Discover Moringa Leaves Benefits For High Blood Pressure and Health

Do you know that according to a survey conducted by the World Health Organisation, around 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 years worldwide have hypertension? 

Well, hypertension, specifically high blood pressure, is the most common disorder nowadays. It directly affects the heart and kidney health, and if it is not treated properly, it may lead to heart stroke and kidney failure. 

People diagnosed with hypertension usually look for natural remedies to prevent it. One such herbal solution for high blood pressure is using moringa leaves. Moringa leaves are enriched with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help to regulate blood pressure and prevent other health issues.

Therefore, this blog will shed light on the moringa leaves benefits for high blood pressure, and how to use them. So, continue reading to discover a practical solution for your health problems!

Table Of Contents

1. What are Moringa Leaves?

2. Moringa Leaves Benefits For High Blood Pressure

3. 10 Major Health Benefits Of Moringa Leaves

4. Nutritional Value Of Moringa Leaves

5. How To Use Moringa Leaves?

6. The Final Say

7. FAQs

8. References

What Are Moringa Leaves?

Drumsticks or moringa leaves are a highly beneficial superfood that has been used in Ayurveda because of their medicinal properties. The scientific name is Moringa oleifera, and they are well known for being able to withstand drought.

The moringa plants, which are originally from the Indian subcontinent, have been found to contain very powerful medicinal properties that are currently being used worldwide. Traditionally, they possessed antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects.

The moringa leaves contain vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium, among other essential nutrients. They are also good for the brain's health, bones, immune system and liver. While there are numerous features to uncover, let’s start by understanding their benefits for high blood pressure and hypertension. 

Also Read: Drumsticks: Health Benefits And Nutritional Value

Moringa Leaves Benefits For High Blood Pressure

Moringa leaves are filled with medicinal properties and help to regulate blood pressure. Some moringa leaf benefits for blood pressure include the following:

• Moringa is enriched with antioxidants that help to prevent cell damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are the modules that continuously remain unstable and lead to the development of chronic diseases like high blood pressure.

  
  

• Potassium is essential for maintaining heart health and helps balance the effect of sodium in the body. Sodium elevates blood pressure while potassium helps to reduce it, and moringa leaves contain a rich amount of potassium hence, they alleviate high blood pressure.

  
  

• Moringa leaves are a good magnesium source for controlling blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure is due to the relaxation of blood vessels by magnesium (Mg).

  
  

• The capacity of a person’s blood vessels to dilate or contract is called vascular function. In situations when the blood vessels are not functioning as expected, they could become constricted and cause hypertension. Moringa leaves may help to improve vascular function by relaxing blood vessels and reducing inflammation.

  
  

Also Read: Herbal Teas for High Blood Pressure: Lower Your Risk Naturally 

10 Major Health Benefits Of Moringa Leaves

The following are the benefits of moringa leaves:

1. Anti-Inflammatory Properties 

Moringa contains compounds such as flavonoids, beta-carotene, vitamin C, quercetin and chlorogenic acid, which help prevent inflammation. 

Quercetin in moringa leaves improves histamine levels, while chlorogenic acid balances levels of blood sugar in the body. Moringa leaves also help reduce pain because unstable blood glucose can lead to neuropathic pain. 

The antioxidant content in moringa may help counteract oxidative stress associated with diabetes, potentially mitigating pain symptoms. Furthermore, the suggested neuroprotective effects of moringa could play a role in relieving pain arising from nerve damage due to inflammation. 

2. Effective For Bone Health

One effective way to supplement bone health is by consuming moringa leaves, as it is enriched with important minerals like calcium, and phosphorus. 

Bones are made up of calcium, the main mineral that gives bones strength and structure. Phosphorus, in conjunction with calcium, is responsible for maintaining bone density and preventing bone loss. Vitamin K plays a crucial role in bone metabolism, promoting bone formation and inhibiting bone breakdown.

In a research experiment published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, it was also found that moringa leaf extract can promote osteoblast differentiation and reduce osteoclast activation, hence increasing moringa’s benefit to bone health. The aforementioned studies give the first indication of the value of bone health and its protective role against bone diseases such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and joint pain in moringa leaves.

3. Helpful For Cancer Patients

Phenolic components like quercetin and kaempferol found in moringa leaf extracts are known for their chemo-preventative roles in preventing cancer. There is another bioactive compound, niazimicin, present in moringa that inhibits proliferation of the cancerous cells.

Isothiocyanates such as sulforaphane cause cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in cancer cells. It also impacts the gene expression related to cancer cell multiplication, spread, and migration into other parts of the body.

Quercetin, a flavonoid which possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, is thought to protect against carcinogenic oxidative stress. Another flavonoid known as kaempferol is capable of suppressing cancer growth cells and stimulating programmed cell death or apoptosis in tumour cells.

Moringa leaf extract inhibits abnormal malignant cell proliferation and induces a process called apoptosis that is used to destroy cancerous cells and prevent ovarian, breast and skin cancer.

4. Possess Antibacterial Properties 

Moringa extract protects against foodborne microorganisms such as Salmonella, Rhizopus, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. These bacteria are known to cause food poisoning and produce toxins in packaged foods. The moringa plant leaves exhibit antibacterial properties that help inhibit the growth and development of bacteria, preventing foodborne diseases.

Also Read: 6 Instant Home Remedies For Food Poisoning

5. Improves Brain Health 

Moringa contains high levels of vitamins E and C, which help us fight oxidation and can cause neurodegeneration. 

Moringa plays a vital role in regulating neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, which play an essential role in memory, mood and 

even the body's role. Regular consumption of moringa may help positively affect brain health and prevent Parkinson's disease.

6. Moringa For Liver Diseases

The liver is one of the most important and largest organs in our body. It is responsible for the digestion of fats and other essential nutrients, bile production and even blood detoxification. 

While the liver performs all these functions with the help of enzymes, consuming moringa leaves can regulate these liver enzymes for optimal liver function. Moringa also helps reduce fibrosis and liver damage by reducing oxidative stress and increasing protein content in the liver. 

7. Improves Immunity

Moringa leaves have nutrients with the capacity to boost the immune system in conjunction with vital vitamins, including calcium, iron, magnesium, copper, potassium and phosphorus. This is due to their high contents of vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, zinc, and iron, which facilitate immune cell production and functionality.

Compounds such as isothiocyanates, quercetin, and kaempferol provide antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, further bolstering the body's defences against infections.

Moringa leaves also contain ethanol, which helps boost cellular immunity. It optimises cellular immune response and increases the number of white blood cells (WBC) and antibodies that protect our body from various diseases. 

8. Reduces Diabetes Symptoms 

Moringa leaf powder helps lower lipid and glucose levels and regulates oxidative stress. It also helps improve haemoglobin and total protein levels in people with diabetes. Moringa helps prevent diabetes by lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels. 

9. Prevent Kidney Problems 

Moringa extract acts as an effective biosorbent and helps remove heavy metals and harmful toxins from the body. It exhibits these properties due to the presence of powerful antioxidants. 

Therefore, consuming moringa leaves helps fight nephrotoxicity, a condition in which the kidneys are damaged due to exposure to toxins or drugs. 

10. Prevents Respiratory Problems 

Consumption of moringa helps prevent asthma and respiratory inflammation. 

Moringa reduces the severity of asthma attacks and prevents other respiratory illnesses, such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Moringa seeds positively affect the respiratory system and also contain anti-allergenic properties.

Also Read: Asthma: Symptoms, Causes And Treatments

Nutritional Value of Moringa Leaves

The nutritional value of moringa leaves includes the following:

How To Use Moringa Leaves?

There are several moringa leaves uses, which are described below: 

The Final Say

Understanding moringa leaves benefits for high blood pressure is very important, as this is a natural and scientifically-backed remedy to alleviate the symptoms. Furthermore, these leaves possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help to fight off various disorders like kidney issues, cancers, and cardiovascular problems.

It is important to note that, before consuming moringa leaves in any form, whether powder or extract, consult your medical professional or dietitian. If you want any help regarding medical care plans for hypertension, you can visit ToneOp.

FAQs

1. Can I boil moringa leaves and drink water? 

Yes, you can make moringa tea by boiling fresh and washed moringa leaves. Moringa tea is beneficial for your overall health.  

2. Can moringa treat urinary tract infections (UTI)? 

Moringa stem bark may help treat urinary tract infections. There is insufficient evidence to conclude whether moringa leaves may have the same effect. 

3. Does moringa tea increase blood pressure levels? 

No, on the contrary, moringa leaves help lower blood pressure levels.

4. Can we eat moringa leaves directly?

Yes, you can eat moringa leaves directly. They are edible and commonly used in various dishes.

5. What are the benefits of moringa leaves for periods?

Some moringa benefits for women include alleviation of menstrual symptoms due to their nutritional content, such as iron and vitamins, which can support overall health during periods.

6. Are moringa and drumsticks the same?

Moringa and drumstick generally refer to the same plant, Moringa oleifera, often called by different names in different regions.

7. How many diseases moringa can cure?

Moringa leaves contain numerous health nutrients; however, they do not constitute an antidote to any disease or ailment. Instead, they may assist in preventing and managing symptoms of diabetes, high blood pressure, and inflammatory disorders.

References

• Moringa oleifera is a Prominent Source of Nutrients with Potential Health Benefits

• Moringa oleifera: A review on nutritive importance and its medicinal application

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