25 Major Benefits of Moringa Seeds
Moringa seeds are the seeds of the moringa tree or drumstick tree, a sole genus in the flowering plant “Moringaceae” family. They are available in many varieties. They are known as superfoods as they contain essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, polyphenols, and dietary fibers, etc. that provide many health and beauty benefits.
Health Benefits of Moringa Seeds
Following are the major health benefits of moringa seeds.
(1) Good For Treating Edema
The anti-inflammatory properties of moringa seeds extract helps in treating edema, an inflammatory condition that causes swelling and inflammation in different areas of the body or the whole body.
Regularly massaging the affected area with moringa seed oil provides relief from edema and other inflammatory conditions.
Moringa seeds are as effective as anti-inflammatory medicines like Indomethacin.
(2) Protects Our Liver
The liver is a vital organ that keeps us healthy as it performs many important functions such as detoxification, production and excretion of bile juice, excretion of cholesterol, bilirubin, hormones, and drugs, metabolism of fat, protein, and carbohydrates, enzyme activation synthesis of plasma proteins, storage of glycogen, vitamins, and minerals, etc.
Vitamin C, vitamin A, and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in moringa seeds protect our liver from free radical damage.
Vitamin C, an anti-inflammatory compound present in moringa seeds protects our liver from inflammation and reduces the risk of hepatitis.
Dietary fiber in moringa seeds helps with detoxification.
It slightly reduces the burden of detoxification from the liver and focuses on other functions it needs to perform.
Because of its hepatoprotective effect, moringa seeds and leaves protect our liver from the damage caused by the anti-tubercular drugs and speeds up the healing process.
It restores glutathione levels in the body and prevents radiation-induced hepatic lipid peroxidation.
(3) Good For Digestion
Vitamin C and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols protect our digestive system from free radical damage.
It minimizes the risk of colon cancer, abdominal cancer, pancreatic cancer, intestinal cancer, and stomach cancer, etc.
The laxative properties of dietary fibers in moringa seeds improve bowel movement, aids in stool elimination, and thus relieve constipation and other gastrointestinal issues like abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, gas, bloating and flatulence, etc.
Isothiocyanates in moringa seeds aids in treating constipation, gastritis, and ulcerative colitis.
Moringa seeds are an excellent herbal alternative to OTC antacids and antihistamines.
Because of their antibacterial and antibiotic properties, moringa seeds inhibit the growth of pathogens like Helicobacter pylori bacteria and coliform bacteria.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, magnesium, B vitamins, and folate, etc also improves our digestive health.
(4) Provides Antibacterial And Antifungal Benefits
The antimicrobial properties of moringa seeds protect from various bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
The defensive nature of moringa seeds makes them useful for sanitation and preservation purposes.
Moringa seed extracts prevent the growth of diseases causing contaminated fungi like Aspergillus spp. And Penicillium spp.
As per studies, moringa seed extract protects against foodborne microorganisms like Salmonella, Rhizopus species, E. Coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Pseudomonas and aeruginosa, etc.
(5) Reduces The Risk of Several Types of Cancers
Antioxidants and antioxidantal compounds like vitamin C, vitamin A, phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in moringa seeds protect our cells and tissues from free radical damage and minimizes the risk of several cancers like colon cancer, abdominal cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer, etc.
Free radicals are the unstabilized ions that stabilize by stealing electrons from the neighboring molecules, and doing so causes oxidative damage to them.
Antioxidantal compounds like quercetin, kaempferol, and niazimicin in moringa seeds aids in restraining the development of cancer cells, inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells, and inducing apoptosis.
(6) Improves Neurological Health
Moringa seeds are good for the brain and improve our neurological health.
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in the moringa seeds protect our brain cells or the neurons from free radical damage, and thus minimizes the risk of various neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, amnesia, and dementia, etc.
As per studies, moringa seed extract can potentially alter the brain monoamines like norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine, etc.
Other nutrients like iron, potassium, zinc, iron, and magnesium, etc in the moringa seeds also contribute to neurological health as they provide several cognitive benefits like a sharper memory, better focus, improved concentration, and reduced mental confusion, etc.
(7) Strengthens Our Bones
Bone-strengthening minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium, etc. in moringa seeds strengthens our bones.
Calcium is required for the growth and development of the bones, and its deficiency may cause bone disorders like osteoporosis.
Potassium neutralizes acid load, reduces loss of calcium from the bones, and thus improves bone density.
Magnesium also improves bone density and thus contributes to better bone health.
Moringa seeds contain manganese that increases calcium absorption and improves the bone mineral density of the spinal column.
Vitamin C, an anti-inflammatory compound in moringa seeds minimizes pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis, a condition in which protective tissues at the ends of bones wear down.
Other nutrients like zinc, phosphorus, and folate, etc also aid in making our bones healthier.
(8) Boosts Immunity
The immune system is the defense mechanism of our body that aids in the prevention and treatment of various microbial infections, diseases, and as well as injuries, and wounds.
Moringa strengthens our immune system as it contains antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc that protect our immune cells or the white blood cells from free radical damage.
Vitamin C enhances the production of white blood cells, and further strengthens our immunity.
With stronger immunity, our risk of getting a cough, cold, fever, and flu diminishes significantly.
Because of their ethanolic properties, moringa seeds improve various immune system values like leucocyte count, antibodies, and hypersensitivity reaction.
Other nutrients like zinc, potassium, magnesium, iron, and folate, etc in moringa seeds also contribute to better immune health.
(9) Provides Immunosuppressive Benefits
Our immune system mostly rejects all foreign objects ( including the organs replaced by organ transplant) as an intruder’s attack and starts damaging them.
Doctors prescribe immunosuppressants or anti-rejection medicines to counter this effect.
The moringa seeds are natural immunosuppressant that inhibits the activation of body’s immune system and prevents the rejection of organ transplants and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
(10) Improves Cardiovascular Health
Moringa seeds and leaves improve our cardiovascular health.
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols, etc in moringa seeds protect our cardiovascular system from free radical damage and improves its efficiency.
Dietary fibers in moringa seeds reduce LDL cholesterol and thus minimizes the risk of atherosclerosis which is a leading cause of several cardiovascular problems.
Potassium in moringa relaxes our blood vessels and controls hypertension or high blood pressure which is a major cause of several cardiovascular and other health problems.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, magnesium, manganese, and copper, etc in moringa seeds also contribute to our cardiovascular health.
(11) Good For Diabetic Patients
Moringa seeds are beneficial for people with diabetes and for those who are at risk of developing diabetes.
Bioactive compounds like isothiocyanates in moringa seeds aids in managing type-2 diabetes militias.
The dietary fibers in the moringa seeds slow down the rate at which sugar gets absorbed by the bloodstream and helps in controlling blood sugar levels.
If you are on diabetic medication, consult your doctor before adding moringa seeds to your diet to avoid the risk of food-drug intolerance.
As per studies, moringa seeds aids in reducing blood glucose level, urine sugar, and urine protein in diabetic patients.
It improves hemoglobin and total protein content in diabetic patients and aids in managing diabetes.
(12) Aids In Treating Asthma And Allergic Reactions
The anti-inflammatory properties of vitamin C in moringa seeds reduce lung inflammation and provide relief from respiratory problems like asthma and bronchial asthma.
Moringa seed extract reduces the severity of asthmatic attacks and controls symptoms like wheezing, cough, dyspnea, and chest contraction.
The anti-allergic properties of moringa seeds aid in treating allergic diseases like allergic rhinitis and anaphylaxis.
(13) Provides Protection Against Urolithiasis and Nephrotoxicity
The anti-urolithiasis properties of moringa seeds reduce urinary oxalate levels and minimize the formation of stones in the kidneys, bladder, and uterus.
Moringa seeds aids in the synthesis of endogenous oxalate, and protect against nephrotoxicity, a condition that causes kidney problems due to exposure to certain drugs and toxins.
The nephroprotective effect of antioxidants in moringa seeds attenuates renal injuries.
Moringa seeds act as bio-absorbent and aids in the removal of heavy metals and harmful toxins.
(14) Possess Healing Properties
Moringa seeds extract helps in treating wounds and injuries. It improves skin breaking strength, wound closure rate, and reduction in the scar area.
(15) Controls High Blood Pressure
Potassium present in the moringa is a natural vasodilator that relaxes our blood vessels, improves blood circulation, and thus provides relief from high blood pressure or hypertension.
Hypertension is a silent killer that affects millions of people around the world and gives rise to various health problems like severe headaches, nose bleed, chest pain, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, difficulty in breathing, vision problems, and blood in urine, etc.
Zinc and magnesium in moringa also aid in regulating high blood pressure.
A 10 gram serving of fresh moringa leaves contains 150 mg of potassium. Potassium is also present in moringa seeds.
For the safe side, eat moringa seeds in moderation to avoid hurting blood pressure.
High doses may drop blood pressure to an abnormally low level giving rise to symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, nausea, dehydration, lack of concentration, blurred vision, and pale skin, etc.
If you are already on blood pressure medication, then consume moringa seeds after having a word with your doctor to avoid the risk of food-drug intolerance.
(16) Maintaining Cholesterol Levels
Dietary fibers in moringa seeds reduce LDL cholesterol in the body and minimize the risk of atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis is a condition that leads to hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to the accumulation of plaque and fat deposits in the arterial walls and is a leading cause of several cardiovascular problems like heart attack, heart stroke, and coronary artery disease.
Bioactive compounds like isothiocyanate and nizaminin in moringa seeds prevent the thickness of arteries and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.
The hypocholesterolemic effect of moringa seeds reduces the high-fat rise in the vital organs like the liver and kidneys.
(17) Good For Eyes
Moringa seeds maintain our ocular health.
Vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in moringa seeds protect our eyes from free radical damage and thus minimizes the risk of age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and glaucoma, etc.
Vitamin A is an essential nutrient for the eyes as it improves vision, prevents eye dryness, and minimizes the risk of night-blindness.
As per studies, moringa seeds prevent dilatation of retinal vessels and for keeping retinal vasculature intact.
It also prevents the thickening of capillary membranes and prevents renal dysfunction.
(18) Helps In Treating Anemia And Sickle Cell Disease
Moringa seed extract facilitates iron absorption in the body.
Iron is a vital mineral that increases RBC production in the body.
Red blood cells carry oxygenated blood to cells and tissues of the body and nourish them.
This minimizes the risk of iron-induced anemia that gives rise to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, pale skin, irregular heartbeat shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, and cold hands or feet, etc.
Zinc and flavonols like kaempferol, quercetin, and acacetin, and phenolic acids like melilotic acid and vanillic acid in moringa seeds aids in treating sickle cell disease.
Beauty Benefits of Moringa Seeds For Skin
(1) Keeps Premature Ageing At Bay
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in moringa seeds protects our skin cells from the free radical damage, and keep various signs of premature aging like fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, dark spots, and skin blemishes, etc at bay.
Free radicals are the unstabilized ions that stabilize by stealing electrons from the neighboring molecules, and in doing so they cause oxidative damage to them.
Vitamin C and vitamin A enhance the production of collagen, an amino acid that maintains skin elasticity and prevents wrinkles and saggy skin.
(2) Wonderful Skin Moisturizer
Omega-9 fatty acids in moringa moisturize our skin and make it soft, supple, and radiant.
Because of its moisturizing properties, moringa seed oil is widely used in cosmetic products like anti-aging creams, soaps, and body washes, hair products, massage and aromatherapy oils, face and body creams, etc.
Moringa seed oil is a wonderful skin cleanser that removes dirt and grime from hair and skin.
(3) Effective Against Acne And Blackheads
Moringa seeds are effective against skin problems like acne, pimples, and blackheads.
Acne is a common skin problem that affects millions of people around the world and is mainly caused by the accumulation of toxins, pollutants, dirt, impurities, and other unwanted substance within the skin pores.
The dietary fibers in moringa seeds eliminate toxins, pollutants, and other impurities from our system.
When there are fewer toxins, they are less likely to accumulate in skin pores, and thus minimizes the risk of acne and pimples.
Moringa seed oil cleanses our skin and removes dirt and grime from skin pores.
It controls the secretion of excess oil from skin glands and prevents acne from worsening and fades off blackheads from the skin.
(4) Effective Against Psoriasis
Vitamin C and other anti-inflammatory compounds in moringa seeds aids in treating inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
It also minimizes pain and inflammation associated with these skin problems.
Moringa seed oil moisturize and nourish our skin, and improve skin health.
Protein in moringa seeds also helps in treating psoriasis.
Beauty Benefits of Moringa Seeds For Hair
Following are the major beauty benefits of moringa seeds for hair.
(1) Promotes Hair Growth
Essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, etc in moringa seed oil nourish our hair follicles and scalp and keep them healthy.
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and other relevant compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols protect our hair follicles and scalp from free radical damage and improves scalp health.
Regularly massaging the hair follicles and scalp with moringa seed oil facilitates hair growth.
Behenic acid in moringa seed oil prevents it from becoming rancid for a long time.
Amino acids in moringa seeds aid keratin production.
Keratin is an important protein compound that keeps our hair and scalp healthy.
(2) Aids In Treating Dandruff
Regularly massaging moringa seed oil on hair follicles and scalp moisturizes our hair and scalp and improves blood circulation in the scalp.
This improves scalp health and minimizes the risk of dandruff, a common scalp problem.
Antioxidants like vitamin C and other relevant compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in the moringa seeds protect our hair follicles and scalp from free radical damage and make them healthy.
Vitamins and minerals in the moringa seeds nourish our hair follicles and scalp and minimize the risk of scalp problems like dandruff etc.
(3) Provide Anti-Bacterial Benefit
The antimicrobial and antiseptic properties of moringa seed oil protect our hair follicles and scalp from bacterial infections and reduce the risk of pimples.
Moringa seed oil controls the secretion of excess oil from the scalp and minimizes the risk of scalp acne.
The anti-inflammatory properties of moringa seed oil reduce inflammation caused by scalp acne or pimples.
Disclaimer
This article provides general information about the topic and is not be taken as medical advice or as an alternative to medical advice, treatment, and/or diagnosis. Always consult with your doctor before trying out any of the remedies/recipes suggested in the blog post.
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