The moringa is considered a tree in the family of oil-bearing, whose origin is located in the Middle Eastern (India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, among others), countries also cultivated in the countries of the tropics. Its leaves, fruits, flowers, bark, roots, and seeds are used to make natural medicines.
As an essential nutrient reservoir, it is used in dietary programs to combat malnutrition in India and Africa. Ripe pods are cooked like peas or roasted (acting as walnuts), and green ones are prepared like beans or other grains. The leaves are dried and pulverized (retaining their vitamins and minerals) to later be used as a condiment or cooked and used as is done with chard and spinach.
However, in particular, its seeds have received special attention for their multiple properties. We will talk about them in this FastlyHealarticle, explaining what moringa seeds are for, their benefits, and how to take them correctly and lose weight.
Table of Contents
Moringa seeds: nutritional properties
The most significant benefit of moringa seeds is at the nutritional level since their contributions are multiple. They contain:
- Seven times the amount of vitamin C than an orange.
- Ten times the vitamin A content that we find in carrots.
- Seventeen times more calcium concentration than in milk.
- Fifteen times more potassium than that found in bananas.
- Nine times more protein than that provided by yogurt.
- Twenty-five times more iron than spinach.
And this is just scratching the surface of the benefits of moringa seeds.
What are moringa seeds for – benefits?
Next, we explain in detail what moringa seeds are for and what are all the health benefits to our body.
As a nutritional supplement
The nutritional contribution of only 100 grams of moringa seeds is as follows:
- Carbohydrates: 8.53 mg
- Proteins: 2.10 g
- Total fat: 0.20 mg
- Dietary fiber: 3.2 gr
- Cholesterol: 0
- Niacina (Vitamina B1): 0,620 mg
- Calcium: 30 mg
- Magnesio: 45 mg
- Phosphorus: 50 mg
- Potasio: 461 mg
Control of blood pressure and improvement of cardiovascular health
The antioxidant and oleic acid (a natural lipid-lowering) content in moringa seeds limits oxidative stress that can lead to heart disease, heart failure, and high blood pressure.
Moringa for diabetes
Several studies have found that moringa seeds reduce blood glucose levels in diabetic patients due to their high content of isothiocyanates.
High fiber content
Moringa has a high content of soluble fiber. Therefore, it contributes significantly to the mobilization of intestinal content and the elimination of fats, which are crucial in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system.
Increase energy and correct anemia
Its contribution to iron allows the production of more hemoglobin, which improves the supply of oxygen to the tissues and energy levels.
Anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory properties
Moringa seed extract has been shown to have powerful anti-arthritic properties and high anti-inflammatory activity.
Sleep aid
The oil extracted from them stimulates sleep mediated by hormonal induction. They are also an essential source of tryptophan. This would benefit neurotransmitters’ function and help reduce fatigue and insomnia.
Lower cholesterol
Several studies have shown the benefits of moringa in reducing LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol) and increasing HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein or good cholesterol).
Prevents premature aging
The oil extracted from these seeds has almost 30 different antioxidants. The skin has good absorption of this oil and can quickly receive them, further reducing free radical damage to the skin.
Relieves digestive and colon problems
Its antioxidant properties help reduce ulcer symptoms. One study found that the powder from the seeds improved the integrity of colon tissues and reduced the severity of the inflammation that occurs in ulcerative colitis.
Relieves asthma
Moringa seeds’ anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects can help alleviate the severity and frequency of symptoms associated with bronchial asthma.
anti-anaphylactic agent
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that must be treated as an emergency, or it can lead to death. One study examined the anti anaphylactic effect of moringa seed extract, and their results suggest that it could be a potential anti-anaphylactic agent.
Antibacterial and antifungal properties
Moringa seeds act as an antibacterial and antifungal, so it is used to treat and prevent infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Useful in the fight against breast cancer
A published study found that the powder from the seeds has an antiproliferative effect on a specific type of breast cancer cells.
They protect the liver.
The antioxidants present in the seeds offer protection against liver damage and promote overall liver health, even contributing to the repair of damage due to hepatitis.
How to take moringa seeds
Moringa seeds can be taken in various ways:
- If you can get fresh seeds, you can boil them like peas and use them as a side to any meal.
- The dried seeds can be eaten like nuts, so add them to the granola or any other mixture with prepared nuts and dried fruit, including hemp seeds.
- The powder of the seeds can be added to any food, yogurt, smoothie, or soup, and it does not alter the flavors, adding nutritional value to them.
- The seed oil moringa (ben oil) can be used in cosmetics and is edible, although its price is very high.
How to take moringa seeds to lose weight
Consumption of moringa seeds has also been arranged to lose weight. Some ways to take moringa seeds to lose weight are:
as capsules
- Peel the seeds until only the white center remain (remove the outer white wings and brown covering).
- Take them with water, as you would take the capsule of any medicine.
- One capsule three times a day (do not exceed 3 capsules a day).
With meals
- Chop 3 seeds into pieces and add them to the salad or any other food that you will consume (cooked or not).
- Remember not to consume more than 3 seeds per day.
In smoothies
- Mix 3 moringa seeds with the fruit you want to take.
- Blend them well and take them once a day for breakfast or a snack.
Powdered
- Pulverize the seeds (you can do it in a blender or some grinder or food processor).
- Mix half a level scoop of the powder with oatmeal and honey.
- Take it once a day.
OBSERVATION: You can use one of the ways described before or alternate them throughout the days, taking into account that:
- It would be best if you took them daily.
- You shouldn’t do it for more than two months. At the end of this time, rest a month and take up again.
- Never consume more than three seeds a day in any of their forms.
Supplement your moringa seed intake with a healthy diet and light to moderate exercise for maximum effectiveness.
You can get more information in the article How to take moringa to lose weight.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
We recommend entering our Food category if you want to read more articles similar to Moringa seeds: what they are for and how to take them.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.