Moringa - also referred to as the miracle or drumstick tree - is prized for its' nutritional value and dozens of purported health benefits.
Native to areas like India, Africa, and Southeast Asia, moringa has been consumed for thousands of years to treat a variety of ailments and health issues.
In human and animal studies, moringa appears to have some specific benefits related to men as well.
Here are four science backed moringa benefits for men, as well as safety and side effects.
1) May Alleviate Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction affects a large percentage of men on a semi-regular or regular basis after the age of 40. It occurs when their is a problem with blood flow, which may result from high blood pressure, high levels of fat in the blood, or due to conditions like diabetes.
According to studies, moringa contains polyphenol compounds, which are plant compounds that may enhance blood flow by increasing nitric oxide - thus decreasing blood pressure.
In rat studies, moringa leaf extract inhibited key enzymes linked to ED that increase blood pressure and decrease the production of nitric oxide production.
Another study demonstrated that moringa sees extract also helped relax the smooth muscle in the penis of healthy rates. This allows more blood flow to the area, effectively alleviating ED.
2) May Improve Fertility
According to the Cleveland Clinic,men are responsible for infertility in half the cases. An overwhelming amount of these cases are caused by problems with reduced sperm production and problems with sperm motility.
Moringa leaves are rich in antioxidants, which may help combat oxidative stress that interfere with sperm production or damage sperm DNA.
In recent animal studies, rabbits given moringa leaf significantly improved semen volume, motility, and sperm count.
Further animal studies have shown the antioxidant properties in moringa leaf exact significantly increased sperm count in cases of induced undescended testicles.
These effects are currently being tested in adult men to find a more definitive link between male fertility and moringa use.
3) May Improve Prostate Health
Moringa is rich in sulfur-containing compounds known as glucosinolates, which have been shown to have anticancer properties in studies.
In a test-tube study, glucosinolates extracted from moringa were shown to inhibit the growth of human prostate cancer cells.
In other studies, moringa leaf extract reduced levels of a prostate-specific protein known as antigen. High levels of antigen are thought to be a sign of prostate cancer and may contribute to an enlarged prostate.
It’s also thought that moringa could potentially help prevent benign prostate hyperplasia, or BPH. BPH is common amongst older men and can cause painful urination, difficult urination, erectile dysfunction, and other problems.
4) May Improve Blood Sugar Control
Type 2 diabetes is a common condition that occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it efficiently. It is much more prevalent in men than women.
This may be because men tend to store visceral fat, which decreases the effectiveness in insulin. Moringa is thought to help reduced visceral fat and may help those with diabetes.
In one study, 10 healthy adults given 4 grams of moringa leaf powder increased insulin secretion, although blood sugar levels were not measured.
In a second study, a total of 17 adults with type 2 diabetes were given 20 grams of moringa leaves with a meal. Researchers found that moringa leaf reduced post-meal blood sugar levels compared to a control group of 10 healthy adults.
These results are very promising and larger scale studies are currently in progress to further validate moringa’s effects on blood sugar levels.
Is Moringa Right for You?
Moringa is a fantastic herbal supplement that may especially benefit men with prostate issues, diabetes, erectile issues, or fertility.
However, moringa is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other beneficial plant compounds that support virtually every aspect of health and wellness.
In fact, moringa appears to have over 20 science-backed benefits including heart health, inflammation, digestion, and much more.
If you're ready to give moringa a shot, we recommend you try Simple Life Nutrition Organic Moringa Capsules - our flagship product.