Reviewed by Dr Nurul Aishah Jamaludin and Physician Peh Wei Jie

6 Moringa Benefits That Make it a Superfood

Published February 10, 2023| 4 min read

Did you know that one of moringa’s benefits is that it can increase breast milk production in mothers? Only the plant’s leaves should be used and not the plant’s roots, bark, and flowers.

Close-up of moringa leaves, pods, flowers, and seeds on a wooden surface.

You may have heard of moringa benefits but did you know why this plant is considered a superfood? It’s one of the most nutritious foods in the world and has been used in natural medicine for centuries.

Moringa oleifera trees are mainly found at the foothill of the Himalayas in north-western India. Because of their numerous health benefits, they’re also a popular health food and supplement.

Moringa leaves are used to make tea while its seeds are turned into oil. A combination of its roots and leaves can also be ground into a powder.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), moringa is associated with the Earth element and its bitter taste with the Liver meridian.

“Moringa leaves can address phlegm and Dampness and clear Heat and toxins. In addition, they have a tonifying effect on the Spleen and stomach and reduce excess Liver yang (active energy). Moringa seeds are also cold-natured, can tonify the Spleen and dispel Dampness. They have a pungent and bitter taste.”

Eu Yan Sang Physician Peh Wei Jie.

Find out the various benefits of moringa, and why you need to start including it in your diet today.

How Moringa Benefits Your Health

Moringa leaves cooked with lentils in a black bowl. — Moringa leaves are a popular ingredient in Indian cuisine.

Not only is moringa beneficial to your health, but its leaves are also a staple in Indian cuisine and are treated like a vegetable. Similar to spinach, they can be stir-fried or cooked in lentil curry.

Moringa seeds make a great snack and can be eaten raw or roasted. If you want to take it in a powder form, use it as a condiment or sprinkle it onto salads. Try adding it to a cup of warm water mixed with honey and lemon or steeped as tea.

Boasts high nutrition value

Taking moringa supplements is great for general health and disease prevention. A cup of moringa leaves has two grams of protein, and 18 types of amino acids and is an abundant source of vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, B1 (thiamine), B3 (niacin), folate, calcium and zinc.

Increases lactation

Woman breastfeeding a child while sitting on the edge of a bed. — Moringa increases milk flow and nourishes mum and baby with vitamins and minerals.

If you’re breastfeeding, moringa could be your answer to more milk. In ayurvedic medicine and TCM, moringa leaves can boost milk production. This is because the plant is a healthy source of protein and essential nutrients for both mum and baby.

Relieves constipation

Say goodbye to feeling backed up because moringa leaves can help with your toilet woes. A study revealed that they were found to have a mild, long-lasting laxative effect in mice, increasing the amount and water content of their faeces.

Has various disease-preventing properties

It just might be a natural alternative to anti-inflammatory drugs. The amino acids, carotenoids, antioxidants, and natural antibacterial compounds in moringa have been found to be just as effective.

Studies show that these compounds can improve heart health and blood circulation. In the medical community, moringa is known for its ability to reduce the risk of diabetes, heart conditions, cancer, epilepsy, and ulcers.

Moringa powder even can combat ageing. It possesses anti-ageing compounds that suppress inflammation, oxidative stress, and free radicals. It’ll also help lower your risk of chronic conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and age-related eye disorders.

Lowers cholesterol and helps manage weight levels

A high amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the body makes you vulnerable to heart conditions. The good thing is, taking moringa supplements can regulate the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and LDL cholesterol in your body and improve your heart health.

If you’re always hungry, moringa leaves also help you feel full, which supports healthy weight loss by boosting your metabolism and keeping your food cravings at bay.

“In TCM, moringa can help with obesity, which is caused by phlegm and Dampness. It can clear phlegm and Heat within the Liver meridian, and in turn, redirect energy, strengthen the Spleen, and eliminate Dampness.”

Eu Yan Sang Physician Peh Wei Jie.

Do use only a small quantity of leaves to treat constipation and avoid the roots, bark, or flowers if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive. It may not suit you if you have a cold body constitution or Yang Deficiency.

Seeing the many ways moringa benefits your health, it’s no surprise that it’s a popular superfood. Try adding it to your diet and see the difference it makes.

If you‘ve tried moringa before, tell us what you think by leaving a comment below.