Moringa is one of many plants that are said to have positive health benefits when ingested.
Moringa is available in a variety of forms, including as a powder, oil, tablet capsules, and as an ingredient in many green protein powders.
Moringa has been around for many years, especially in South Asia and Africa, but its popularity in the United States has only recently grown.
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When introducing any new supplement into your diet, it is important to keep in mind aspects such as the brand of the product to always ensure it is trustworthy and reputable, as well as researching all the ingredients that go into a particular product.
“Pay attention to quality,” Isabel Smith, a New York-based registered dietitian and founder of Isabel Smith Nutrition and Lifestyle, told Fox News Digital in a call.
Moringa is often purchased in powder form and is used for its many nutritional benefits. (iStock)
“You might also encounter heavy metals or adulterated products,” Smith added, “so always be a conscious consumer and make sure you buy products from companies you trust and love.”
One way to ensure that a product is safe to use is to see if it has been third-party tested.
“I always stress looking for products that are third-party tested so you know the ingredients are safe, pure, and contain everything that's listed,” Jarlyn Jones, a registered dietitian and owner of The Lifestyle Dietitian LLC in Atlanta, told Fox News Digital, adding that it's also important to make sure what you're buying is 100% organic.
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Unlike matcha, which has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its many purported health benefits, moringa does not contain caffeine.
Below are some of the health benefits moringa is believed to provide:
One way to incorporate moringa into your diet is to add the powder to a healthy fruit and vegetable smoothie. (iStock)
Anti-inflammatory effects Immune system support Anti-aging properties Improved cholesterol and blood sugar levels
1. Anti-inflammatory effects
One of the greatest health benefits of moringa is that it can be used as a means to fight inflammation.
According to Harvard Health, inflammation is the body's response to disease or infection.
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There are many diseases associated with chronic inflammation, including cancer and heart disease.
Anti-inflammatory foods and supplements can help reduce your risk of these and other diseases.
Moringa is found in protein powders mixed with a variety of vitamins and minerals. (iStock)
“It contains quercetin, which is a natural antihistamine, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties,” Smith said.
Moringa also contains “beta-carotene, which has been shown to be very beneficial for skin health, and it has a lot of anti-inflammatory antioxidants, so it appears to be an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich plant,” Smith told Fox News Digital.
While moringa has health benefits, it’s important to remember that one change in your diet or the addition of a supplement won’t make a drastic difference, and that living an overall healthy lifestyle that works for your body is paramount.
“I don't think any one thing is going to make a difference for anybody. I think it's all the little things that we do together that make a difference,” Smith said.
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2. Immune System Support
A balanced diet helps provide your body with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and strong, but sometimes the nutrients in the food you eat just aren't enough.
This is where supplements come in. Sometimes, your body may not get enough of a particular nutrient, and supplements can help you increase your intake of that nutrient.
Make sure you're getting all the vitamins and nutrients your body needs to keep your immune system strong and avoid getting sick. (iStock)
Moringa is rich in various nutrients that strengthen the immune system and help the body fight potential diseases.
“It's packed with vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium and phosphorus – many of the nutrients we are severely deficient in,” Jones explained.
3. Anti-aging properties
If you're looking to achieve younger-looking skin, moringa may help you achieve your goal.
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“We're all very concerned about the aging process, and the compounds in moringa have anti-inflammatory properties that could be useful for skin care and anti-aging, so it's promising in that sense,” Jones said.
Moringa is sold in a variety of ways, including tablets, powders, oils, and even skin care products like body butters and serums, leaving consumers with many options for incorporating this supplement into their lives.
Moringa's anti-aging properties may result in healthier, more youthful-looking skin. (iStock)
Moringa, and many other supplements recommended by experts for their anti-aging properties, must, of course, be combined with a proper diet and exercise for optimal results.
4. Improves cholesterol and blood sugar levels
High cholesterol can be dangerous to the body.
There are many lifestyle changes you can make to improve your cholesterol, such as avoiding smoking and foods high in saturated and trans fats.
Jones told Fox News Digital that moringa has been shown to help improve cholesterol levels in the body, as it contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that support overall heart health.
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In addition to improving cholesterol levels, moringa is also thought to balance blood sugar levels and help manage diabetes, Jones said.
Of course, be sure to consult with your doctor before incorporating moringa into your diet for its nutritional benefits.
“Speak to your health care team or medical team to make sure it won't interfere with other medications you're taking,” Jones explained. “If you decide to take a supplement, be sure to talk to your doctor.”
Ashlyn Messier is a writer for Fox News Digital.
