringa plant.

The Moringa tree has been popularly called as “The Miracle Tree” in Asia, Africa and Caribbean Countries for centuries. It is rich in nutrients like vitamin B6, beta carotene, vitamin C, magnesium, and protein.

Owing to its rich nutritional density, this tree is known to cure or treat conditions of the skin, digestion, vision, diabetes, cholesterol, bacterial infections, obesity and promotes overall well-being.

What are the benefits of Moringa Seeds?

The following are some of the health benefits associated with moringa seeds.

Moringa Seeds Are High in Nutritional Value

What is moringa seeds’ nutritional value? The following table is a breakdown of the nutritional information for moringa seeds, per 100 grams.

Two key things to note are that these seeds have zero cholesterol and are very high in fiber, which can make them beneficial to a healthy food regimen.

Carbohydrates 8.53 Protein 2.10 Total Fat 0.20 Dietary Fiber 3.2 Cholesterol 0 Niacin 0.620 mg Calcium 30 mg Magnesium 45 mg Phosphorous 50 mg Potassium 461 mg

Lowers Blood Sugar Levels

One of the significant properties of moringa seeds is its ability to reduce blood glucose levels. Hence it acts as an anti-diabetic agent. A study done in 2012 tested the effects of moringa on diabetic rats. The rats were treated with an extract of moringa for 21 days and at the end of the period, there was a considerable reduction in the blood glucose levels of the rats. This goes to show that moringa seeds have anti-diabetic properties that are quite beneficial to us.

Blood Pressure

The Moringa seeds work to lower blood pressure. High blood pressure is becoming more and more of an issue as the Western world struggles with new obesity levels. High pressure can cause serious cardiovascular issues such as heart attacks and strokes.

To naturally lower blood pressures, it is suggested you take part in exercise regularly and lead a healthy lifestyle. However for some people whom are already at a dangerous stage, exercise may be out of the question, so medication will be the only alternative.

Preliminary studies show that Moringa and its seeds can lower blood pressure; however more research is still being done to confirm these theories fully. The current results prove Moringa seeds reduce oxidized lipids and safeguards heart tissues from constructional damage. Consult your doctor before trying Moringa seeds as a blood pressure balance. Each part of the Moringa Plant has its own benefits. Whether you’re using the leaves, flowers, roots or seeds, each will aid the body in a number of different ways. Below are just a few of the Moringa Seed benefits.

Acts as a Sleep Aid

Another valuable benefit of moringa seeds is their reported ability to help you sleep and prevent insomnia. The oil extracted from moringa seeds is what is thought to stimulate sleep by inducing hormones.As a rich source of the amino acid tryptophan, moringa seeds benefit neurotransmitter function, and this helps you also fight fatigue and insomnia. For a good night’s rest, steep moringa leaves in hot water for 15 minutes and then drink before bed. It will help you sleep soundly, which in turn will leave you energized to tackle the day

Reduces Joint Pain

Dr. Ashutosh Gautam, Clinical Operations and Coordination Manager at Baidyanath says, Moringa seeds make for a great supplement of calcium and help those suffering from joint pain. They help in reducing inflammation and severe bone disorders like arthritis.

Can Lower Cholesterol

Moringa oleifera is known to have positive effects on our cholesterol and lipid profiles.

A study was done in 2003 on rabbits, who were fed moringa (200mg/kg/day) for 120 days. The results of this study showed the rabbits to have lower serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels in their bodies. These rabbits showed a decrease in the lipid profiles of the liver and the heart. The study promptly concluded that moringa contains cholesterol and lipid lowering properties

Boosts Energy

A single serving of moringa has almost three times the amount of iron as spinach. This is especially important for vegetarians/vegans and those who suffer from low-iron issues, as the body needs iron to enrich the blood and carry oxygen to our muscles, organs, and tissues.

Promotes Heart Health

"Scientists have proved that moringa seeds can reduce the amount of oxidised lipids in our body and take care of our cardiac health by safeguarding the heart tissues from constructional damages," says Dr. Choudhary.

Induces Death of Cancer Cells

Dr. Ahuja says, "Moringa seeds are well known for their anti-carcinogenic effects. They can stop the growth and development of cancer cells by accelerating their death count."

High in Fiber

Moringa is high in soluble fiber, and as a result, it can do a great job of moving food along your digestive system. Fiber is also a key component in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system. Research shows that moringa seed soluble fiber is also termed as moringa seed resistant protein. As such, this soluble fiber could potentially benefit immunity, digestion, blood sugar control, and more.

Powerhouse of Antioxidants

"The oil extracted from moringa seeds contains almost 30 antioxidants. It contains vitamins A, B-complex, C and other free radical busters that save our body from severe oxidative damage. In other words, these antioxidant properties of moringa seeds can take care of our overall health", says Dr. Choudhary.

Supports Brain Health

Moringa seeds increase our mental focus and improve our brain health. Our brain needs a constant supply of nutrition to work at its optimum level. Some of the best foods to eat for a healthy brain are amino acids, omega-3s, antioxidants and vitamin E. Moringa seeds are a rich source of all these nutrients, thus promoting a healthy brain health.

Anti-Inflammatory

The Moringa plant is well-known as a natural anti-inflammatory, so the seeds are no different. Moringa seeds can reduce soreness and boost the health of our joints. Strengthening the joints with amino-acids and proteins enables sufferers of arthritis and other disorders to live a more independent life.

Combats Premature Aging, Promotes Healthy Skin and Hair

Various active components in moringa seeds make them very useful for both skin and hair care. The oil extracted from the moringa seeds contains almost 30 antioxidants. The skin absorbs the oil well and can receive these nourishing antioxidants easily. They can also reduce free radical damage on the skin. The oil can be used as a moisturizer and antiseptic as well. The omega-9 fatty acid in moringa seeds is thought to also be one of the best natural moisturizers for the skin. In addition, moringa seeds contain collagen, which helps prevent acne and reduce skin wrinkles. It is no wonder that moringa seed oil has a lot of value in the cosmetic and beauty industry, and it can be found in body oils, deodorants, hair products, soaps, body washes, anti-aging creams, and massages and aromatherapy oils.

Moringa Oil Is Used In A Number Of Cosmetic Products: Moringa seed oil is highly valued in the beauty and cosmetic industry. It finds its uses in several products like

Anti-ageing creams

Soaps and body washes

Hair products

Massage and aromatherapy oils

Face and body creams

Perfumes and deodorants

Body oils and scrubs

Promotes Liver Health

Moringa seeds have amazing properties to reduce liver damage and promote overall liver health.

A study done in 2010 tested the effectiveness of moringa seed extract on liver fibrosis in rats. Liver fibrosis was induced in the rats twice a week for 8 weeks. At the same time, moringa seed extract was also given to them daily. At the end of 8 weeks, the study showed that the seeds of moringa heal liver injury and act against the induced liver fibrosis in rats.

Teeth and Bones

Rich in Zinc, Calcium and plenty other minerals, Moringa seeds ensure overall well-being. Other minerals found in the seeds such as Iron reduce and prevent anaemia symptoms. The calcium keeps bones and teeth strong. Zinc has been known to facilitate in spermatogenesis (the process of sperm production in men).

Alleviates Digestive and Colon Problems

Moringa seeds can also help treat digestive and colon problems, and they’re particularly useful for soothing peptic or gastric ulcers.A study from 2014 found that the antioxidant properties of moringa seeds also help reduce ulcer symptoms. The moringa seeds were so potent that even low doses were effective. Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes long-term inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. Symptoms also include rectal pain and bleeding, diarrhea, and urgency to discharge a stool. A 2017 study published in the journal PLOS One found that moringa seed powder improved the integrity of colon tissue and reduced the severity of colon inflammation developed during ulcerative colitis.

Water Treatment

On a more charitable scale, Moringa seeds, oil and seed cake are being tested and used for treating dirty water. This paves the way to cleaner drinking water facilities in third world countries and could fight against life endangering diseases in these areas. There’s plenty more Moringa seed benefits too, like helping with weight loss, constipation or insomnia.

Anti-Anaphylactic Agent

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that needs to be treated right away, or it can lead to death. Symptoms will include shortness of breath, an itchy rash, tongue or throat swelling, lightheadedness, and vomiting. One study published in the Journal of Immunotoxicology in 2007 examined the anti-anaphylactic effect of the ethanolic extract of moringa seeds. The results of the study suggested that moringa seed extract could be a potential anti-anaphylactic agent in the treatment of allergic disorders.

Improves Eyesight

Moringa Seeds are also known to improve eyesight or help treat poor vision. There is not much research relevant to this topic, but there have been countless testimonials given by people who have used moringa seeds for their vision. They claim to experience an improvement in their eyesight, even after spending a considerable number of hours in front of their computers.

Treats Anemia

Moringa seeds are rich in iron, a nutrient responsible for maintaining a healthy RBC count in our blood. A deficiency of iron leads to anemia. A person who is deficient in iron may not only be anemic, but also present other symptoms like constant fatigue, weakness, headaches, shortness of breath and poor cognitive skills. A study done in 2016 reviewed the nutritional values of moringa and recorded that moringa oleifera is a rich source of iron and consuming them helps overcome iron deficiency and treat anemia.

Antibacterial, Antifungal Properties

Moringa seed extract also has antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties, which can help treat and prevent infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi. One study published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology in 2017 highlights the potential use of a purified protein in moringa seeds as an anti-candida agent due to its ability to inhibit candida growth.

Alleviates Asthma

The anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects of moringa seeds can help alleviate the severity and frequency of symptoms associated with bronchial asthma. Common asthma symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Seasonal allergies will often trigger asthma symptoms. One study published in the Indian Journal of Pharmacology in 2008 found that taking three grams of moringa seed powder for three weeks had helped improve bronchial asthma symptoms including wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing.

How To Use Moringa Seeds And How Much?

Moringa seeds can be popped like popcorn, with some butter and enjoyed as a snack or cooked like peas and eaten along with meals. Whichever way you prefer to eat them, always make sure to consume just a few seeds at a time (in a day). When eaten in a large quantity, it can cause an upset stomach.

What about moringa seeds dosage? There is no research for the exact dosage of moringa seeds, but it is widely recommended by experts that just a few (a small handful) seeds a day are enough to provide us with utmost benefits.

How much should I be using?

So far, Moringa is fairly new in the Western world. Therefore strict dosage levels have not been implemented. If you’re worried about using too many or too little Moringa seeds, be sure to ask the counter staff or a nutritionist.

Through lab research, the current ‘ideal’ dosage seems to be 150-200mg/kg. Below is a rough estimate of dosage according to a person’s weight:

150llbs – 1600-2200mg

200llbs – 2100-2900mg

250llbs – 2700 -3600 mg

Side Effects of Moringa Seeds

There is insufficient evidence for the side effects of eating moringa seeds. So, it helps to take some precautions. Most importantly, pregnant women are asked to consult their physician about consuming moringa.

It is also not advisable to consume these seeds in large quantities, as its cleansing properties are very powerful and the stomach may take some time to get used to eating such a strong product.

Warnings for Using Moringa Seeds

Do not take on an empty stomach

Peel the seeds before eating

Some people suggest keeping the peel on and washing the seeds thorough with salt water can be beneficial when trying to lose weight and detox.However, we would not suggest eating the seeds with the peel on.