Moringa tea has been around for centuries for medicinal purposes but recently the tea has gained immense popularity due to a number of benefits that come with it. If you like to sip on this delicious and soothing tea, you will fall in love with it more by the end of this article. If you are doing your research before you include it in your diet, you have landed at the perfect place. Let’s get started:
What is a Moringa Tree and where does it come from?
Known by the scientific name Moringa oleifera, this centuries-old tree is known for different names owing to its properties such as:
- Horseradish tree due to the sharp and peculiar flavor of its roots
- Drumstick tree due to the thing and elongated bean pods.
- Miracle tree due to the promising medicinal benefits.
The majority of the variety is native to Africa but the best quality of moringa tree is found o the foothills of the Himalayas. Moringa plant grows at a very fast pace which is the reason it is a valuable crop that is cultivated all across the world.
Moringa tree is one of the few plants whose all parts carry immense benefits including the roots, seeds, beans as well as leaves. The parts are consumed in a variety of ways either in boiled form or extract form.
How Moringa Tea is made?
Moringa tea is made using a very simple method that involves no processing. Usually, two methods are used:
The moringa tree leaves are dried using the drying technique at first. The dried leaves are then ground into a fine powder for adding to the teas.
Fresh moringa tree leaves are cleaned properly and then boiled in water. Your easy peasy moringa tea is ready!
Well equipped with the moringa knowledge it is now time to have a look at the nutritional profile of moringa tea.
Nutritional Profile of Moringa Tea
One serving of moringa is 1 cup and here is what you get out of it:
- Total Calories: 0g
- Fats: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Proteins: 0g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 0g
- One cup of chopped leaves of moringa contains:
- Iron: 11% of RDA
- Magnesium: 8% of RDA
- Vitamin B6: 19% of RDA
- Vitamin A: 9% of RDA
- Vitamin C: 12% of RDA
- Vitamin B2: 11% of RDA
Fresh moringa leaves carry more Vitamin C which is lost during the boiling.
Benefits of Moringa Tea
We won’t hang you any further. Get ready to be surprised by the immense benefits of moringa tea we are about to state. Have a look:
1. Keeping Diabetes in check
Moringa tea has been shown to reduce the blood sugar levels in diabetics. A study was carried out in which 30 women took 1.5 teaspoons of moringa powder (of leaves) daily up to three months. The results showed that there was a 13.7% decrease in fasting blood sugar levels. A similar study showed that a total of six participants added 50 grams of moringa leaves to the meal reduced the increase in blood sugar levels as much as 21%. Some studies show that taking moringa tea after meals reduces blood glucose levels post-meals.
2. Keeping your Bowel Healthy
Moringa tea has been used as a treatment for treating many digestive problems such as constipation, ulcerative colitis, and gastritis. The fiber in it ensures a smooth movement of bowels while also keeping your stomach fuller for longer periods of time. Vitamin B in it aids in digestion while the antibacterial and antimicrobial powers of moringa protect against all the pathogens that could lead to an upset digestive system. Some studies have shown that moringa tea compounds also help in keeping a healthy balance of gut bacteria.
3. Keeping your Heart Healthy:
Studies have categorized moringa tea as a heart-healthy food as it lowers the cholesterol in the blood and prevents the formation of plaque in the arteries. Moreover, moringa tea is loaded with antioxidants that protect the body against oxidative stress which leads to diseases among whom leading one is heart disease.
4. Treating Cancer
Moringa tea is a treat for cancer patients. According to studies, moringa tea extracts slow down the growth of cancer cells in the pancreas. Moreover, it improves the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs. Moringa tea extracts contain a compound niazimicin is categorized as an anticancer compound.
5. Other diseases
Moringa tea has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. Here is a list of diseases that can be healed with moringa:
- Arthritis
- Liver diseases
- Alzheimer’s
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Asthma
- Kidney disorders
- Wound healing
- Inflammation leading to chronic diseases
6. Healthy and Glowing Skin
As moringa is rich in Vitamins A and E, it is obvious that it will give you radiant and glowing skin. There is a reason Vogue magazine called it worthy of redefining beauty from within.
7. Boosting Immunity
Owing to the iron and Vitamin A in it, moringa tea is a great immunity-boosting compound that must be a part of everyone’s diet.
8. Protection against Stress
Moringa tea contains adaptogens that protect the body against stress and its harmful effects while improving attention and stamina. We are sure nobody can say no to a tea-like moringa.
Side Effects of Moringa Tea
Moringa leaves powder has been declared safe for everyone as per the food experts even in larger amounts. However, pregnant and nursing women should avoid taking it. Studies have shown that the compounds in moringa tea may lead to contractions in the uterus. Beware of the toxic compounds present in moringa seed and seed extracts.
Moringa tea has a laxative effect due to the fiber content n it. So you must consume it in a suitable quantity in order to avoid an upset stomach.
Final Verdict
Moringa tea is rightfully claimed as a miracle tea owing to its multiple health benefits. Do not forget that moderation is the key. Once you have found the right amount that suits your body, you are good to go.
