Over the past few weeks, I’ve written about the amazing therapeutic properties of Moringa oleifera. This tree is native to northern India and Africa and has for centuries been used to fight disease and treat many ailments.

As I’ve explained previously, there are many health benefits when taking Moringa oleifera, however, one of the most interesting is the anti-inflammatory effect Moringa oleifera has on the body. It is believed Moringa oleifera contains some of the most powerful and effective anti-inflammatory compounds in natural medicine.

Many sufferers of arthritis and joint pain say they receive a significant reduction in pain and sometimes complete remission. Because of these anti-inflammatory qualities, Moringa may also work well in the prevention and treatment of gout. Moringa oleifera in fact not only acts as an anti-inflammatory but also alkalises the body. Many will be aware, that lowering acid levels by alkalising our body is important in treating and preventing gout and arthritis.

Cycooxygenase-2 is one of the key enzymes in our body that assists the body in producing the inflammatory compounds that are necessary when we suffer an infection or an injury. These inflammatory compounds in such cases are essential for the healing process. However, when the body generates excessive amounts of these key enzymes, we then suffer from chronic inflammation and pain. The phytonutrients contained in the Moringa oleifera directly help the body to restrain and control those key enzymes that cause joint pain or those nagging pains caused by exercise or general wear and tear (i.e. old age!).

In addition to these key enzyme inhibitors, Moringa oleifera has been found to contain other pain-relieving qualities including bio-active compounds such as flavonoids, carotenoids and polyphenols which are thought to also reduce inflammation and encourage bone and joint health.

When we think of inflammation, I guess most will automatically think of arthritis however low-grade chronic inflammation can also play an ongoing part in other diseases such as autoimmune disorders, for example, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and polymyalgia rheumatica where our body’s immune system mistakenly sets up an inflammatory response although there’s no inflammation to fight off. Then we have inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease, colitis, and ulcerative colitis. Moringa oleifera, because of its anti-inflammatory qualities, can be beneficial in the treatment of these diseases.

Some migraine sufferers find if they follow an anti-inflammatory diet their migraine headaches subside. When migraines are caused by low-grade chronic inflammation, taking Moringa oleifera may be worthwhile.

Low-grade chronic inflammation is believed to be the source of many diseases including cancer, obesity and heart disease which could therefore mean it’s the foremost cause of death in the Western world.

Quite often there will be no indication of chronic inflammation until illness occurs. Chronic inflammation can be present in our body for years with no obvious signs. It is low-grade and systemic, quietly, and insidiously causing damage to our tissues without us even being aware until of course, we become unwell.

It is obvious how extremely important it is to prevent chronic inflammation in our bodies. Supplementing with Moringa oleifera may be a great way to prevent chronic inflammation. As I have written previously, Moringa has many other health benefits – it is extremely high in nutrients. It is a nutrient-dense food source used by UNICEF and the World Health Organisation (WHO) to treat malnutrition.

Diet is also vitally important when addressing and keeping inflammation in check. An anti-inflammatory diet is similar to an alkaline diet. Lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, particularly green leafy vegetables. Remember the ideal diet is 80% alkaline and 20% acidic.  A list of acid/alkaline foods is available in our store. Also available are free test kits to test the acid/alkaline levels in our body.

For more information on Moringa call to see Bev and the team at Go Vita, your Health Shop at 5 North St Batemans Bay or phone at 44729737. Don’t forget to tune into Bev every Wednesday at 12.30 pm.