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7 Possible Benefits of Moringa for Men: Is it Natural Viagra?
Does the benefits of moringa in men are real? Is it really a Superfood? Does moringa help with Erectile dysfunction in men? Which brand moringa powder or moringa tea to buy ? Read on to know.
Moringa, also known as the Drumstick tree and Miracle tree, is a versatile plant in which all its parts are useful. Moringa oleifera is the botanical name of this plant, native to Northwestern India, but it can also be found in some other Asian countries and major parts of Africa.
The leaves of the moringa tree are highly nutritious, and their medicinal properties and health benefits have led to their popularity as a staple food.
According to studies, various parts of the tree, including moringa leaves, moringa flowers, pods, moringa seeds, bark, and stems, can be used to treat around 300 different health conditions. It is no wonder that it is considered a superfood.
Although most benefits of moringa have been tested in animal and test-tube studies, the promising health advantages for men have been observed by people all around the world.
What is Moringa?
Moringa is a drought-resistant tree that is taken as stable food in its native places.
The moringa leaves are high in vitamins like vitamin C, E, and B6. It also has minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium with high proteins that are plant-based. A cup of moringa leaves has 2 grams of protein.
Vitamin B6 in moringa gives 20% of your recommended daily allowance (RDA), likewise, Vitamin C in moringa gives 12% of your RDA, and Iron in moringa gives about 10% of your RDA.
Drumstick tree also has essential amino acids that are important for the growth, production, and repair of body cells.
The leaves are rich in phytonutrients in the form of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to avert free radical damage to body cells and protect the body from extensive inflammation which otherwise causes severe chronic health diseases. Some of the powerful antioxidants in moringa are Beta-carotene, Chlorogenic acid, and Quercetin.
Iron in moringa leaves helps in hair growth. It enriches hair health from the inside when applied topically.
The moringa seeds have beneficial nutrients for men, especially for their sexual health. The consumption of moringa seeds gives a longer and stronger erection.
Related: Health benefits of Moringa seeds
But is the hype we created for moringa is overrated or does the tree deserve it? Do the benefits of moringa for men believed by people are real?
Let’s discuss this here.
Nutritional Values of Moringa Leaves
100 grams of moringa leaves contain the following nutrients.
| Nutrients | Fresh Leaves | Dried Leaves |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium | 440 mg | 2003 mg |
| Copper | 0.07 mg | 0.57 mg |
| Iron | 0.85 mg | 28.2 mg |
| Magnesium | 42 mg | 368 mg |
| Phosphorous | 70 mg | 204 mg |
| Potassium | 259 mg | 1324 mg |
| Protein | 6.70 gm | 27.1 gm |
| Zinc | 0.16 mg | 3.29 mg |
| Vitamin A | 6.78 mg | 18.9 mg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.06 mg | 2.64 mg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.05 mg | 20.5 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 0.8 mg | 8.2 mg |
| Vitamin C | 220 mg | 17.3 mg |
Health Benefits of Moringa for Men
Below are the study-based health benefits of moringa for men.
1.It May Improve Prostate Health in Men
Moringa leaves and seeds have glucosinolates which is a plant compound with a high amount of sulfur. It plays a major role in the anticancer properties of the plant.
Some test-tube studies have found that this glucosinolates compound in the moringa seeds can prevent prostate cancer cell growth in humans.
A study showed that moringa could help avert benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) which is a health condition that mostly affects men. It is linked with the prostate which causes symptoms like difficulty in urination.
In an animal study, mice ingested moringa leaf extract daily for 4 weeks showed improvement in BPH. The leaf extract was helped in reducing prostate weight.
Also, the moringa extract reduced antigen levels linked to the prostate. The antigen is a protein created in the prostate gland. The sudden increase in the antigen levels is considered a sign of prostate cancer.
Finally, the study showed that the extract decreased testosterone levels in the mice. In humans, testosterone level is essential for better sex drive and erectile functions.
Thus the testosterone lowering activity of extract might interact with testosterone replacement treatment in men.
However, it requires proper human studies to determine whether the moringa leaf extract can be beneficial for prostate health or lower testosterone in men.
2.It May Cure Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction occurs when a man is unable to keep or get an erection enough to make sexual intercourse.
It is due to irregular blood flow because of high blood pressure, fat in the blood, or stress.
Moringa leaves have plant compounds called polyphenols which are beneficial to enhance blood flow while increasing the production of nitric oxide and decreasing high blood pressure.
An animal study that tested mice with moringa extract of leaves and seeds prevented conditions associated with erectile dysfunction that caused low nitric oxide production and high blood pressure.
In another study, moringa seed extract given to healthy rats relaxed the muscles in the penis and improved blood flow. The extract also alleviated ED in rats with diabetes.
However, we need further studies and evidence-based research on humans to conclude this topic.
3. It May Be Beneficial to Cure Infertility
A review of several studies showed more than 40% of infertility problems are due to men because of sperm quality, quantity, and motility.
Moringa leaves and seeds are rich in antioxidants that inhibit free radical damage that affects the production of sperm or damages to sperm DNA.
In an animal study, moringa leaf powder is given to rabbits, and found the volume of semen increased with sperm motility and count.
The antioxidant properties of moringa leaves could increase sperm count in rats with induced undescended testicles.
Also, some animal studies involving rats and rabbits have shown that moringa leaf extract may inhibit the loss of sperm due to chemotherapy, excessive heat, or electromagnetic rays from cell phones.
The studies that showed moringa leaf extract to improve sperm count were involved animal subjects thus we need promising human studies to confirm the effect of moringa on male fertility.
4.Moringa May Help You Control Blood Sugar
Type 2 diabetes is now common in most men and women. It occurs when your body does not secrete enough insulin or can’t utilize it efficiently. This leads to high blood sugar that we call diabetes. Insulin is the hormone in the body produced by the pancreas that reduces sugar levels in the blood after food consumption.
Men are more prone to this health condition than women. Because men’s bodies have a tendency to keep harmful fat around the abdominal parts of the body which are called visceral fat. This bad fat affects insulin production and increases diabetes risks.
Several animal studies of rats and mice with diabetes have shown that moringa leaf extract and seed extract might reduce blood sugar levels by increasing the production of insulin or adding sugar into cells.
A study that tested 10 healthy adults with the intake of 4 gm of moringa leaf powder has shown increased insulin production but it did not affect blood sugar levels.
In another study, 17 adults with Type 2 diabetes and 10 healthy adults were fed 20 gm of moringa leaf powder with food. The study found that a moringa supplement with meals decreased the uptake of sugar into the blood after eating in adults with diabetes which is not in those healthy adults.
Though the benefits of moringa for men in regulating blood sugar levels are promising, further long-term research on the ingredient involves more people to conclude the effectiveness of moringa for diabetes.
5. Moringa May Help You Gain Muscle Mass
Since the leaves of the moringa tree have 18 amino acids including 9 essential amino acids, it is a rich source of protein. The plant-based protein could aid in increasing muscle mass and strength.
The protein in moringa is higher than yogurt and some grains. Did you know, the protein in moringa is twice as much as in kale?
Also, Plant proteins are healthier than animal protein with fewer calories and high fiber. As we are aware, protein is the key ingredient for fitness and muscle building. Moringa makes an ideal protein supplement for vegan people who want to build muscle and for athletes.
Add moringa into smoothies and have before workout which will boost calcium thus you get endurance for doing muscle exercises. In fact, moringa has more calcium than milk and yogurt.
For the morning moringa pre-workout smoothie, you will need:
- Moringa powder – 1 to 2 teaspoons
- Kale – 2 to 4
- Banana – 1
- Dates – 1 to 2
- Almond butter – 1 tablespoon
- Cacao powder – 1 tablespoon
- Coconut water – half cup
- Ice cubes – as required
Preparation
- Blend all the ingredients in the blender at high speed until it is smooth.
- Pour in a jar and enjoy.
The minerals like magnesium and iron with water-soluble vitamins in moringa also help to repair damaged muscles and tissues.
6. It May Aid With Hair Growth
Apart from sexual health and fertility, moringa leaves also support hair growth.
Moringa leaves have vitamins A and B which are beneficial for hair health. The presence of zinc in the leaves nourishes oil glands in the scalp. The minerals, vitamins, and amino acids are important for making up Keratin which is a type of protein essential for hair growth. Fortunately, moringa leaves have vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, B vitamins, and minerals like iron, zinc, and amino acids like Cysteine.
In a cup of fresh moringa leaves, you get.
- Vitamin A – 9% of the RDA
- Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) – 11% of the RDA
- Vitamin B6 – 19% of the RDA
- Vitamin C – 12% of the RDA
- Iron – 11% of the RDA
- Magnesium – 8% of the RDA
The antioxidant properties of moringa prevent oxidative stress which may lead to weak hair follicles and hair loss. There are many evidence-based studies confirming moringa is a rich source of antioxidants. Thus it keeps the conditions that curb hair growth at bay and also helps in hair growth.
Related: Benefits of Moringa for Hair growth
7.It May Improve Skin Health
An essential extract from moringa seeds is full of anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce skin infections and improve skin health.
You can massage scalp and hair with moringa oil for scalp itchiness, rashes, allergies, and redness.
Moringa seed oil is the best herbal remedy for hair loss. It also removes dandruff and moisturizes the scalp.
The high amount of zinc in moringa oil stimulates keratin production which prevents and stops hair damage and skin cell damage.
Moringa oil can be used to condition hair and calm the skin. It effectively removes suntan, blemishes, acne scars, dark spots, and blackheads.
Read more: Benefits of Moringa for Skin
How to consume Moringa?
Drumstick tree leaves and seeds are used in many forms. In Southeast India, moringa leaves are commonly part of the afternoon meal.
Now after the moringa leaf powder entry into the market, people started incorporating it into smoothies, salads, roasted vegetables, soups, stews, and other healthy drinks.
I know a Sweet and Spicy Green Smoothie recipe using moringa. Let’s see how to prepare it.
Ingredients you will need
- Moringa powder – 1 to 2 teaspoons
- Tomato – 1
- Carrot – 1
- Apple – 1
- Cucumber – 1
- Spinach – Handful
- Cinnamon Powder – 1/4 teaspoon
Preparation
Blend all ingredients except moringa powder in a blender at high speed for a smooth texture. Now add moringa powder and drink it. It is a great morning drink to start the day.
An easy way to intake moringa daily might be to add to your regular tea. Moringa tea is the best stress reliever and mood booster.
The herbal tea is slightly bitter and has an earthy flavor. It internally massages the mind and body.
To prepare a healthy moringa tea at home, you can use fresh or dried moringa leaves or leaf powder.
- Just add 1 teaspoon of moringa leaf powder in a cup of boiled warm water and steep for 3 minutes. Strain and drink it.
- If you prefer to use leaves, boil the fresh leaves for 10 to 15 minutes and dried leaves for 5 to 10 minutes in a cup of water. Turn off the heat and allow the ingredients to steep in the water. Let it cool for a few seconds, strain and drink it.
- If the tea is too bitter, add honey or lemon.
Related: Benefits of Moringa Tea
Safety and Precaution
Moringa has a long history in herbal and traditional medicine and also as food that is safe for almost everyone.
A review of studies has not reported any side effects in participants who ingested 5 grams of moringa leaf powder in a single serving or 7 grams a day for 3 months.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is better to avoid moringa. Based on a few studies, moringa could cause uterus contractions and tighten which may result in miscarriage.
Moringa can influence blood sugar, blood pressure, and insulin levels in the body. If you are taking medications for these conditions, do not consume it without consulting a doctor.
See, the effectiveness and benefits of moringa for men are under research to affirm if its effects on animals can translate to humans as well. However, the plant is nutritious and beneficial for humans there is no doubt.
Include moringa in your daily regimen in the form of powder, food, capsule, tea, or supplements.
Still, as always, it is better to consult your healthcare provider to find the right dose, time, and intake method of moringa for better results and to avoid possible risks.
The bottom line
Moringa is a versatile plant that is beneficial for overall health and wellness. It is proved that the parts of this plant can cure about 300 health ailments.
The antioxidants in the leaves prevent possible damage to body cells. The active plant compounds, plant-based protein, minerals like iron, and magnesium, vitamins like vitamin B6 and C are high in moringa compared to other popular leaf vegetables like Kale.
The benefits of Moringa for Men in sexual drive, erectile dysfunction, sperm motility, and infertility are promising but long-term research with many participants and tests or studies are required to tag the Moringa tree to be a medicine for discussed problems.
Thankyou.for helping solve my problem.Iam taking moringa leaves for 2weeks now and looking forward for result now,keep it up.