Moringa Tea Benefits And Its Side Effects
Here are the key benefits of drinking moringa tea:
- Moringa tea is extremely nutritious, providing a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, iron, and potassium. However, it loses some nutrients like vitamin C during the drying process.
- Moringa tea may help fight inflammation in the body due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds like quercetin and isothiocyanates. Animal studies suggest it can help alleviate low-grade inflammation associated with chronic diseases.
- Moringa tea is caffeine-free but can provide an energy boost thanks to its rich vitamin and mineral content, especially iron, vitamin C, vitamin D, and B vitamins which support energy metabolism. It provides a sustained energy lift without the crashes of caffeine.
- Moringa tea may help balance blood sugar levels due to compounds like chlorogenic acid and isothiocyanates which can regulate glucose uptake and release. Some studies show it can improve fasting blood sugar, insulin levels, and overall glucose control in people with diabetes.
- Moringa tea contains antioxidants and anti-aging compounds that may help slow the effects of aging. However, more human studies are needed to confirm many of the potential health benefits
Moringa tea is considered safe for most people, but it may interact with certain medications like diabetes drugs. Pregnant women should avoid it due to potential reproductive effects seen in animal studies. Moderation is key, as overconsumption can cause laxative effects and stomach upset.
Moringa Tea Side Effects
Here are the key potential side effects of drinking moringa tea:
- Moringa tea can interact with certain medications, including diabetes drugs, blood pressure medications, and thyroid medications like levothyroxine. If you take any medications, consult your doctor before consuming moringa tea.
- Drinking moringa tea in very large quantities can potentially cause stomach upset, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other digestive issues. However, these side effects are typically only seen with overconsumption of moringa, not normal dosages.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid moringa tea, as some compounds in the plant may not be safe for infants. The safety of moringa during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not well established.
- Moringa tea may have a suppressive effect on the conversion of T4 to T3 thyroid hormones, potentially decreasing the effectiveness of levothyroxine medication for hypothyroidism. Consult your doctor if you take thyroid medications.
- Moringa tea is likely safe when consumed in normal food amounts, but the safety of long-term supplementation is not well studied. Stick to the recommended dosages of 2-3 servings per day of moringa tea.
In general, moringa tea is considered safe for most people when consumed in moderation. The potential benefits likely outweigh the risks for most healthy adults. However, those with medical conditions or taking medications should consult their doctor before adding moringa tea to their diet.