Health Benefits of Moringa Oil
Posted by Mark Lubbe on
Benefits of Moringa Oil
Research has found that the moringa plant, including the oil, has several possible health benefits. To reap those benefits, you can apply moringa oil topically or use it instead of other oils in your diet.
Moisturizes the Skin and Hair
One feature of moringa oil that can benefit the skin and hair: oleic acid, a fatty acid in many plant and vegetable oils.
"The high oleic acid content found in moringa oil suggests it would benefit dry, more mature skin types due to its significant moisturizing properties," said Dr. Hayag.
Might Treat Infections
Moringa oil might protect against and treat infections. Specifically, the compounds found in moringa seeds prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause illnesses. Research has found that the moringa plant may be a good alternative therapy for treating infections since it has few side effects.
Reduces Inflammation
A review published in 2020 in Frontiers in Pharmacology found that the moringa plant helps reduce inflammation. The researchers noted that the moringa plant has some regulatory effects on the immune system.
With autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakenly targets and destroys healthy cells. As a result, many autoimmune diseases, like atopic dermatitis and multiple sclerosis (MS), cause chronic inflammation.
By helping control the immune system response, moringa oil might reduce inflammation. In fact, the researchers noted that moringa oil may stave off long-term tissue damage.
Helps Manage Diabetes
Moringa oil may help control blood sugar levels. In one review published 2020 in Nutrients, researchers suggested that the moringa plant might lower blood sugar due to its fiber and antioxidant content. The researchers noted that few studies have shown that fiber and antioxidants help the body absorb glucose, also known as sugar.
May Lower Heart Disease Risk
The unsaturated fatty acids in moringa oil may protect against heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S.7 Research has found that the concentration of oleic acid in moringa oil is over 80%, which is more than in olive oil. Unsaturated fatty acids like oleic acid may help lower total cholesterol.
High total cholesterol is a risk factor for several types of heart disease, like coronary artery disease (CAD). With CAD, plaque collects in the arteries, blocking blood flow to the heart. CAD increases the risk of a heart attack. So, monitoring your cholesterol levels helps mitigate that risk.
Might Protect Against Some Cancers
Some evidence suggests that the moringa plant might have anticancer properties. Usually, the body gets rid of abnormal cells with a process called apoptosis, also known as programmed cell death. However, if apoptosis does not happen, abnormal cells grow out of control, leading to cancer.
In one study published in 2015 in PLoS One, researchers found that the moringa plant helped reduce cancerous cells by as much as 90%. Also, the researchers found that the moringa plant improved the apoptosis of breast and colorectal cancerous cells.