Sickle Cell

SICKLE CELL AND MORINGA

February 19, 2017 | by admin | 29 Comments

moringa-leaves

I have been taking Moringa as tea infusion: boiled hot water and Moringa leaves for a few years now.  This plant has a lot of benefits that are good for someone with Sickle Cell.

Moringa plant is beginning to gain more popularity as a new“superfood” for its highly nutritious profile and powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and tissue-protective properties.

Moringa oleifera, also known as horseradish tree, ben tree, or drumstick tree, is a small tree from India, Pakistan, and Nepal that has been used for generations in Eastern countries to treat and prevent diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, aneamia, arthritis, liver disease, and respiratory, skin, and digestive disorders.

Moringa has become popular as a leaf powder supplement, although the pods, roots, bark, flowers, seeds, and fruits are also edible.

It’s used as a traditional remedy for many ailments, and here are 10 scientifically backed benefits of consuming it:

1. It’s nutrient-packed.

Moringa is rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It contains significant amounts of vitamins A, C, and E; calcium; potassium; and protein.

2. It fights free radicals.

Antioxidants fight free radicals, molecules that cause oxidative stress, cell damage, and inflammation.  Moringa contains antioxidants called flavonoids, polyphenols, and ascorbic acid in the leaves, flowers, and seeds.

A study found that leaf extracts had higher antioxidant activity, free-radical-scavenging capacity, and higher inhibition of lipid, protein, and DNA oxidation than flowers and seeds.

This means it prevents the damage and degradation that free radicals cause in the cells of different organs in the body, keeping them healthy and functioning at their best.

3. It fights inflammation.

Inflammation can lead to chronic diseases like diabetes, respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and obesity. Moringa reduces inflammation by suppressing inflammatory enzymes and proteins in the body, and Moringa leaf concentrate can significantly lower inflammation in the cells.

4. It supports brain health.

Moringa supports brain health and cognitive function because of its antioxidant and neuro-enhancer activities. 

Its high content of vitamins E and C fight oxidation that leads to neuron degeneration, improving brain function. It’s also able to normalise the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline in the brain, which play a key role in memory, mood, organ function, responses to stimulus such as stress and pleasure, and mental health, for example in depression and psychosis.

5. It protects the liver.

Moringa contains high concentrations of polyphenols in its leaves and flowers that protect the liver against oxidation, toxicity, and damage.

Moringa can reduce liver damage and fibrosis and reverse oxidation in the liver. Moringa oil can also restore liver enzymes to normal levels, reducing oxidative stress, and increasing protein content in the liver.  The liver is responsible for blood detoxification, bile production, fructose metabolism, fat metabolism, and nutrient processing.

6. Reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

A single serving of Moringa Powder (10g or 2-3 teaspoons) provides:

  • Iron: 46.8% of your daily requirement (NRV)
  • Magnesium: 19.1% of NRV
  • Vitamin A: 32.5% of NRV

Iron and Magnesium both support the reduction of tiredness and fatigue in the body, and vitamin A supports the metabolism of Iron. Adding moringa to your daily routine is an effective, natural way to prevent tiredness and fatigue.   The rich iron content of moringa powder also makes it ideal for vegetarians and those suffering from anaemia.

7. Boosts immunity.

One of the best moringa benefits is its super immune-boosting powers; maintaining a healthy immune system is essential for helping our bodies stave off infections and illnesses. Moringa Oleifera leaves are an extremely rich source of:

  • Iron: 46.8% of NRV
  • Vitamin A: 32.5% of NRV

Both of which are essential for the normal function of the immune system.

8. Muscle growth.

Moringa oleifera leaves are almost 25% protein, which is unusually high for a plant. Moringa powder contains 9 essential amino acids making it a complete source of protein, supporting the growth and maintenance of muscle mass. 

9. Digestion.

Moringa powder is a rich source of calcium (29.8% NRV) which contributes to the normal function of digestive enzymes.   It also contains 31% fibre which can help support a healthy digestive system and bowel regularity. 

10. Energy release.

Moringa is a rich source of iron (46.8% NRV), calcium (29.8% NRV) and magnesium (19.1% NRV), all of which support energy-yielding metabolism. 

11. Vision.

Having healthy eyes and normal vision is something that can often be taken for-granted but which requires the right nutrition to maintain normal function. Moringa is a rich source of vitamin A (32.5% NRV per serving) which contributes to normal vision.

12. Teeth.

Moringa powder is a source of magnesium, with a 10g serving providing 19.1% of your daily requirement. Magnesium is essential for maintaining strong and healthy teeth. 

13. Bones.

Maintaining strong and healthy bones is an important component of overall health. Moringa oleifera leaves are a rich source of vitamin K (213.3% NRV), protein (23%), calcium (29.8% NRV) and magnesium (19.1% NRV) all of which support normal bones.

How to Use It

You can add moringa powder to your smoothie or drink it as a tea. The leaf powder was deemed safe in human studies, even in larger doses than normal. The powder has a mild flavor, so it makes for a light tea with a slightly earthy taste.

But you might want to stay clear of seed extracts, as they have shown a level of toxicity in immune cells.

Moringa can have laxative effects in large quantities, so a safe dose to introduce it into your diet and avoid digestive problems is ½ to 1 teaspoon per day.

http://www.mindbodygreen.com by Brenda Godinez and https://aduna.com