Recently, I've added moringa tea into the mix. Moringa, which comes from the moringa oleifera tree, is like kale on steroids—it contains three times as much iron as spinach and is a good source of calcium, Vitamin A, potassium, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, magnesium, and beta carotene. (The latter of which, weirdly, makes you more attractive—in case vanity helps you motivate towards health).
After hearing everyone at Well+Good HQ sing moringa's praises when it comes to the health benefits, particularly about targeting inflammation, I couldn't help but do some major recon into the science behind its buzz. (Nerd alert!) What I discovered is impressive, to say the least—and several of its health-boosting benefits could be especially helpful during the upcoming flu season.
Below, find a rundown of research-backed health perks of moringa, which is, perhaps, easiest to consume in tea form. (You can prep it in the same way you'd make matcha—simply whisk powdered moringa into hot water.) Not willing to trade your morning cold brew for anything? Luckily, these facts also ring true if you're ingesting moringa in other forms, from supplements to blending it into a smoothie to baking a batch of moringaroons.
Keep reading to learn about the health benefits of moringa tea
Moringa has antimicrobial and antifungal properties
Moringa extract was shown to be more effective than antibiotics in eliminating certain types of bacteria and fungi in lab tests. It's also been tested and proven effective as a treatment for certain oral infections.
Its antioxidants can moderate inflammation
Inflammation is the ultimate bad boy of the health world these days—it's being linked to just about everything that ails us. Though research is still fairly early-stage, moringa powder seems to have anti-inflammatory effects thanks at least in part to the presence of antioxidant polyphenols (also found in berries), isothiocyanates (also found in cruciferous veggies), ascorbic acid, flavonoids, and carotenoids.
It's heart-healthy
Not yet convinced? Take this info to heart—moringa leaf juice has demonstrated stabilizing effects on blood pressure and moringa extract has been shown to lower cholesterol.
It may lower blood sugar
One study showed that Type 2 diabetics who consumed 8 grams of moringa daily saw their glucose levels drop by 28 percent. Powdered moringa demonstrated an ability to reduce blood sugar in non-diabetics as well.
It contains an anti-cancer compound
Moringa leaf extract has been shown to keep cancer cells from spreading thanks to the presence of a phenolic substance called eugenol.
It may regulate thyroid hormones
In one animal study, moringa leaf extract was shown to be an effective thyroid hormone regulator, especially in female test subjects.
Editor's note: Pregnant women or women trying to conceive are advised against taking moringa.
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