Meet moringa, the mighty green powder that’s shaking up routines. Whether you’re sipping smoothies or taking capsules, let’s unearth its uses and if there's any truth behind its supposed benefits

Summary

1What’s moringa?

From North India and nearly every part of the plant is edible.4 The leaves are the real show-stealers, packed with nutrients...

2What nutrients does moringa contain?

Vitamins A, B, C, D and E, minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, copper folic acid, pyridoxine and nicotinic acid fibre...

3So, does moringa really have any benefits?

An easy way for veggies to pack in more protein. It’s handy for upping your fibre intake and it’s rich in antioxidants...

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Curious about moringa – the leafy green that's stealing the spotlight from turmeric and giving matcha a run for its money? Whether you're brewing it, blending it or taking it in capsules, find out why moringa could be your new go-to.

Moringa’s a popular supplement, largely due to its high antioxidant content. These antioxidants are believed to contribute to its potential protective and anti-inflammatory effects.1

It's often hyped on TikTok for a whole host of potential benefits – but how much of it holds up, and what does the science actually say? We're peeling back the layers on these little green leaves.

What’s moringa?

Moringa goes by many names. You might have heard it called a drumstick, ben oil or even a horseradish tree. Its full name is moringa oleifera, but you’ll most commonly hear it referred to as ‘moringa’. 2,3

This green gem hails from North India and nearly every part of the plant is edible.4 The leaves are the real show-stealers, packed with nutrients and often found whizzed into a powder or tucked into supps. You’ll also spot moringa popping up in teas, oils and even as dried or fresh leaves in health food shops (like H&B). However you take it, this plant is branching out in all the best ways.

What’s the difference between moringa leaves and seeds?

Of all the parts of the tree, the moringa leaf offers the most concentrated dose of vitamins and minerals.3 These leaves are usually crushed to make a powder, which you can add to your smoothies, sprinkle into your energy bars or drink as moringa tea. The dried leaves are also available as supplements, in powder or capsule form.

While moringa seeds might not be as nutrient-dense as the leaves, they still have some noteworthy uses. They may not offer the full range of moringa’s potential perks, but they certainly bring their own value to the table.3

One of their stand-out features is their oil content. When pressed, moringa seed oil can be used in cooking as a source of monounsaturated fats, along with providing a pinch of protein and other valuable nutrients. It might even pop up on your bathroom shelf, as it’s commonly used in hair and skincare products.5

What nutrients does moringa contain?

Did you know that moringa contains many important vitamins and minerals? It’s often claimed to have more vitamin C than oranges,3 but the truth is a bit more nuanced. While moringa is rich in nutrients, you’d need to consume a lot more of it to reach the levels found in an orange. To put it into perspective: fresh orange contains about 59mg of vitamin C per 100g which is about 83mg in a medium orange,6 while dried moringa leaf powder contains roughly 15mg per 100g.7 So although moringa does offer vitamin C, you’d need significantly more of it to match what you'd get from a single orange.8,9
Moringa smoothie with hands holding the glass
Moringa includes:3
  • vitamins A, B, C, D and E
  • minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron and copper
  • folic acid, pyridoxine and nicotinic acid
  • fibre

So, does moringa really have any benefits?

Okay so it contains some vitamins and minerals. But what’s moringa tea actually good for? And can a sprinkle of moringa powder really put pep in your step? While we’re still waiting on more solid research – most of what we know so far comes from animal studies or traditional use.

That said, these potential moringa uses below offer a glimpse into why this plant is turning heads in the wellness world.

  1. A source of multiple vitamins and minerals
    Many superfoods stand out because of high content of a single nutrient – but moringa likes to show off. As well as being a plentiful source of vitamin C, it also provides vitamin A, calcium, protein, potassium and iron.3 
  2. An easy way for veggies to pack in more protein
    If you’re vegetarian, following a vegan diet or maybe you’re simply trying to eat less meat, moringa is a great source of plant-based protein, with around 2g per 10g serving.10,11

    And unlike other non-meat protein sources, (like lentils or tofu) it requires no cooking or preparation – just shake it up in your fave juice or smoothie. 
  3. It’s handy for upping your fibre intake
    Moringa boasts 3.2g per 10g of fibre, with the NHS recommending 30 per day.12 With fibre representing just over 30% of the nutritional make-up of moringa, the high-fibre content of its leaf powder may help slow glucose absorption and reduce gas.13 
  4. It’s rich in antioxidants
    Moringa is packed with antioxidants. These compounds may help the body with oxidative stress, though more human studies are needed to understand the full impact.14 
  5. It contains vits that support your skin
    Moringa contains vitamin A and vitamin C, both of which are known for their benefits to skin health. Vitamin A helps maintain skin integrity, while vitamin C supports collagen production for the function of skin.15,16 
  6. There’s research around exercise performance
    A small study found that healthy young men taking moringa leaf extract significantly increased their treadmill time compared to placebo. They also showed improvements in markers like blood urea nitrogen and antioxidant enzymes, suggesting moringa could support exercise performance and recovery. More research is needed to confirm this.17 
  7. Links with nitric oxide and sports performance
    Nitric oxide helps improve blood flow during exercise. One study found that a supplement blend containing moringa increased nitric oxide levels. Since moringa wasn’t tested alone, its specific role is unclear, but it might contribute to this effect.18 
  8. It could support blood pressure
    In one study, people who ate 120g of cooked moringa leaves saw a significant drop in diastolic blood pressure within two hours, with a smaller drop in systolic pressure. While these effects may not be long-term, they hint at moringa’s potential role in post-meal blood pressure control.19 
  9. Can moringa powder help you to lose weight?
    Well, animal studies suggest it can help with breaking down fats and reducing fat accumulation.20 However, whether these moringa weight loss effects translate to humans is yet to be scientifically investigated.

    In another trial, a supplement containing moringa (plus other herbs), combined with calorie restriction and exercise, improved weight and BMI in overweight adults. Since multiple ingredients were used and people also exercised and managed their diet, it’s unclear how much moringa contributed.21

How can you use moringa?

Moringa has a mild, slightly bitter, flavour that complements sweet or savoury dishes.

If you’re keen to try out moringa for yourself, powder is the most commonly available form of the plant. But you might be wondering how to use it?

Here are a few ideas to get those creative juices flowing:
  • sprinkled over salads or soups
  • blended into smoothies (it works well in green juices)
  • an addition to sauces or soups
  • stirred into water as a caffeine-free coffee alternative
  • baked into brownies, energy balls, cookies, cakes or bread
  • mix it into guacamole or hummus
  • shake into salad dressings
  • look out for moringa-infused teas

Moringa dosage

Follow the instructions on your product for exact guidance. But generally, half a teaspoon per day is a good starting point.10

How much moringa is safe to take?

Moringa powder on marble background with leaves
There’s no exact scientific recommendation on how much is safe to take, research shows it is generally safe to consume but the quantity that’s right for you will vary according to your individual tolerance.

That being said, it’s important to follow the product label to make sure you don’t take too much, as some people have reported adverse effects if they take too much. But product guidance for one of our popular moringa powders suggests you can build your intake up gradually over time to two to four teaspoons maximum daily.10,11

When to take moringa supplements

You may prefer it in your morning smoothie. Or perhaps sprinkled over a salad at lunch. It all depends on how you prefer to consume moringa and how it can best fit into your routine.

10 best (and most common) moringa supplements

There are lots of ways to incorporate moringa into your day.
  • Extracts or tinctures
  • Moringa powder
  • Food-grade moringa oil for cooking
  • Moringa leaves
  • Moringa seeds
  • Prepared drinks
  • Moringa capsules
  • Hand and face creams
  • Moringa tea
  • Moringa seed oil for skin

Side effects of moringa

Moringa is generally well-tolerated, but it’s not for everyone. It may interact with certain medications and isn't recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as its effects aren't fully understood.

Due to its potential impact on blood sugar and blood pressure, it may not suit those with diabetes or low blood pressure. People with underactive thyroid or taking thyroid meds should also take care. 

It may alter how the liver processes medication, so check with a healthcare professional if you’re on treatment. And skip the roots, as they contain a toxic compound called spirochin.

As always, please check with your GP before taking any new herbal supplements, especially if you are currently taking other medications or have pre-existing conditions.

The final say

Moringa’s definitely making waves in the wellness world, but more research is needed to fully understand its benefits. While it contains nutrients and shows promising potential, much of the current excitement is based on early studies or traditional use.

That said, whether you’re sipping, sprinkling or supplementing, moringa might just be worth a try. If it gives you a little extra fibre, plant protein or a sprinkle of vitamin C – and if it makes you feel better for it, there’s no harm in that.