Moringa: characteristics, benefits and properties of this plant

In the world there are a large number of plants and vegetables, many of them with important medicinal and / or nutritional properties.

Some of them have been known since ancient times, and some are acquiring more and more prestige over time. One of them is moringa, a type of tree from which different parts are used both for consumption and for other uses. Its properties are many, some of which we will mention throughout this article.

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What is moringa?

Moringa is a species of tree, with a scientific name Moringa oleifera, which belongs to the Moringacea family and that it enjoys increasing popularity (to the point of being considered a “miracle tree”). This deciduous tree usually measures between 5 and 10 meters in height, with a generally cone-shaped crown and generally white flowers with elongated petals.

Also known as the tree for purification, kerlo tree or “drumstick tree” or drumstick tree (due to the elongated shape of its fruits), the moringa

comes from northern India although it is also found in Africa and America, in addition to other Asian territories such as Pakistan and Arabia. It grows in humid and usually tropical climates, often on the banks of rivers, although it can also survive in dry areas.

Some of its main uses

The popularity of this plant is enormous, as the leaves, seeds, bark and roots of Moringa oleifera have multiple applications in many different fields. Moringa has among its components vitamins such as A or B, calcium, iron, potassium and magnesium, as well as phosphorus and zinc, multiple proteins and acids such as palmitic, ascorbic or oleic.

One of those that stands out the most is gastronomy, being a highly consumed product and in recent times considered a miraculous product. Although it is not such, yes that has multiple beneficial properties both when used as a condiment and when used as an oil, possessing nutritional and even medicinal properties. And not only human: it has also been used as fodder for different animals, in which it also seems to have beneficial properties.

In addition to its gastronomic consumption, moringa also has other properties that make it useful. Specifically, one of its main uses is in the purification of water, specifically its seeds. In this area, the seeds act as bioabsorbent elements with antimicrobial capacity, as well as as a coagulant in the purification of raw water.

Other uses given to the different parts of this tree go through the production of paper or the use of wood as firewood. It can also be used for the production of biodiesel.

Beneficial properties of its consumption

There are many components of moringa that are beneficial for health, being a plant very rich in nutrients, mineral salts and vitamins. In addition, it has a series of interesting properties that can help improve health. Among these properties, the following stand out.

1. It is antihypertensive

One of the properties of moringa that may be useful is its antihypertensive capacity, helping to reduce blood pressure levels and facilitating blood flow.

2. Antibacterial and antifungal properties

An especially relevant aspect when we talk about the roots, flowers or seeds of moringa is its ability to fight infections, whether they come from bacteria or fungi. The leaves also have antibacterial properties, inhibiting the proliferation of some microorganisms.

3. Hypoglycemic

Another of its relevant properties is its ability to lower blood sugar and even in urine, being a hypoglycemic agent that can be interesting to take by diabetic subjects.

4. Hepatoprotective

Moringa has been observed helps protect the liver, mainly due to the presence of flavonoids such as quercetin. And it not only protects, but also contributes to the repair of the cells of this organ.

5. Lowers cholesterol

Moringa also has the ability to help lower and keep cholesterol under control bad, in addition to reducing the possibility of cholesterol plaques that clog the arteries.

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6. Antioxidant properties

Moringa also has antioxidant properties, something that helps to promote the functioning of the body and to combat cell aging processes caused by free radicals.

7. Protects against anemia and fatigue

As we have already said, moringa has a large amount of nutrients and is rich in iron and magnesium, which make it a product that helps us prevent anemic states, also helping to maintain energy levels. and reduce levels of fatigue and weakness.

8. Improves mood

Moringa is considered a plant with the ability to improve energy level and also appears to have effects on levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine.

9. Antitumor properties

Some studies seem to indicate that moringa leaves have components that can help combat or prevent cancer, inhibiting the activity of cancer-promoting bacteria thanks, among other components, to its content in niazimycin

10. Laxative effect

Consumption of moringa has been observed to have laxative properties, especially in regards to its leaves. Thus, its consumption may be recommended in cases of constipation.

Some risks and contraindications

Moringa is a product that can be highly beneficial to health and can usually be consumed with normality in our day to day, but it must be taken into account that some of its properties may be harmful to some people.

In this sense, it should be noted first of all that the consumption of the bark and root of this plant can have an abortifacient effect when given in high doses, so pregnant women should avoid it.

Likewise also should be avoided by people with low blood sugar levels, since as we have said it reduces blood sugar being a hypoglycemic product. It can also cause irritations and in some cases allergic reactions if not consumed with other foods, in addition to insomnia or diarrhea.

Bibliographic references:

• Anwar, F., Latif, S., Ashraf, M. and Gilani, A.H. (2006). Moringa oleifera: a food plant with multiple medicinal uses. Phytotherapy Research, 21 (1): 17-25.
• Mendoza, I., Fernández, N., Ettiene, G. and Díaz, A. (2000). Use of Moringa oleifera as a coagulant in water purification. Science Journal from the Experimental Faculty of Sciences, 8 (2): 235-242.