Can Moringa Help Lower Your Cholesterol?

Heart disease stands as the leading cause of death in the United States, surpassing other health conditions like cancer, accidents, or strokes.

Among the numerous factors contributing to heart disease, high cholesterol emerges as a significant player. Scientific research, as per the CDC, reveals that over 95 million adults in the US currently possess total cholesterol levels exceeding 200 mg/dL.

To put it in perspective, that accounts for almost 30% of the entire population, signifying that nearly 30% of all Americans face a heightened risk of heart disease.

Considering the substantial impact of diet on cholesterol levels, an important question arises: Can incorporating Moringa (Miracle Tree) into your daily diet help in reducing cholesterol?

Why Take Moringa to Lower Your Cholesterol?

Extensive research, involving studies on both human and animal subjects, consistently suggests that the inclusion of Moringa in your diet can be instrumental in reducing cholesterol levels, consequently lowering the risk of heart disease.

Now, let’s take a closer look to realm of cholesterol—understanding its nature and exploring how Moringa (drumstick tree) possesses specific properties that can help lower it. 

If you want to learn more about Moringa’s health benefits in more depth, you can read Morning Gardens guide below:

• Morning Gardens Moringa Guide (In-Depth)

What is Cholesterol And Why Do We Need It?

In straightforward terms, cholesterol is a fatty compound present in every cell of your body.

Your liver produces cholesterol naturally. It contributes to the creation of essential hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, is vital for Vitamin D synthesis, and plays a key role in producing the necessary acid for food digestion.

Cholesterol is essential for proper bodily function and is not something to be feared.

It’s worth noting that cholesterol is naturally present in certain foods, including eggs, cheese, and grass-fed steak. Despite common beliefs, consuming cholesterol-rich foods does not necessarily lead to an increase in cholesterol levels for most individuals.

Studies indicates that the human body adeptly regulates dietary cholesterol. When you consume healthy foods rich in cholesterol, your liver tends to produce less, and conversely, when you consume fewer cholesterol-heavy foods, your body compensates by producing more.

Let’s discuss two exceptions to the general rule. First, a smaller exception: hyper-responders.

About 25% of individuals may undergo a modest increase in cholesterol levels when consuming cholesterol-rich foods. While research suggests this doesn’t significantly impact heart disease, it’s a factor worth being mindful of.

Is Moringa Good for Cholesterol?

Extensive studies on both human and animal subjects provide robust support for the positive impact of Moringa on cholesterol levels. In a 2010 study focusing on patients with Type 2 diabetes, participants received a daily 8-gram dose of Moringa for 40 days. While the study initially aimed at assessing blood glucose levels, it also revealed a notable decrease in cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels by approximately 14% and 29%, respectively. 

In another study involving rabbits with high cholesterol levels, a daily dose of 100mg/kg of Moringa leaf extract demonstrated impressive results. The reduction in LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides levels, and carotid plaque rivaled the effects of simvastatin, a prescription drug commonly used for lowering LDL cholesterol.

It’s worth highlighting that Moringa Oleifera exhibited comparable efficacy to prescription medications, with added health benefits. Additionally, Moringa showcased its versatility by not only reducing cholesterol levels but also influencing the cholesterol content in eggs.

In a notable poultry study, 120 chickens were given Moringa leaf powder mixed into their feed at varying doses. The outcome was remarkable: an increase in antioxidants and a simultaneous decrease in cholesterol levels in the resulting chicken eggs. This reinforces Moringa’s multifaceted benefits, making it a potent natural solution for cholesterol management.

This promising trend extends beyond a single study; researchers have consistently incorporated Moringa leaf and seed meal as feed additives in the diets of various animals, including chickens, quail, fish, and sheep.

Though not every study specifically targeted cholesterol levels, each one demonstrated some sort of improvement, highlighting the positive impact of Moringa. 

Note: At Morning Gardens we love to take Moringa powder on a daily basis and the two best products that we personally love are the ones below!

• Organic Moringa powder by True Moringa: It is 100% raw organic Moringa powder (made from Moringa leaves) and has no additives, preservatives or artificial colors. 
• Kuli Kuli Moringa powder: It is also organic made with Moringa leaves, non-GMO and sustainably sourced! (which is something we value at Morning Gardens). 

Why Does Moringa Lower Cholesterol?

Scientists propose various reasons why Moringa Oleifera could contribute to lowering cholesterol, and one key factor is its significant fiber content.

While Moringa is renowned for its rich Vitamin C concentration, the emphasis on fiber is equally noteworthy. A 10-gram serving of Moringa powder, equivalent to approximately 1.5 tablespoons, contains around 2.44 grams of fiber. In essence, fiber constitutes approximately one-fourth of Moringa’s overall composition.

How Does Fiber Help Lower Cholesterol?

Fiber plays a crucial role for various reasons.

Firstly, it enhances overall digestive health by facilitating the swift movement of high-fiber foods through the digestive system, reducing the risk of colon cancer, and promoting regularity.

Equally significant is the impact of soluble fiber, which can reduce the absorption of cholesterol into the bloodstream. For those with diabetes, fiber can also contribute to lowering blood sugar levels.

In the case of Moringa Oleifera, its fiber content not only aids digestion but also plays a role in reducing cholesterol absorption, thereby potentially lowering cholesterol levels.

These health benefits, including the potential to reduce blood pressure and long-term blood sugar levels, underscore the multifaceted advantages of incorporating Moringa into your diet—a choice that could prove to be life-saving for you or a loved one.

 

Moringa Oleifera boasts an abundance of antioxidants, which play a crucial role in reducing cholesterol levels.

Oxidation of cholesterol is caused by free radicals (unstable molecules lacking an electron), and that oxidation can increase the plaque in your arteries. That’s where antioxidants comes in, neutralizing free radicals and mitigating the risk of arterial plaque buildup. 

What are Antioxidants?

Antioxidants play a crucial role by providing free radicals—an unstable molecule lacking an electron—with an extra electron, thereby stabilizing them and preventing potential harm to the body.

The antioxidants present in Moringa Oleifera actively combat oxidation and contribute to the reduction of LDL cholesterol, commonly referred to as the “bad” cholesterol.

Recent research also indicates that Moringa Oleifera may have the added benefit of accelerating weight loss.

It’s important to note that weight and health are not always directly correlated. Individuals may maintain a weight deemed “healthy” while still having high cholesterol, or be “overweight” with low cholesterol. Factors such as genetics and the environment can have as much impact on cholesterol levels as dietary habits.

For those dealing with obesity and high cholesterol, weight loss can often lead to a reduction in cholesterol levels. Incorporating Moringa Oleifera into a healthy diet may enhance the weight loss process, potentially aiding in lowering LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

How Much Moringa Should I Take to Lower Cholesterol?

The optimal amount of Moringa Oleifera for lowering cholesterol varies based on different research studies. Some experiments have employed a fixed amount, such as 8 grams, while others have adjusted doses according to body weight—ranging from half a gram to 2 grams per kilogram. For a 150-pound person, this translates to doses of 3.4 grams, 6.8 grams, and 13.6 grams, respectively.

Interestingly, both high and low doses in these studies have consistently demonstrated positive effects in controlling and managing cholesterol levels in both human and animal test subjects. While there is no universally agreed-upon “medium” dose due to variations in research goals and methodologies, many studies suggest that moderate amounts tend to yield the best results.

What is a Medium Dose of Moringa?

Determining the ideal or “medium” dose of Moringa Oleifera for lowering cholesterol remains a topic without a precise answer. The current understanding is that there isn’t a universally agreed-upon perfect amount. However, what is clear is that even small or moderate quantities of Moringa can effectively contribute to lowering cholesterol.

For those considering incorporating Moringa into their routine, it’s advisable to start with smaller amounts, around 1-3 grams of Moringa powder daily. Gradually, over several weeks, the dosage can be increased to a range of 5-10 grams. This gradual adjustment allows the body to acclimate to the increased intake of antioxidants and vitamins.

For a more detailed exploration of daily Moringa intake, refer to our post on “How Much Moringa Should I Take Each Day?”

Conclusion

For those seeking alternative health benefits beyond traditional medicine, Moringa Oleifera offers a versatile solution. Whether in the form of Moringa Extract, Moringa Oleifera Leaves, or Moringa Oil, this plant is known to enhance the immune system, address insulin resistance, manage high blood pressure, provide anti-inflammatory compounds, and notably, lower cholesterol.

Even the Moringa Oleifera leaf extract stands out as an excellent dietary supplement, rich in essential nutrients, and it’s convenient to grow in your garden.

It’s essential to clarify misconceptions about cholesterol, and seeking education, preferably through discussions with a doctor, is the first step. Taking a holistic approach to health is always recommended; while incorporating a spoonful of Moringa powder into your diet can be beneficial, it shouldn’t be considered a magic solution for unhealthy lifestyle choices.

Research indicates that Moringa has the potential to reduce cholesterol levels. Discuss the possibility of adding it to your diet with your doctor; it may even offer a natural alternative to medication.