Benefits and Side Effects of Moringa Powder

Moringa is also known as a “miracle tree”, scientifically referred to as Moringa oleifera. This tree is widely used in Ayurveda across Africa and Asia. The powder form of moringa is created from dried leaves of the plant. The plant is known for its nutrient qualities and health benefits.

While moringa is known for its benefits, it is also associated with certain risks. Hence, moringa powder should not be consumed without proper guidance.

This article explains both the benefits and side effects of moringa powder. First, the benefits will be explained, and then the side effects.

Major health benefits of moringa powder

1. Rich in nutrients

Moringa tree and leaves are rich in a lot of nutrients, such as multiple minerals, multiple vitamins, and essential amino acids. Examples are: vitamin A, C, E, and K, and vitamin B – B-complex; minerals like Magnesium, Iron, Calcium, and Zinc; Nine essential amino acids. Additionally, moringa powder is also rich in fiber. Because moringa powder is rich in nutrients, it is often used as a nutritional supplement.

               2.  Rich in antioxidants  

Moringa powder is also known to be rich in antioxidants such as beta carotene, flavonoids, chlorogenic acids, ascorbic acids, quercetin, and more. Due to the presence of these compounds, moringa powder helps protect against cell damage, reduces aging, boosts immunity, and helps to improve hair and skin.

              3.  Help with blood sugar

Moringa powder increases insulin activity and supports blood sugar balance. This prevents a sudden increase in glucose and helps with long-term sugar management.

             4.  Heart health

Moringa powder helps reduce LDL or bad cholesterol and triglycerides, helps to reduce blood pressure, and reduces stiffness in the blood vessels. This greatly helps to reduce the risk of heart disease.

            5. Immune system 

As moringa powder is rich in antioxidant compounds and vitamin C, it helps to strengthen the immune system. Thus, moringa powder helps reduce infections in the body, heal wounds, and resist seasonal flu. 

            6. Anti-inflammation property

Moringa powder is rich in several flavonoids and polyphenols. Due to the presence of these compounds, moringa powder is widely known for its anti-inflammatory properties. This provides great relief and ease with joint pain and arthritis.

           7. Skin and hair health

Moringa powder is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, thus reducing aging, skin dryness, and acne. Moringa powder also provides strength to hair. Also supports collagen production for younger-looking skin and hair.

          8. Brain support

Moringa powder is highly rich in nutrients, promoting brain health by altering the presence of compounds such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, thus offering protection against a degenerating nervous system and diseases like Alzheimer's disease.

         9. Digestive health

Moringa powder is highly rich in fiber and helps with digestion. Because of its anti-bacterial properties, moringa powder helps with the digestive system and balances gut bacteria. Overall, moringa powder can provide better bowel and gut movement, increasing nutrient absorption and providing gas relief.

     10. Anti-cancer characteristics

Moringa powder is rich in compounds like quercetin and nizamicin that prevent the growth of cancer cells and can play a supportive role in cancer. But more studies are needed to prove the role of Moringa powder and its anti-cancer properties.

    Side effects of Moringa powder

Moringa powder has many good effects when taken in the correct and moderate amounts. But overuse can create a side effect.

1. Problem with the digestive system

When applied in larger amounts, moringa powder can cause digestive issues such as bloating, gas, nausea, and even diarrhea.

2. Hyperglycemia

As moringa powder, anyway, is capable of reducing blood sugar, when combined with diabetes medicine, it can result in low blood sugar or hyperglycemia. And low blood sugar level can result in tiredness, dizziness, and sometimes even fainting.

3. Concerns during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Consumption of moringa powder should be avoided during pregnancy, as it might increase the chances. It is also highly recommended to take moringa powder during breastfeeding after consulting doctors or professional medical practitioners.

4. Low blood pressure

Moringa powder helps with low blood pressure, but for a hypersensitive person, consumption of Moringa powder has been seen to cause weakness, dizziness, and even loss of sense or fainting.

5. Medication interference

Moringa powder can interfere with diabetes, blood pressure, and thyroid medications. Hence, a person already taking these medications should avoid moringa powder, and if taken, doctors and professional medical practitioners must be consulted.

6. Iron

Moringa powder also has a high concentration of Iron. Hence, if not taken in moderate but excessive amounts, it can result in iron overload. This is called a condition, hemochromatosis. This can lead to joint pain, fatigue, and might even increase arthritis problems.

Safe dosage of Moringa powder

Moringa powder should be taken in 205 grams (1-2 teaspoons) per day. The powder can be added to beverages like water, tea, warm soups, and smoothies. 

Also, moringa powder should not be taken in full dosage from the beginning, but in the dosage of half a spoon and then increase the amount to 1-2 spoons. This can avoid major digestive problems.

Moringa powder should not be taken in more than 10 grams per day.

Hence, Moringa powder from highly beneficial leaves provides a lot of benefits, including digestive help, skin and hair health, strengthening the immune system, lowering blood pressure, heart health, brain support, anti-inflammatory, and possible anti-cancer characteristics. But overusage can also result in issues in the digestive process, low blood pressure and sugar levels, and iron accumulation in the body. Additionally, moringa powder should be taken with the correct dosage and amount, and in certain cases (like pregnant women or during breastfeeding) should not be taken or should be taken after proper consultation, otherwise it might result in miscarriage as well.