Is Moringa Alkaline? [Benefits and Side Effects]

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Moringa oleifera is a tree that grows widely in many tropical and subtropical countries. It is grown commercially in India, Africa, South and Central America, Mexico, Hawaii, and throughout Asia and Southeast Asia.

It is sometimes called the drumstick tree due to the shape of its long, thin seed pods. Moringa leaves are usually dried and powdered, and can be added to soups, smoothies, and other dishes.

Moringa is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and consuming it may offer a range of health benefits. The high nutritive value of Moringa makes the plant suitable for nutritional or medicinal purposes. Because of its high content of minerals, Moringa is an alkaline supplement that helps in acidic reduction once digested.

Moringa is a good source of iron, which is essential for producing hemoglobin, a protein that helps red blood cells carry oxygen around the body. Moringa also contains vitamin A, which is important for maintaining healthy eyesight. Overall, consuming moringa may offer numerous health benefits.

Leaf extracts of Moringa show great antioxidant activity, and various animal studies show a high degree of safety. No adverse effects of moringa extracts were reported in human studies.

What is the pH of Moringa?

pH measures how acidic or alkaline a substance. The human organism has a neutral pH value of 7, everything beneath 6 is highly acidic and everything higher than 7 has an alkaline effect on the body.

The Moringa plant has a pH value of 8. Its alkalinity comes from its content of vitamins including Vitamin A, C, B1, B2, B3, B6, and Folate. It is also rich in iron, magnesium, calcium, zinc and phosphorus. Moringa extracts were shown to reduce stomach acidity by 86.15% and 85.13% at doses of 500 mg and 350 mg, respectively.

Is Moringa an Alkaline Food?

The Alkaline food theory is based on the idea that Alkaline foods promote higher p/h level of the body cells that influences healthier outcomes. Foods not allowed on an alkaline diet are foods that have high acid value.

Moringa is a plant rich in minerals and the pH activity test shows that it is alkaline. However, whether it produces an alkaline effect on the body once it is ingested is still something that needs to be confirmed with further research.

The leaves and other parts of the tree contain high amounts of protein and amino acids, thus serving as an outstanding source of plant protein for vegans and vegetarians. Moringa also serves as an important source of essential fatty acids, which are required for optimal cellular health.

Why is Moringa Often Termed a Superfood?

Superfoods are described as a nutrient-rich food which are considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being. Superfood is a marketing term for food claimed to confer health benefits resulting from an exceptional nutrient density.

Some experts describe superfoods as “Products that help promote health by increasing your immune function and decreasing your chance of disease prevention or progression,”

Both the leaves and drumstick of the Moringa plant have a lot of fiber, nutrients, proteins, and minerals. Apart from this, the Moringa is a rich source of amino acids, with good amounts of vitamins such as Vitamin A, C, and E, calcium, potassium, and protein, which makes for a perfect everyday nutritional superfood supplement. This is the main reason why Moringa got the marketing title of the “superfood.”

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Dr. Sebi on Moringa: Moringa Has 23 Times the Iron in Spinach

Health Benefits of Moringa

There are many studies that confirm the health benefits of Moringa. Its benefits include:

Moringa is a nutrient-rich plant that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. The leaves, pods, flowers, and seeds of the moringa tree are all edible and packed with vitamins and minerals. Here are 10 health benefits of moringa:

Moringa is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage.
Moringa has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce swelling and pain.
Moringa is a good source of vitamin C, which is essential for immune system function.
Moringa is also a good source of iron, which is essential for red blood cell production.
Moringa can help to lower blood sugar levels, making it a good choice for diabetics.
Moringa can also help to lower cholesterol levels and promote heart health.
Moringa has been shown to have anticancer properties and may help to prevent different types of cancer.
Moringa leaves are rich in compounds that can help to boost the immune system.
Moringa can help to increase milk production in nursing mothers.
Moringa leaves can be used as a natural insecticide and may help repel them

Because of the high nutritive density of Moringa, it is recommended to take this supplement in small doses.

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10 Dangers (Side Effects) of Moringa

Moringa plant is safe for consumption as many studies suggests. Here you can find some side effects that this plant may cause.

For oral intake: All parts of Moringa like the leaves, fruit, and seeds are possibly safe. Moringa leaf and seeds are possibly safe when used as medicine, in the short term. The roots of the Moringa plant are very toxic because they contain an alkaloid called moringine – a component with similar effects as ephedrine that presents paralyzing functions of the nervous system.

It is scientifically proven that Moringa has many benefits to human health but there are some adverse effects noticed by certain groups of people.

Laxative effect – The leaves may have a laxative effect when consumed in high doses. Moringa leaves can adjust the stool number, wet fecal weight, and fecal water content to varying degrees to achieve laxative effects.
Blood disorders – Science shows that Moringa can have аn action of anti-coagulant. It is important for people with anticoagulant therapy to be cautious of their Moringa intake.
Stomach upset, nausea, and vomiting – Moringa may activate nausea and gag reflex. Avoid consuming too much
Gassiness and bloating – Because of its alkaloid content, a higher intake of Moringa can cause the creation of gas.
Lower blood pressure and slow heart rate – the antihypertensive effect of Moringa in hypertension may be mediated by alleviating vascular dysfunction and oxidative stress.
Uterine contractions from Moringa bark – Eating large amounts of Moringa might be dangerous. Though the leaves contain plenty of nutrition which may be beneficial for pregnant women, but the bark may cause uterine contractions.
Genotoxic at levels higher than 3000mg/kg – A genotoxin is a chemical or agent that can cause DNA or chromosomal damage. Research with high doses of Moringa seeds are showing that this supplement may have a genotoxic effect
May induce Allergies – Moringa has demonstrated that it contains the potentially toxic agents moringin and moringinin, plant alkaloids that are structurally very similar to ephedrine. In a low group of people, these alkaloids can cause Urticarial signs – which are itchy, red rash that comes from contact with an irritant.
Hypoglycemia – Thanks to the phenols and flavonoids’ special content, Moringa has been scientifically shown to lower blood glucose. This fat is important for people who are taking insulin or other medications in their regular therapy.
Insomnia – Moringa does not induce sleep. It’s not a kind of sleep aid. So, moringa will not make you drowsy. Although, it is full of vitamins and minerals that help with activity and energy.

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Final Notes

There are a number of plants that have alkaline properties which can be beneficial to human health. Moringa is one such plant. It’s an excellent source of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins.

Moringa has been used medicinally for centuries in Asia and Africa. Today, it’s becoming more popular in the United States as people learn about its benefits. Moringa is available in capsule form or as an extract. You can also find it fresh or dried in many grocery stores and online retailers.

So, Moringa is alkaline, and has many health benefits. Thank you for reading. Please share this post if you found it useful.

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