Moringa Tea Benefits: 10 Incredible Science-Backed Facts

In parts of Asia and Africa, moringa has been traditionally celebrated as a “miracle tree.” The leaves, seeds, and even bark of this plant have been used for their numerous health benefits. But today, we will specifically focus on moringa tea benefits!

In this article, we will cover what moringa tea is and how it’s made, the list of moringa tea benefits, the best ways to enjoy it, and some potential side effects and considerations.

So, brew yourself a cup of this miracle tea and gear up for a relaxing and informative read about moringa tea benefits!

What is Moringa Tea and How is it Made?

Moringa tea is a herbal tea made from the leaves of the Moringa oleifera plant, native to parts of Asia and Africa. The leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals, which are retained even after they’re dried and steeped in hot water to make the tea.

While moringa tea is the most common, there are variations like moringa blossom tea and moringa seed tea, each having a unique flavor and nutritional profile. We encourage you to delve deeper into our complete guide on moringa tea to learn more about these varieties.

How to prepare moringa tea

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how to prepare moringa tea using the three variations: dried leaves, powder, and tea bags.

1. Preparation: Depending on your choice, gather either 1 tablespoon of dried moringa leaves, 1 teaspoon of moringa powder, or 1 moringa tea bag per cup of tea that you plan to make.
2. Boiling Water: Heat water in a kettle until it reaches a boil.
3. Adding Moringa: If you are using dried leaves, place them in a teapot. If you are using moringa powder, put it directly into your cup. If you’re using a tea bag, place it in your cup.
4. Steeping: Pour the boiling water over the moringa, whether it’s leaves in the teapot, powder in your cup, or over your tea bag. Cover the teapot or cup and let it steep for about 5 to 10 minutes. The longer you steep, the stronger the flavor will be.
5. Straining: If you used dried leaves, strain the tea into your cup to remove the leaves. If you used powder or a tea bag, there’s no need to strain – just remove the tea bag after steeping.
6. Enjoy: Your moringa tea is now ready to be savored. You can enjoy it as is, or add a sweetener like honey or a splash of lemon for extra flavor.

Take note that moringa tea is naturally caffeine-free. The tea is made from the leaves of the moringa tree and is prized for its health benefits rather than any stimulating effects.

Now, it’s time to shed some light on the moringa tea benefits for your health!

List of Moringa Tea Benefits

Let’s explore the health benefits of drinking moringa tea that have been supported by scientific research.

1. High Nutritional Value

As recognized in the study by González-Burgos et al. (2021), moringa leaves, the primary ingredient used to brew moringa tea, serve as a powerhouse of vital nutrients. The leaves are densely packed with proteins, which form the foundation of body tissues and are indispensable for growth and repair mechanisms.

Moreover, they are a rich source of essential amino acids, the basic building blocks of proteins that the body cannot synthesize and hence must be obtained from the diet. In addition, moringa leaves contain flavonoids and carotenoids, which are potent antioxidants known to shield our cells from oxidative damage.

They also boast a high concentration of ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, that is crucial for maintaining skin health, enhancing wound healing, and promoting immune function. Therefore, introducing moringa tea benefits to your diet provides an excellent strategy to enrich your body with these valuable nutrients, potentially leading to improved overall health.

2. Potent Antioxidant Properties

In the same study, González-Burgos et al. (2021) highlight that moringa tea is a rich source of antioxidants. These bioactive compounds perform the essential role of neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body.

Free radicals are unstable molecules that, in high levels, can damage cells, leading to a state called oxidative stress. By reducing oxidative stress, antioxidants can prevent or delay various diseases, including cancer. Regular consumption of moringa tea may therefore help bolster your body’s defenses against these harmful effects, owing to its potent antioxidant properties.

3. Neuroprotection

Among the numerous moringa tea benefits, is its potential to protect brain health. González-Burgos et al. (2021) emphasized the tea’s neuroprotective effects, attributable to its ability to enhance antioxidant activity and assist in mitochondrial regulation.

Mitochondria, often termed as the cell’s power generators, are crucial for maintaining cellular health and function. Dysregulation of mitochondrial function is a common feature of many neurological diseases. Therefore, by potentially aiding mitochondrial regulation, moringa tea might play a role in forestalling these conditions, helping to keep your brain healthy and functioning optimally.

4. Promoting Cardiovascular Health

Another of the remarkable moringa tea benefits regularly relates to its positive impact on cardiovascular health. Dhakar et al. (2011) pointed out that moringa tea can help in reducing high blood pressure, a significant risk factor for heart disease.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can over time damage your arteries, leading to heart disease. By potentially helping to manage blood pressure levels, moringa tea can contribute to maintaining a healthy heart, supporting your long-term cardiovascular well-being.

5. Anti-cancer Potential

Notably, moringa tea benefits also extend to its potential anti-cancer properties. As reported by Singh et al. (2022), the compounds present in moringa have shown cytotoxic effects against cancer cells.

Furthermore, they exhibited anti-tumor activity in animal studies. Although further research in humans is required to confirm these effects, the potential of moringa tea to contribute to cancer prevention adds to its appeal as a health-promoting beverage.

6. Aid in Diabetes Management

Historically, moringa tea has been utilized as a herbal remedy in the management of diabetes. As per a study conducted by Toma (2022), it has demonstrated antidiabetic activity in animal studies.

This suggests the potential for its utility in human diabetes management, primarily by helping to regulate blood sugar levels. While moringa tea should not replace traditional diabetes medications, it might serve as a complementary approach to managing this chronic disease.

7. Anti-inflammatory Benefits

Moringa tea also displays notable anti-inflammatory properties, as identified by Lee et al. (2020). Inflammation is a vital immune response, but when it becomes chronic, it can lead to various health issues, including arthritis.

By reducing inflammation in the body, moringa tea might potentially alleviate symptoms of such conditions. Its use as an anti-inflammatory drink could therefore be a natural adjunct to managing inflammatory diseases.

8. Enhanced Digestion

Singh et al. (2022) noted that moringa leaves, high in dietary fiber, aid in digestion. Dietary fiber adds bulk to the diet and facilitates regular bowel movements, contributing to overall digestive health.

Regular intake of moringa tea might therefore help promote healthier digestion. Additionally, by maintaining optimal gut health, it could potentially play a role in preventing colon cancer, further enhancing its profile as a healthful beverage.

9. Boosting Milk Production

For lactating women, moringa tea can offer specific benefits. Maineny et al. (2023) reported its traditional use to increase breast milk production. Breast milk is the primary source of nutrition for newborns, and its adequacy is crucial for the child’s health and development.

Regular intake of moringa tea may therefore potentially aid in ensuring a sufficient milk supply, providing a natural way to support lactation.

10. Supporting Immune System

Lastly, moringa tea can also play a role in supporting immune health. A study by Drue et al. (2018), it has shown an impact on hematological parameters, which could enhance immune function.

The immune system is our body’s defense mechanism against infections and diseases. By modulating hematological parameters – the various components of blood – moringa tea might help boost your immune system, contributing to improved resistance against illnesses and promoting overall health.

These health benefits of moringa tea are a valuable addition to any diet. If you’re passionate about other types of teas, don’t forget to check out our comprehensive article on the ”health benefits of drinking tea”!

What’s the Best Way to Take Moringa Tea?

Moringa tea can be enjoyed on its own or combined with other ingredients like lemon or honey to enhance the taste. It can be a soothing drink before bed, or a refreshing morning beverage when served cold with a dash of mint.

Moringa tea, with its unique, slightly earthy flavor, can easily be incorporated into various recipes. It can not only add a nutritional boost but also a touch of exotic flavor to your dishes. Here are a few ways you could use it:

1. Smoothies: Make your moringa tea as usual, let it cool, and use it as the liquid base in your morning smoothie. It will provide a unique flavor and additional health benefits.
2. Soups: You could use cooled moringa tea as a part of the broth in soups. It will add a slight earthy flavor, and the nutrients will remain intact.
3. Moringa-infused Rice: When cooking rice or other grains, replace some of the water with moringa tea for a unique flavor and a nutritional boost.
4. Sauces and Dressings: Brewed, cooled moringa tea can be incorporated into homemade salad dressings, marinades, or sauces for a nutritional lift.
5. Tea-infused Baking: Substitute some amount of the liquid in recipes for cakes, bread, or muffins with cooled moringa tea. It will create a unique flavor profile and enhance the nutritional value of your baked goods.
6. Ice Cubes: Make a strong brew of moringa tea, let it cool, and freeze it into ice cubes. These can be used to cool beverages without diluting them, or blended into smoothies.

Remember that whenever you are incorporating moringa tea into hot recipes, try to add it towards the end of the cooking process to ensure the heat doesn’t destroy its nutrients. As with all ingredients, the key to incorporating moringa tea is to experiment and see what works best for your taste and dietary preferences.

Potential Side Effects and Considerations of Moringa Tea

Like any dietary supplement, it’s essential to consume moringa tea in moderation. Some individuals may experience heartburn, nausea, or diarrhea. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before consuming it. When sourcing moringa tea, make sure to choose a reputable provider to ensure the highest quality and safety.

Conclusion

The benefits of drinking moringa tea are substantial, from its rich nutritional profile to its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. We encourage you to try moringa tea and discover its benefits for yourself!

Don’t forget to share your experience with us! For those interested in a more detailed analysis, do check out our review post about the best moringa tea.

References

• Dhakar, R., Maurya, S., Pooniya, B., Gupta, M. (2011). Moringa : the Herbal Gold To Combat Malnutrition. Chron Young Sci, 3(2), 119. Link Here
• Drue, G., Hurley, S., Minor, R. (2018). Moringa Oleifera Tea Alters Neutrophil But Not Lymphocyte Levels In Blood Of Acutely Stressed Mice. Madridge J Immunol, 1(2), 43-48. Link Here
• González-Burgos, E., Ureña-Vacas, I., Sánchez, M. (2021). Nutritional Value Of Moringa Oleifera Lam. Leaf Powder Extracts and Their Neuroprotective Effects Via Antioxidative And Mitochondrial Regulation. Nutrients, 7(13), 2203. Link Here
• Lee, M., Kim, J., Park, J., Kang, M., Choi, H., Bae, S., … & Hwang, D. (2020). Fermented Mulberry (Morus Alba) Leaves Suppress High Fat Diet-induced Hepatic Steatosis Through Amelioration Of the Inflammatory Response And Autophagy Pathway. BMC Complement Med Ther, 1(20). Link Here
• Maineny, A., Taqwin, T., Sakti, P. (2023). Combination Of Breast Care and Moringa Leaf Tea To Increase Breast Milk Volume. J. Sci. n.a, S1(8), 9-12. Link Here
• Singh, J., Gautam, D., Sourav, S., Sharma, R. (2022). Role Of moringa Oleifera Lam. In Cancer: Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Insights. Food Frontiers, 1(4), 164-206. Link Here
• Toma, A. (2022). Antidiabetic Activity Of Hot Tea Infusion Of Leaves Of Moringa Stenopetala In Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats. JEP, (Volume 14), 309-316. Link Here