What is Moringa oleifera? Why do scientists claim it to be effective in fighting autoimmune diseases? Let’s find out.

Type 1 diabetes, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis, Multiple sclerosis, Lupus, and Crohn’s disease are just a handful of the more than 80 known autoimmune diseases. Almost 4 percent of the population worldwide is affected by these types of health conditions. Sadly, most of those who have contracted any of these diseases are dependent on synthetic medicines, which are not cheap at all.

The good news, however, is that autoimmune diseases are preventable or reversible. And, at a much lesser or no cost at all! Scientists found that there are at least 15 plant-based foods that are effective at fighting autoimmune diseases. One of which is the magnificent Moringa oleifera.

What is Moringa oleifera?

Depending on the region where it is grown, Moringa oleifera is called by different names, such as:

  • Drumstick Tree, Horseradish Tree, or Ben Oil Tree in English
  • Murungai in Tamil
  • Muringa in Malayalam
  • Munagakaya in Telugu
  • Shojne in Bengal
  • Shevaga in Marathi
  • Shenano in Rajasthani
  • Nuggekai in Kannada
  • La mu in Chinese
  • Malunggay or Kamunggay in Filipino (Philippines)

Moringa oleifera is a tropical drought-resistant tree. People in Asia, Africa, and South America call it a treasure house for a valid reason. They use it as an ingredient in many local recipes. At the same time, they use it as a home remedy to ease many discomforts. The leaves, flowers, and seeds are often the key ingredients in many of their poly-herbal formulations. In developing countries, folks use moringa leaves and pods to alleviate malnourishment. They also turn to it to treat arthritis, anemia, allergies, epilepsy, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other health conditions.

What do scientists discover in Moringa oleifera?

Many scientists study the properties of this tropical plant. And, they’re amazed at how potent it is. They admit that they have investigated only a fraction of the multiple health benefits it provides mankind. And yet, their discovery is overwhelming. Generally, they agree that moringa contains:

  • 15 times more potassium than bananas
  • 7 times more vitamin C than oranges
  • 4 times more vitamin A than carrots
  • 4 times as much calcium as milk
  • 2 times more than the protein in yogurt per gram

Moreover, they found that the horseradish is packed with healthy compounds like:

  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamins B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), and B6
  • Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
  • Vitamin E
  • Calcium
  • Folate
  • Iron
  • Magnesium
  • Potassium
  • Phosphorus
  • Proteins
  • Zinc

The scientists further admit that the traditional applications are valid. They have proven moringa is powerfully packed with these properties:

  1. Ascorbic acid, polyphenols, and flavonoids. These antioxidants are associated with our mental health, organ function, mood, and memory. They are responsible for stabilizing our serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline or norepinephrine. They also work to fight free radicals.

  2. Anti-inflammatory. Moringa is packed with anti-inflammatory and immuno-modulatory properties. These two plus the antioxidants work in a potent manner in treating colitis, a chronic condition where the inner lining of the colon is inflamed. Moringa’s leaf extract works efficiently in inhibiting the inflammatory enzymes and proteins.

  3. Cardiovascular benefits. Again, the antioxidants in moringa help prevent cardiac damage. Its leaf powder lowers cholesterol levels as well as controls lipid levels in the blood. It also stops the formation of artery-blocking plaques.

  4. Brings down lipid and glucose levels. Persons with diabetes do well with moringa as it effectively lowers lipid and glucose levels. In addition, the plant controls oxidative stress. Thus, protecting the cells from damage.

  5. Blood-clotting properties. The horseradish’s blood-clotting properties fight fungal skin infections, digestive problems, and urinary tract infections. When regularly consumed, its leaves stop bleeding and heal wounds quicker.

These are but few of the many properties of Moringa oleifera. But with these alone, we should be convinced of its ability to effectively protect us from autoimmune diseases. Clearly, it fortifies our immune system. So, perhaps, if you haven’t done so yet, it is high time to make Moringa oleifera part of your daily diet. Eating fresh moringa regularly prevents you from getting any of the above-mentioned autoimmune diseases. In the Philippines, one of the most popular dishes that include malunggay is the Tinolang Manok. It’s a boiled chicken with moringa leaves.

I understand not everyone can readily get fresh moringa leaves, flowers, or seeds, as it is a tropical plant. However, you may avail of its capsule or powder form. They must be available in any of the dietary shops and pharmacies worldwide.