Moringa: characteristics, benefits and properties of this plant

This tree has beneficial properties in many ways, but it also has adverse effects.

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 with time. One of them is the moringaOne of them is the moringa, a type of tree from which different parts are used for both consumption and other uses. Its properties are many, some of which we are going to mention throughout this article.

What is moringa?

The moringa is a species of tree, of scientific name Moringa oleiferawhich belongs to the moringaceae family. and enjoys increasing popularity (to the point of being considered a "miracle tree"). This deciduous tree is usually between 5 and 10 meters high, with a crown usually cone-shaped and flowers usually white and elongated petals.

Also known as purification tree, kerlo tree or "drumstick tree" or drumstick tree (because of the elongated shape of its fruits), the moringa tree comes from northern India. comes from the north of India although it is also found in Africa and America, as well as in other Asian territories.It is also found in Africa and America, as well as in other Asian territories such as Pakistan and Arabia. It grows in humid and generally tropical climates, often along riverbanks, although it can also survive in dry areas.

Some of its main uses

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

One of the most outstanding is the gastronomy, being a highly consumed product and in recent times considered as a miracle product. Although it is not such, it does has multiple beneficial properties both when it is used as a condiment and as an oil, possessing nutritional and nutritional properties.It has 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 water purification, specifically its seeds.. In this field, the seeds act as bioabsorbent elements with antimicrobial capacity, as well as a coagulant in the purification of raw water.

Other uses given to the different parts of this tree include the elaboration 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 to health, being a plant very rich in nutrients, mineral salts and vitamins. In addition, it possesses a series of interesting properties that can contribute to improve the state of health. Among these properties, the following stand out.

1. It is antihypertensive

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

2. Antibacterial and antifungal properties

A particularly 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 that may be interesting to take by diabetics.

4. Hepatoprotective

It has been observed that moringa contributes to protect the liver, mainly due to the presence of flavonoids such as quercetin.. And 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 bad cholesterol under control, in addition to reducing the possibility of generating cholesterol plaques that clog the arteries.

6. Antioxidant properties

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

7. Protects against anemia and fatigue

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

8. Improves mood

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

9. Antitumor properties

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

10. Laxative effect

It has been observed that the consumption of moringa has laxative properties, especially with regard 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 normally in our day to day, but it should be noted that some of its properties may be harmful to some people.

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

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