KOMPAS.com – Moringa leaves have long been known as a plant rich in benefits and nutrients that can maintain health.
Even though it is considered safe in certain amounts, excessive consumption of Moringa leaves or in certain groups can cause side effects that need to be watched out for.
Effects of consuming too much Moringa leaves
The following are the side effects of Moringa leaves and the recommended dosage for consuming Moringa leaves, as reported on the page Forbes:
1. Digestive problems
Consuming large amounts of Moringa leaves can cause digestive disorders, such as diarrhea and stomach problems.
This is caused by the high iron content in Moringa leaves which in some people can trigger stomach discomfort.
2. Risk of iron overload
High levels of iron in Moringa leaves can cause the risk of hemochromatosis, which is a condition of excess iron in the body which has the potential to damage vital organs such as the liver, heart and pancreas.
Also read: 6 Benefits of Moringa Leaves for Health Based on Research
For those who have a history or tendency to experience hemochromatosis, the use of Moringa leaves should be avoided or limited.
3. Interaction with drugs
Moringa leaves have the potential to affect the way some medications work in the body. Its contents can affect the metabolism of drugs processed by the liver, so that the effects of the drug can change or even become ineffective.
Therefore, you should consult with medical personnel first before consuming Moringa leaves if you are undergoing treatment.
4. Changes in blood sugar levels
Moringa leaves are believed to have an effect on blood sugar levels, so their use can affect people with diabetes, especially if they already use insulin.
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Consuming Moringa leaves can make blood sugar levels unstable, which is potentially dangerous for diabetes sufferers.
5. Risks for pregnant women
Although there are not many studies that specifically discuss the effects of Moringa leaves on pregnant women, consumption of this herb should be avoided during pregnancy.
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Some experts recommend not using Moringa leaves at this time because there is no scientific evidence that guarantees their safety.
Safe dosage for consuming Moringa leaves
Currently, there is no dosage for Moringa leaves and research regarding a safe dosage for humans is still limited.
However, some studies recommend a daily dose of between 6 to 10 grams for regular consumption.
A study in the journal Phytotherapy Research also shows that a maximum dose of 50 grams of Moringa leaves per day is still safe, or around 8 grams per day for 40 days of use.
Also read: Recipe for Moringa Leaf Lodeh, a Traditional Vegetable Rich in Nutrients
In another study published in the Proceedings of the Nutrition Society in 2020, a dose of 400 mg of Moringa leaf powder was considered safe and could even help control the glycemic response in patients at risk of prediabetes.
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