Moringa: properties of the capsules and the oil

Moringa is a medicinal plant that is widely used for its health properties. It comes from the Moringa oleifera tree and the capsules and oil are extracted from different parts of the plant. In addition, the fruit can be consumed boiled or the seeds sautéed and it is even possible to use the root and the trunk bark to prepare a pure extract with a high content of antioxidants and essential nutrients.

Properties of moringa

It contains many vitamins and minerals. It is rich in potassium, phosphorus, iron and plant proteins. It also contains vitamins A, C and E and flavonoids so it is a strong antioxidant. Both the pods and the seeds of moringa are used to make oil, prepare dietary supplements and creams with properties to combat aging and delay the degeneration of free radicals that act on the skin and the organs that make up the human body. Consuming foods rich in antioxidants improves health and maintains a youthful and healthy skin appearance for a longer time.

In addition to vitamins and protection against oxidative damage, it provides essential amino acids and a large set of minerals that are key to maintaining strong health. The components it contains are:

And all these nutrients make it a very special natural product with properties related to:

It works well for inflammation associated with arthritis and other conditions since it has relaxing and anti-inflammatory effects on tissues affected by post-traumatic stress caused by impacts or infections. Likewise, due to its beneficial properties for the liver, it may be suitable for people with hepatitis and cirrhosis.

It slows facial aging and prevents wrinkles on the face. Its high content of natural antioxidants stops the appearance of signs of aging and the degradation of joints.

What moringa is used for

We have already mentioned some of its uses but in addition, depending on how it is used, better results can be obtained. It should be noted that moringa can be purchased in different forms. Either as a natural food in the form of moringa capsules, without preservatives or excipients, as oil that can be used for different culinary purposes or as a base for massage and also as an ingredient in a cream to care for facial skin.

The most common way to acquire it is as a supplement and taking moringa tablets boosts health and improves the immune system against bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli. Ingesting it has a strong antimicrobial and bactericidal effect that can be very effective against parasites and common infections. In addition, it contains Pterygospermin which is a natural antifungal so it works against fungi.

The root of Moringa has anti-inflammatory properties and some supplements are made from the extract of its root. This characteristic gives it a certain capacity to improve and support treatments that reduce chronic inflammation such as arthritis and some joint conditions.

Moringa seeds are used to improve asthma symptoms thanks to their ephedrine content, a vasopressor and bronchodilator that relaxes bronchial smooth muscle activity. It prevents bronchial spasm and increases respiratory capacity by reducing residual volume.

Likewise, the moringa plant can be consumed for its analgesic properties and for alleviating mild painful processes.

For hypertension it works since diuretics are recommended in many cases to stabilize blood pressure. They are prescribed to complement treatment as a second-line drug and as a hypotensive action.

It helps lower uric acid levels in the body. Just as it works well for hypertension, it improves urine flow and the frequency of urination. This facilitates the elimination of high levels of toxins in the blood. It is good for the liver and has benefits for the kidneys.

And if you have high cholesterol, consuming moringa oil provides very rich fatty acids that help regulate it. It contains sterols such as stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol, campesterol and kaempferol along with oleic acid and its tocopherols which make this type of oil very valuable for these types of conditions and health irregularities.

Regarding its aspects for improving diabetes, honestly, there are many publications but none provide clear information in this regard. They simply indicate that it is excellent due to its contribution of pantothenic acid, vitamin C and B group vitamins in addition to anti-inflammatory compounds and that these elements regulate insulin production in the body. However, there is a lack of detail. What we can say is that it may have hypoglycemic effects so blood sugar could be reduced and this may be a benefit for people with diabetes.

It stimulates ocular health and prevents diseases caused by vitamin A deficiency. The pods and leaves of Moringa contain a high amount of vitamin A which is beneficial against cataracts and poor vision in children.

And finally, it is a strong skin antioxidant. Vitamin C and E among others have a very good effect in repairing tissues and prolonging the life of molecules that are damaged by sun exposure and organic chemical processes. Moringa capsules contain arginine, beta carotenes and quercetin which are flavonoids and phenolic compounds that promote the reduction of skin wrinkles, improvement in the removal of sun spots and the regeneration of dermal cells, bone structures and soft tissues.

Side effects

Despite being a great food and dietary supplement, moringa capsules have side effects that must be taken into account.

If you are pregnant, you should moderate its consumption since it contains a high amount of vitamin A. The same applies if you are breastfeeding. This substance is part of the cell division process and an excess can cause malformations and abnormalities in the baby.

In addition, some cases of hypoglycemia have been described because moringa could lower blood sugar levels. As always, diabetics are advised to be careful when including a food in their diet. If necessary, try small doses first to observe its effect.

It can also cause an increase in red blood cells, known as polycythemia.

It may cause diarrhea due to its high fiber content. This side effect of moringa can be considered a benefit since it may help people who suffer from constipation and irregular bowel movements. If it is the first time you take it, lower the dose since it could cause more frequent bowel movements.

People with stomach problems or greater sensitivity to acidic foods may experience heartburn when consuming it. To alleviate this symptom, it should be taken with food and never on its own.

It is also contraindicated in cases of insomnia. Because moringa provides a high level of energy, it is not suitable to take it at night since it can activate the body. Instead, the best time is in the morning or at midday with meals. This guideline for taking moringa should be followed with all energy-related foods and supplements. At night, the intake of such products should be reduced since they can cause physical activation or, alternatively, excess energy may be stored as fat because it is not required at that time.

Moringa capsules

These are the best known and the most common way to take it. Moringa capsules are the pure extract of the oleifera tree. The tablets are coated with gelatin so they dissolve easily when swallowed and are ideal to complement the diet. They provide many nutrients, strengthen the immune system of the human body and make you more resistant to very common diseases during the cold months. They are also very rich in amino acids such as methionine, tryptophan, arginine and several others that are detailed below.

Amino acid content

In addition to the minerals and proteins explained throughout the article on moringa, you can find 10 essential amino acids necessary for good health. This supplement therefore provides many benefits. Below is the list of amino acids contained in the leaf of Moringa oleifera:

Methionine: improves hair follicles and gives strength and vigor to hair. It increases thickness in nails and skin. It acts as a source of sulfur for the human body, reduces cholesterol and improves kidney and liver condition.

Tryptophan: is an essential amino acid involved in the release of serotonin. It has a relaxing and regulating effect on the mind. It improves anxiety and stress levels.

Arginine: provides vitality and strength to the immune and regenerative system. It promotes cellular repair and tissue healing by improving the release of growth hormone GH. Arginine can be taken alone or with other supplements.

Phenylalanine: regulates the nervous system and improves the quality of electrical signals between cells and the brain. It is an amino acid with antidepressant effects since it helps maintain mental clarity.

Histidine: is useful for inflammatory and degenerative diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. It also improves ulcer symptoms.

Isoleucine: regulates blood glucose levels and participates in energy release processes. Due to the high energy content of moringa, isoleucine supports physical performance.

Lysine: allows calcium to be absorbed and transported to important areas such as bones and cartilage. It is well known among amino acids because it facilitates collagen production. This is beneficial for the maintenance of skin and hair, in addition to having other lysine properties that are useful for supporting arterial health.

Cystine: acts as an antioxidant, protects against sun exposure and improves resistance to environmental pollutants and chemicals. Its main role is to support the formation of soft tissues such as skin and to regenerate wounds by enabling new cellular structures.

Proline: is a non-essential amino acid that the body can synthesize from glutamic acid and is beneficial for tendons and joints. This contributes to cardiovascular health and supports the entire connective and muscular system, including collagen fibers.

Tyrosine: is produced from the oxidation of phenylalanine and is important for mood regulation. It plays a role in the central nervous system and interacts with adrenaline and dopamine. These substances are key for well-being and reducing apathy. It also influences thyroid hormones, making this amino acid important to consume.

Moringa oil

Just as the dry extract is very beneficial, moringa seeds contain 36% oil. Therefore, it is relatively easy to extract oils of different qualities for uses related to human health.

This type of oil contains oleic acid with properties that support the heart and liver. It is viscous and leaves a sweet taste on the palate, which makes it easy to consume. It improves good cholesterol (HDL) and reduces bad cholesterol (LDL). It can be used in a similar way to olive oil, for cooking, for salads and for a wide range of culinary uses.

Moringa oil is widely used to manufacture natural soaps and branded cosmetics.

Buying moringa in Spain

Accessing this plant in different formats is straightforward. Buying moringa in Spain is easy since there are various online herbal shops and physical herbal stores that offer their own brands or distribute well-known and high-quality products.

You can find brands such as Moringa Tenerife, Biovea and Pure, available in packages containing 30 powder capsules or bottles with 60 tablets if you plan to take it for a longer period.

You can also purchase moringa combined with Acai. It can be taken alone and pure or together with other medicinal plant extracts.