Moringa is referred to as the drumstick and miracle tree. It is also called Moringa oleifera. A lot of research has shown how medical and nutritious its leaves are, as a lot of people widely uses it.
Almost all parts of this plant are being utilized in herbal medicine, and it is effective in treating a significant number of conditions. With that in mind, not all of the studies taken to prove the health benefits of Moringa are linked to humans.
However, studies taken showed that Moringa could be specifically beneficial to men’s health.
These are the benefits of Moringa for men;
Improves prostate health
The leaves and seeds of Moringa have high levels of glucosinolates which are compounds that contain sulfur and are packed with anti-cancer properties.
Studies have shown that the glucosinolates present in Moringa seeds can help to prevent the growth of cancer cells in the prostate.
Some research has also suggested that this plant can help make you less susceptible to developing benign prostate hyperplasia.
This is a condition that occurs more frequently as men get older and often leads to prostate enlargement, which would result in difficulty with urination.
A study taken had mice take Moringa leaf extract and then followed it up with administering testosterone every day for one month to induce benign prostate hyperplasia. At the end of the study, it was noticed that the prostate weight was reduced significantly, thanks to the extract.
In addition to that, the extract was found to lower prostate-specific antigen levels. Prostate cancer can occur if your body has this antigen in large quantities.
A lot of studies are still ongoing to firmly back up the health benefits Moringa has in men.
May help with erectile dysfunction
A man that has erectile dysfunction will find it difficult or may ultimately lose the ability to achieve and maintain an erection firm and long enough to have sexual intercourse.
This is a condition that happens most likely when there is a restriction or irregular flow of blood, which could be as a result of high-fat levels in your blood, high blood pressure, or diabetes.
The leaves of this plant are rich in plant compounds known as polyphenois. These compounds are known for their ability to improve the flow of blood by reducing blood pressure and enhancing the production of nitric oxide.
Some studies that were taken with mice also showed that Moringa leaf extract and seeds hinder the main enzymes that are connected to erectile dysfunction that reduce the production rate of nitric oxide and increase blood pressure.
Research has also shown that Moringa seed extract can help in relaxation of the smooth muscle in your penis, which would lead to a better flow of blood.
This seed’s extract can also help alleviate erectile dysfunction in people that have diabetes. Although, lots of research is still being made on the benefits of Moringa on men with erectile dysfunction.
May boost fertility
Research has estimated that men contribute or cause infertility issues in up to 40% of times this condition occurs. The causes are most likely issues with sperm mobility and lowered production of sperm.
The seeds and leaves of the Moringa plant have been found to contain high levels of antioxidants, which are useful in dealing with oxidative damage that could impact sperm production or impair sperm DNA.
Some studies that were taken with rabbits showed that Moringa leaf powder is effective in boosting semen value along with sperm motility and count.
Also, further studies taken with rats proved that the Moringa leaf extract resulted in an increase in sperm count thanks to its antioxidant properties.
In addition to that, these studies also showed that the leaf extract could help make you less susceptible to experiencing sperm loss due to chemotherapy, excess heat, or electromagnetic rays coming off from a cell phone.
These results are undoubtedly exciting, but other studies with humans need first to be completed to conclude on the beneficial effect of Moringa on male fertility.
Helps in improving blood sugar control
A man is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes if his body does not have enough insulin or cannot use it effectively. The pancreas is responsible for the production of insulin, which is a hormone that helps to reduce blood sugar levels after a meal.
Men have been found to suffer from this condition more than women. Research suggests that it may be due to the fact that men have a higher tendency of storing harmful fat in the abdominal region.
This type of fat is referred to as visceral fat, and it has been found to reduce the efficiency of insulin, which would make you more susceptible to having diabetes.
A lot of studies have been taken with mice that have diabetes, and it was found out that Moringa seeds and leaves extracts can help to reduce blood sugar levels in two ways. One is by boosting the uptake of sugar into the cells or boosting the production of insulin.
A study taken with ten healthy men showed that the intake of 4g of Moringa leaf powder boosts the secretion of insulin, although blood sugar levels were not significantly affected.
Also, another study was taken with healthy men and men that have type 2 diabetes. Both sets were asked to take 20g of Moringa leaf powder with a meal.
At the end of the study, it was seen that the leaf powder lowered the level of sugar increase after eating in the men that had diabetes. The healthy men did not notice any changes.
These results are also exciting, but there is still ongoing research that involves more people which would ensure that a solid conclusion is made.
Key nutrients in Moringa
Moringa is packed with a lot of nutrients that are responsible for its beneficial effects on men’s health.
These nutrients include;
Vitamin D
Most often than not, people don’t get the required exposure to sunlight that they need. Sometimes it is a good thing, as you are less likely to experience skin cancer from exposure to harsh UV rays, although it could result in vitamin D deficiency.
Like every other thing, you need to get a moderate exposure to sunlight to enjoy its full benefits. At summertime, the required time to stay under the sun to get an adequate amount of vitamin D is about half an hour.
If getting vitamin D directly from the sun is not an available option for you, you can opt to eat foods that are rich in it. Fortunately, Moringa is rich in vitamin D.
Magnesium
This is widely regarded as an essential vitamin for women and men. It helps in a lot of processes carried out by the body like muscle strength, mood regulation, and nerve health.
You can get magnesium in a number of multivitamins, and it is also found in foods such as spinach, whole grains, and nuts.
Moringa is rich in magnesium, which is why it helps improve and protect muscular health in men. It can also be utilized as a supplement for strength training for men.
Omega 3
Fish is widely known to be an excellent source of omega 3, although it can also be found in plant-based sources. Foods rich in Omega 3 include walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and Brussels sprouts.
Moringa contains high levels of Omega 3, which is why it is effective in improving heart health and preventing heart complications.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
ALA is an antioxidant that is effective when it comes to cell repair and nerve function. You can mostly get it in foods like broccoli, potatoes and spinach. It can help to prevent diabetes along with alleviating the symptoms of diabetes in men that have this condition.
Moringa is rich in ALA, and it helps to boost vitamin C and E levels. Vitamin C is essential for testosterone production, while vitamin E aids in skin cell repair.
Selenium
This is also another antioxidant that helps to resolve several health problems, which include rheumatoid arthritis or other heart complications. Your healthcare provider will often prescribe selenium to help improve your body’s muscle and nerve function naturally.
Heart disease is the number one cause of men’s death, which is why you should actively try to improve your heart health. Moringa is rich in selenium, and regular intake will help you prevent blood vessel and heart complications.
Moringa is an excellent multivitamin for men
It is without a doubt that getting all of the nutrients above in a standard meal is not an easy task, particularly if you are not chanced to spend most of your time on the preparation of a meal and to try to put the exact amount of nutrients.
Utilizing Moringa is an excellent way to get all of these vitamins at once without having to go through a lot of stress.