If you’ve never heard of moringa, you’re not alone. This under the radar superfood is not commonly sold at grocery stores, but it has many health benefits that will make you want to add it to your daily diet. Today we share a few of those from our friends over at the Food Revolution Network. 

First off, what is it? Moringa is a shrub that originated in India and is related to collards, kale, and broccoli. The leaves and seeds are the most commonly eaten part of the plant. The foliage has a mild, peppery taste similar to arugula. It has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years and is very high in vitamin C. It also has 15 times as much potassium as bananas and 10 times as much beta carotene as carrots. It’s also rich in iron, calcium, and fiber. You can see why it’s called a superfood!

Here are seven benefits linked to the nutritious benefits of moringa. 

1. Reduces chronic inflammation. Flavanols and phenolic acids, phytonutrients found in moringa, have been shown to reduce biological markers that cause inflammation and studies have shown it can have comparable effects to aspirin in the body. 
2. Regulates blood glucose levels. Researchers have linked moringa to lowered blood sugar levels, a key factor in type 2 diabetes. It has also been shown to regulate metabolic processes. 
3. Protection against microbial infections. Moringa has strong antimicrobial properties and juice from its bark has even been shown to have an antibacterial effect against staph. In a study using moringa for urinary tract infections, 66 percent of patients were cured completely with moringa therapy. 
4. Reduces oxidative stress. Oxidative stress degrades our cellular tissues, but moringa and other leafy greens have been shown to protect against this with high levels of antioxidants. 
5. Could inhibit cancerous growth. One 2015 review found that moringa has anticancer effects on lab-cultivated cells and in another study, it reduced tumor growth in rats by 43 percent. 
6. Improves memory. Research has increasingly linked lifestyle factors to dementia and Alzheimer’s risk. Moringa is high in antioxidants which protect against neurodegeneration and its extract can stimulate the development of neurons and help regulate signaling pathways in the brain. 
7. May reduce cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is associated with a higher risk of heart disease and moringa has been shown to lower this in both humans and animals. 

Moringa is a powerful superfood that could have real benefits for your health, but remember to always check with your doctor before incorporating new plant-based therapies into your diet.