Learn how the benefits of moringa can help you live a healthier, more active lifestyle.
Those who pay close attention to their health are likely familiar with moringa—like spirulina and alfalfa leaf, this superfood offers many benefits. But if you haven’t heard of it, you probably wonder two important questions: what is moringa used for? And what does moringa do?
The plant is native to India and contains vitamins and minerals essential to one’s well-being. Even more impressively, moringa contains protein, which is why some countries use it to combat malnutrition.
While the superfood, often consumed in powder form, serves benefits for all genders, it is helpful for women. It’s no surprise that women require different nutrients and vitamins than men, as their bodies perform additional functions like menstruating, ovulating, and lactating. They also have a complex hormonal system, which requires extra support. Many women also choose to add moringa powder and supplements to their routine as it provides a burst of energy that isn’t followed by a dreaded crash.
Take Moringa the Easy Way - Order Ensō Supergreens TodayWhat is Moringa?
Moringa, otherwise known as the horseradish or drumstick tree, is a deciduous tree that’s native to India and other subtropical or tropical regions across the globe. The superfood’s scientific name is “moringa oleifera,” which can grow up to 12 meters tall. Every moringa tree is covered in whitish-gray bark and has many branches that droop as they are covered in heavy pods that hold dark brown seeds. In the spring and summer, the moringa tree produces sweet-smelling yellow flowers.
Many people refer to moringa as the “tree of life” because it can bring health benefits to many different groups. So now that you know the powder’s history, we can dive in a little deeper.
When it comes to the tree, its pods and leaves are the most nutrient-dense parts, as they are loaded with vitamins, minerals, essential amino acids, and phytonutrients. Before the seed pods reach maturity, they are rich in magnesium, potassium, dietary fiber, and manganese. Inside each pod is a seed packed with vitamin C, which can be consumed when it is fresh or after it has been roasted like a nut. Additionally, an edible oil can be drawn from the mature seed. This oil, known as ben oil, has high concentrations of behenic acid. Typically, behenic acid is used to restore and smooth one’s skin and hair, sealing it with moisture and locking in any crucial oils.
While moringa isn’t an overly well-known superfood in North America, it is incredibly prevalent in South Asia.
Top 10 Benefits of Moringa for Women
Like many other nutritious superfoods, moringa isn’t just known for one benefit—it can improve and support several of your body’s essential functions. In traditional medicine, every part of the moringa tree is used, including the flowers, bark, sap, roots, leaves, and seeds. Along with its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, moringa also boasts tons of other benefits.
1. Moringa contains tons of essential vitamins
Instead of taking multivitamin capsules purchased from a drugstore, many women (and men) choose to supplement their diet with moringa. It’s key to remember that what we put into our bodies acts as fuel and ends up feeding our systems.
Moringa is rich in a handful of B vitamins and vitamins A, E, and C. These powerful antioxidant vitamins can help your body combat infections, conditions, and illnesses. Plus, vitamins E and A ensure the health of your cells, preventing any cellular mutations that could cause cancers.
Vitamin E is also a helpful tool for easing some of the unpleasant symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome), particularly the grogginess and gloat associated with the monthly event. Also, vitamin E can help improve skin, nail, and hair health. Because of this, many women include moringa powder in their homemade face masks and beauty products.
Moringa is also packed with B vitamins that boost cognitive function and fend off fatigue. Once it is inside your body, vitamin B works with other vitamins to convert calories into energy while also increasing your metabolism. The superfood is an excellent source of vitamins B1, B2, and B3, and you won’t find this impressive concentration of B vitamins in any other plant source.
When consuming moringa, women also get ample calcium and potassium—just one scoop of the superfood contains more calcium and potassium than milk and bananas.
2. Moringa has plenty of iron
All thanks to menstruation, it’s expected that women are deficient in iron, a mineral that the body needs for development and growth. Unfortunately, iron is lost through bleeding and women of child-bearing age lose blood every month during their period.
If you are chronically low in iron, your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells to transport oxygen through the bloodstream. This is called anemia. Symptoms of this condition, most prevalent in females, are dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
Some studies have shown that moringa effectively improves the amount of iron and hemoglobin in a woman’s body. In addition to taking moringa, women must consume plenty of foods that are also high in iron, like spinach. However, moringa packs a whopping 25 times the amount of iron than the green vegetable.
3. Moringa can enhance lactation
Moringa has been traditionally used to increase milk supply for lactating mothers for many years. For example, in the Philippines, the superfood’s bright green leaves were cooked into chicken soup for new mothers. After hearing about the benefits of moringa for women, its popularity spread to the Western world. In North America, many women use moringa to increase and enhance their milk supply.
How does it work? The potent herb fills in the missing gaps in the new mother’s diet. Because it is packed with potassium, iron, calcium, vitamin C. B, beta-carotene, and amino acids, moringa can support lactation, which is crucial for a baby’s development.
Consuming moringa powder is a sustainable and natural way to enhance lactation. It’s important that new mothers purchase their moringa from a trusted source, as some products are filled with cheap fillers and harmful chemicals.
4. The superfood can enhance libido
Between working full-time and society’s pressures, maintaining a high libido can be challenging for anyone, especially women. And just like men, women require a healthy blood flow to support their libido. Nutrients like potassium and the antioxidants found in moringa can serve as an aphrodisiac as they reduce stress, increase blood flow, and improve mood.
Research studies have shown that the vitamins and minerals cause the superfood’s sexual benefits in moringa seeds.
Vitamin C can strengthen your immune system and regulate blood flow, leading to increased stamina. Vitamin D can enhance sex hormones in both women and men, and minerals like calcium, iron, and zinc are also linked to an increased libido. These same vitamins and nutrients can promote a healthy pregnancy.
Moringa can also help prevent and treat erectile dysfunction in men.
5. Moringa can aid in weight management
For women, losing weight can be incredibly challenging as they tend to have slower metabolisms than men. But thankfully, studies suggest that moringa powder can prevent the accumulation of fat in the body. It can also accelerate the breakdown, known as lipogenesis, of preexisting fat.
Another benefit of the bright green superfood is that it can reduce inflammation in the body, which is excellent for your health if you’re trying to shed any extra weight.
As for the nutrients and vitamins in moringa that aid in weight management, we can thank the dietary fiber and monounsaturated fatty acids. These two works together to stabilize blood sugars, control appetite, and relieve any bloating.
And when you’re consuming the required vitamins and nutrients, your body tends to crave less. Moringa will keep you feeling full and satisfied, making you less likely to binge on fast food or overeat on your weight loss journey.
6. Moringa can balance hormones
For those going through menopause, the consumption of moringa can improve symptoms like hot flashes and issues falling or staying asleep.
When it comes to female hormones, the most vital link between the endocrine system and moringa is estrogen. The female sex hormone is responsible for regulating female characteristics like breasts, menstruation, and fertility.
Because moringa contains a large amount of fiber, it can regulate the levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone in the body. Along with regulating hormones, the fiber in moringa also regulates blood sugar and ensures a clean, healthy digestive tract.
Some nutritionists and health professionals also believe that the powerful superfood can reduce estrogen levels in females and males with too much of the hormone. In addition, Moringa acts as a regulator, keeping levels in check and balanced.
7. Moringa supports bone health
Calcium and phosphorus are essential nutrients for maintaining strong and healthy bones. Moringa is a fantastic source of both minerals, providing about 17 times more calcium than milk. Several animal studies have demonstrated that moringa may treat osteoporosis and improve bone density, which is encouraging for future testing. Women are more prone to osteoporosis and bone loss after menopause due to hormonal changes, making it even more necessary to include portions of bone-supporting minerals in their daily diets.
Moringa includes other important vitamins and minerals that promote bone health, such as vitamins K and D. These nutrients may aid in preventing bone loss, reducing fracture risk, and regenerating bone tissue. While further study on humans is needed, it is plausible that incorporating moringa into your diet may enhance bone health.
8. Moringa can improve skin health
Moringa's antioxidant content may benefit skin health, owing to the vitamins A, C, E, and amino acids found in the tree. Vitamin A stimulates the formation of collagen, a protein that adds elasticity to the skin. Collagen production naturally reduces as we age, resulting in wrinkles and drooping skin. Vitamin C serves a similar function in that it promotes collagen formation while also functioning as an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals that damage skin cells.
Moringa's omega fatty acids can also reduce inflammation and keep the skin moisturized. Acne and other skin issues can be caused by irritated and inflammatory skin, and one study discovered that moringa had a favorable effect on skin health and wound healing. By adding moringa to your diet, you can improve your complexion and reduce the signs of aging, making it a valuable superfood for skin health.
9. Moringa helps reduce menstrual cramps
Rather than taking anti-inflammatory medications during your period, try moringa to alleviate cramping and discomfort. Because of its magnesium concentration, moringa has natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic qualities. This mineral is a natural muscle relaxant that has been shown to help with muscle spasms and discomfort. One study reported that an ethanolic extract of moringa leaves reduced pain in healthy and arthritic rats, but additional research is needed to validate its effects in humans.
Moringa may be a soothing presence during menstrual cramps, whether taken as tea, powder, or capsules, and it does not have the adverse effects of over-the-counter pain medicines.
10. Moringa boosts the immune system
A robust immune system is the body's best tool for overall health and disease prevention. Moringa contains immune-boosting vitamins such as A, C, and E, which protect the body from cellular damage. They also aid in reducing inflammation and supporting the overall function of immune cells, letting the body respond appropriately to infections.
Moringa also contains beta-carotene, an antioxidant that decreases inflammation and protects the immune system. Research has shown that moringa leaf enhances immune response in animals, indicating its potential to have similar effects in humans. While there is no single way to boost immunity, moringa may help the body resist infections and recover from illnesses more quickly.
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What are the Side Effects of Moringa?
The good news is that consuming the recommended quantity of moringa is generally very safe, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Side effects of moringa could include:
- Lowered blood pressure and slowed heart rate
- The superfood also has laxative properties, which is great news for those who experience frequent constipation. But for individuals who have regular bowel movements, moringa’s laxative properties can pose a bit of a problem. When consumed in large amounts, moringa can cause upset stomach, gas, heartburn, and diarrhea.
- While this differs for each person, consuming moringa could activate your gag reflex and cause nausea.
- Some of the chemicals found in moringa flowers, bark, and roots can cause uterine contractions in pregnant females. This could increase the risk of having a miscarriage.
- People who take blood-thinning medications like Warfarin should not consume moringa on a regular basis.
- Consuming seed extracts can lead to toxicity in cells, so be sure to avoid these.
It’s also important to check if moringa agrees with the rest of your prescription medication before proceeding. Medications that are changed or broken down by the liver can be negatively affected by moringa, altering the side effects and effectiveness.
Other medications that might interact with the superfood include levothyroxine and diabetic medicines. In some cases, moringa can decrease the amount of levothyroxine your body absorbs. Regarding diabetic medication, moringa could lower your blood sugar, so when combined with medication, your blood sugar could drop to an unsafe level.
How to Incorporate Moringa into Your Daily Routine
Moringa powder is easy to include in your daily routine, but always ensure you use the proper amount based on your health. Here are some of our favorite ways to use moringa powder:
Add to smoothies or beverages
One of the most popular ways to consume moringa powder is by mixing it with smoothies or beverages, but it gets even easier with Ensō Supergreens. Add a scoop of this healthy greens powder to your favorite fruit blend, coffee, or tea for a dose of moringa and over 20 other superfoods.
Sprinkle moringa on your meals
Moringa powder is versatile and pairs well with various dishes without affecting their flavor profiles. Sprinkle moringa powder on salads, soups, oatmeal, roasted vegetables, eggs, pasta dishes, risotto, and more to enhance their nutritional content. By incorporating moringa into your meals, you can benefit from its nutritional profile while still enjoying your favorite dishes.
Make sauces and dressings
Moringa's mild flavor allows it to blend seamlessly with various salad dressings, dips, or sauces, enhancing the nutritional profile of your favorite condiments. You can also make a creamy dip for vegetables or chips by mixing moringa powder with avocado or Greek yogurt.
Bake with moringa
Moringa powder can be incorporated into your baking, adding a nutritional punch to your favorite baked goods. Experiment with adding moringa to muffins, cakes, loaves, brownies, bread, and cookies. This method not only boosts the nutritional value of your treats but can also add a subtle, earthy flavor that complements various ingredients. When baking with moringa powder, start with small amounts and adjust to taste, ensuring you stay within the recommended dosage.
How Ensō Superfoods Can Help
Ensō Supergreens is a simple and effective way to reap the health benefits of moringa. Along with moringa, the healthy greens powder also contains whole-leaf wheat grass, monk fruit, peppermint leaf, spinach, alfalfa leaf, broccoli, nopal cactus powder, oat grass juice, dandelion leaf, nettle leaf, burdock root, horsetail, parsley leaf, kelp, dulse, and ginger root. Instead of purchasing dozens of powders to use alongside moringa, finding a powder that contains all of them is much more efficient and affordable.
Add moringa to your daily routine today with Ensō Supergreens
Frequently Asked Questions on Moringa
What does moringa do?
The health benefits of moringa are plentiful. From protecting your cells from damage, reducing pain and inflammation, supporting healthy weight management, and supporting hormones to improving lactation and easing PMS and menopause symptoms, there will be a handful of benefits that will help you be the best you can be.
Moringa is also used to improve asthma symptoms and diabetes, prevent certain illnesses and conditions, increase libido, support the development of nails, hair, and skin, and treat iron deficiencies.
What is moringa used for?
Moringa can be consumed orally as a supplement or powder to reduce inflammation, increase sex drive, boost the immune system, support hormones and lactation, prevent muscle spasms, improve the quality of the skin, hair, and nails, fend off certain diseases and cancers, lower blood sugar levels, reduce water retention, and more.
Is moringa good for you?
Yes, moringa is good for you, no matter your age, gender, or lifestyle. The superfood contains potassium, dietary fiber, manganese, magnesium, vitamin C, vitamins B1, B2, and B3, calcium, iron, zinc, and many other vitamins and nutrients. By consuming moringa daily, you’ll ensure that your body is receiving all the nutrients your body needs to carry out its vital functions. The superfood can also provide people with a boost of energy without the crash, unlike coffee or energy drinks.
What does moringa do to hormones?
Moringa is packed with an impressive amount of fiber, which is responsible for regulating hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone levels. Not only does moringa support female hormones, but it can also be very beneficial for men to take. The superfood also contains fiber that helps to regulate blood sugar, which can impact your hormones, especially in women that have PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) or are menopausal.
Does moringa increase estrogen in women?
Because moringa is so rich in phytosterols that are precursors for hormones, like sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol, it can increase the production of estrogen in women. This increase in estrogen can stimulate the mammary gland ducts, which are responsible for producing milk during lactation.
How much moringa should you take per day?
The recommended daily serving size of moringa for adults is 5 to 10 grams. Be sure to familiarize yourself with potential side effects and interactions before taking moringa daily.
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