(AscendHealthy.com) – Try as we might to avoid them, mood swings can put a damper on even the best of days. Life happens. Stress and lack of sleep can wear down our defenses, even resilient ones. This leads to irritability, anxiety, and depression.
We all need a little help from time to time. The good news is, it looks like you might not need to look farther than your local drug store or supplement shop for effective relief in the form of moringa oleifera.
Moringa Oleifera: A Plant of Many Uses
The Moringa oleifera plant has long been used as a folk remedy for hypertension, ulcers, infection and inflammation. It’s been researched clinically for properties that make it an effective fat and cholesterol blocker. Researchers have found it may also be able to treat depression, anxiety and even memory loss — all of which can contribute to mood swings.
The Studies
Obese rats were subjected to tests designed to gauge their mood, memory and energy levels. Tests showed all the rats were suffering from the cognitive effects of a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet. One group was then given the cholesterol medicine, simvastatin, while another was given simvastatin and an extract of Moringa oleifera. The rats were then re-tested.
In one test, the rats were shown familiar and unfamiliar objects. The Moringa oleifera-treated rats showed more discrimination between the objects, suggesting improved memory. They also were more active than the untreated rats, demonstrated fewer indicators of anxiety and developed healthier grooming habits. The results indicate that Moringa oleifera improves memory, concentration, mood, and energy levels.
New Use for an Old Supplement
Moringa oleifera first found its way into modern medicine as a potential treatment for obesity. Tests have shown it interacts with the way the body processes fats, lowering cholesterol and limiting some of the oxidative damage that can result from high-fat, high-cholesterol diets. Researchers found an imbalance of fats in the body can cause reduced levels of essential fatty acids in the brain, which can lead to cell damage. This can cause cognitive issues like the aforementioned depression, anxiety and memory problems.
Because it has so many benefits, Moringa oleifera may be used to improve both physical and mental health. Having issues with concentration, memory or mood? This supplement might just be what’s missing from your regimen. While taking Moringa oleifera should be perfectly safe, talk to your doctor if you’re already receiving care for a specific condition before adding a supplement to your diet.
~Here’s to your Healthy Ascension!
Thank you to our friends at Wellness Pursuits for contributing this piece.