I don’t know who first coined the saying “health is wealth,” but they were right. For the past two years, my body’s been working overtime battling chronic inflammation and all the complications that come with it, like weight gain, fatigue, and body aches. After trying everything under the sun to fight it—from numerous diets to deep relaxation sessions throughout the day and everything in between—only one supplement has reigned supreme: moringa. Native to India and known for its anti-inflammatory properties, this plant has been a major game-changer in my chronic inflammation battle. And today, I’m sharing the details on what you need to know about this powerhouse supplement, including moringa benefits.
What is moringa?
A member of the Moringacae family, moringa (Moringa oleifera) is a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree known for its rich nutrients and health benefits (more on that to come). Sometimes called “the drumstick tree,” “ben tree oil,” “the miracle tree,” or “horseradish tree,” moringa miraculously retains the majority of its proteins, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals when cut and dried. This is why people all around the world have been using it for thousands of years to treat a variety of health concerns, like autoimmune disorders, malnutrition, chronic inflammation, skin and hair health, and more.
Why moringa is hailed for its anti-inflammatory properties
Inflammation is the body’s way of protecting itself by sending out white blood cells, proteins, and other chemicals to fight off bacteria and viruses and heal injured tissues around cuts and injuries. But when the body continues sending out inflammatory cells even though there’s no outside danger, chronic inflammation occurs. Needless to say, this can result in a myriad of problems like weight loss or gain, chest pain, acid reflux, and more.
Moringa works to lower inflammation by inhibiting pro-inflammatory markers and regulating immune cells, and it does this using its natural anti-inflammatory properties. Chief among these are isothiocyanates, powerful phytochemicals with anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties, as well as flavonoids and quercetin, powerful antioxidants that help fight against free radicals. Likewise, it also contains calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, and C. All of these compounds are essential for overall well-being and health, and vitamins A and C, in particular, are especially helpful for the immune system. While vitamin A works to keep it from being overactive and triggering an inflammatory response, vitamin C works to boost it.
How moringa has helped my chronic inflammation
I’ve been suffering from GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) since I was 15 years old. While experiencing heartburn occasionally is normal, I haven’t gone a day without it in over three years. Add that to having difficulty eating, irregular bowel movements, chest pains, and constant nausea and bloating. Unsurprisingly, this prolonged lack of harmony commonly causes ongoing inflammation. Because of this, I’ve gained weight despite eating clean and working out consistently, and I suffer from severe constipation, stomach upset, fatigue, and chronic eczema flare-ups.
My doctors ran numerous tests and put me on various acid-reducing medications, only to tell me the answer was Nissen Fundoplication surgery. Thankfully, my mom swooped in and saved the day last June when she gifted me some of her moringa powder packs. Since then, I’ve noticed a major difference in how I feel.
Not only has my constipation improved, but my bloating has also lessened. I don’t feel as sluggish or like I’m dragging my body everywhere because it feels so lethargic. I’m also sleeping soundly through the night and have enough energy to get through the day without taking a nap. And to top it all off, the beauty benefits are worth noting. My eczema flare-ups aren’t as severe, and my hair is thicker and growing faster and more than it ever has. Is moringa a cure-all? No (there’s really no such thing) but it has certainly made me feel better and healthier all around, and for the first time in a very long time, I feel more like myself again. And I credit it to moringa.
How I take moringa
Although there are many forms of moringa available, my favorite ways to take it are either a powder that can be mixed into water that I drink in the morning after my workout or a capsule supplement taken at night. While it’s imperative to talk to your doctor before taking a new supplement, Miami-based family medicine physician Dr. Laura Purdy told Forbes that source, quality, and purity are important factors to consider when purchasing moringa products. Opt for organic options that are green in color and grown in an area with nutrient-dense, rich soil.
