Everyone has a different idea of what constitutes the perfect diet. For some, avoiding sugar and processed foods is the key; for others, a low fat diet is the answer. Some want to lose weight for health reasons, while others want to shed those extra pounds for aesthetic purposes. When it comes to dieting, most people think about what kind of food they should avoid eating and which ones they should be making a special effort to consume. However, there is another option that might be just as effective at helping you shed those extra pounds – an herbal supplement called Moringa.
Is Moringa Right for You?
Moringa is a plant native to the tropics, with branches that grow both above and below the ground. The tree’s oval-shaped leaves, which can be up to 10 centimeters long, are glossy and a burgundy-red color. The tree is naturally resistant to pests and disease and can grow in a variety of soil types. It can thrive with very little water or food, and can reproduce quickly via seeds.
Moringa’s deep roots allow it to grow in places where other plants cannot. The tree is also able to absorb heavy metals such as cadmium and lead from the soil. These metals are harmful to humans and most livestock. Yet, plants can cleanse the soil of toxic metals, making them available for future use by humans and animals. Scientists estimate that a single tree can absorb thousands of kilograms of carbon dioxide per year.
How Does Moringa Work?
The primary role of insulin is to regulate sugar levels in the body. When blood sugar levels are high, the pancreas produces insulin to help bring them down. If blood sugar levels are low, the body lacks essential energy, and the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin to keep sugar at healthy levels. In this case, the liver tries to make up for the lack of insulin by storing glycogen – carbohydrates – in the form of glucose. This carbohydrate storage is what gives humans and animals their energy during times of low blood sugar.
When sugar levels are high in the blood, the body uses glucose as its primary source of energy. However, during times of fasting or when the pancreas ceases to produce sufficient amounts of insulin, glycogen is the primary source of energy. Animals that are unable to store carbohydrates in the liver will perish. Humans and most other mammals will also have low energy levels and suffer from mood swings and neurological issues.
Insulin is an important hormone for regulating blood sugar levels. However, there is another hormone called cholecystokinin (CCK), which is released along with insulin during times of high blood sugar. CCK encourages the body to store calories more effectively, transforming fatty acids into energy and storing them as fats in the liver and muscles. These fats are more likely to be used for energy than glycogen, making them a viable source of energy for humans and animals even in times of low blood sugar.
Is Moringa Better Than Many Other Popular Products?
There are many excellent weight loss supplements on the market, with some offering very noticeable results. However, none of these products contain Moringa, and it may be the best choice for those seeking an effective and affordable alternative. The primary active ingredient in Moringa is a substance called beta-Moringa carboxylic acid (MBCA).
Many people lose a lot of weight quickly and easily when taking Moringa, even if they do not realize it. The substance MBCA inhibits an enzyme known as fatty acid synthase (FASN), which is responsible for building fat cells in the body. FASN also encourages the body to produce and maintain these fat cells. Without FASN to produce more fat cells, the body cannot store as much fat as usual, and those seeking weight loss will notice significant results from Moringa.
When taking Moringa, individuals experience reduced appetite, due to the substance in the plant being able to stimulate the appetite-suppressing neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin helps control hunger by telling the brain that there is plenty of food available, and thus reduces the desire to consume foods high in cholesterol, sugar, and fat. In one clinical trial, adults who took Moringa experienced a significant reduction in cholesterol and triglycerides, along with a boost in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), the “good” cholesterol. HDL-C helps protect the body from heart disease by carrying cholesterol from the liver to the gallbladder for disposal. When cholesterol is removed from the body, it is no longer available to cause damage.
Moringa does not just help decrease cholesterol and triglycerides, it also helped to increase the body’s ability to burn calories. In a six-week study, subjects who took Moringa experienced an average weight loss of 2.36 kg, compared to 1.81 kg in the control group. The same participants also reported increased energy levels as well.
How Long Does It Take For Moringa To Work?
The results of clinical trials examining the effect of Moringa on cholesterol and triglycerides suggest that the herb reduces these substances within a few weeks of daily use. However, for those seeking weight loss, it might take a little longer for the benefits to show.
When taken daily for six weeks, participants in a clinical trial studying the effect of Moringa on weight loss experienced a marked reduction in cholesterol and triglycerides, along with an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). After 12 weeks, total cholesterol levels were still lower in the Moringa group than in the control group. The authors of the study concluded that “Moringa can be considered as a functional food for reducing serum cholesterol.” In another trial, obese volunteers took Moringa for three months and experienced a decrease in body weight, body fat, and cholesterol. However, they also noted that diarrhea was a significant side effect in some of the participants, potentially due to the herb’s effect on the gut microbiome.
Based on the results of these trials, it is likely that in the right clinical setting, patients could experience significant weight loss within a few weeks of starting a regimen that includes Moringa. However, for those who are seeking a long-term solution, it might take some time to see noticeable effects.
When Should You Take Moringa?
While Moringa is a safe and effective weight loss aid when used in accordance with product instructions, it is not for everyone. Individuals with certain medical conditions such as diabetes, liver disease, gallstones, and kidney disease should not use the product because of the risks involved. Doctors also do not recommend taking the herb if you are taking certain medications, as it might cause serious interactions.
If you are looking for a quick solution to help you lose those extra pounds without risking your health, then Moringa could be the nutritional supplement for you. The substance MBCA inhibits an enzyme involved in triglyceride and cholesterol synthesis, and encourages the body to utilize carbohydrates rather than glycogen as an energy source. Moreover, the herb encourages the body to eliminate fat and improve its ability to metabolize calories, making it a viable option for those seeking weight loss.