Surprising Moringa Benefits for Women

What is Moringa?

Moringa, also known as drumstick tree or horseradish, is an indigenous tree that is native to Africa, South Asia, and other tropical regions. Moringa Oleifera is the scientific name of the tree, which grows up to 12 meters tall.

Moringa trees are covered in greyish barks and have many branches that droop. Moringa trees produce yellow flowers that have a sweet smell. The seeds, pods, leaves, and flowers of the Moringa tree are used for medicinal purposes and that is why many people refer to it as the tree of life.

The leaves and the pods of the moringa tree are the most nutritious. They are packed with essential amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and phytonutrients. Before maturity, the pods are packed with potassium, manganese, magnesium, and dietary fibers. Inside the pods, the seeds are rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants. You can consume the Moringa seeds when they are fresh, or you can roast them for better taste.

The mature seed of the Moringa tree can produce edible oil, known as Ben oil, which has numerous health benefits to women. There are different forms of Moringa, including dried powder, seeds, fresh leaves, oil, and capsules. All these forms can be incorporated differently into our diet to support overall health and wellness.

Nutritional Profile of Moringa

Moringa is an incredibly nutritious plant. Many companies are now adding Moringa to its supplements to capitalize on its health benefits.

Moringa leaves are packed with minerals and essential vitamins, including vitamin iron, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin A, magnesium, and riboflavin. One serving or cup of chopped leaves is rich in all these vitamins and minerals. Beta-carotene, zinc, folic acid, vitamin B, vitamin A, copper, iron, and magnesium do help women have healthy pregnancies.

You can also consume the pods of the Moringa tree, which are rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, including chlorogenic acid, beta carotene, and quercetin. However, the pods are not nutrient-dense compared to the leaves. Because of its antioxidant activity, drumstick leaf provides benefits for females which include fighting free radicals and preventing oxidative stress damage to the skin. Antioxidants also help improve women's skin by boosting collagen production and increasing elasticity.

Moringa is rich in iron and folic acids, which help boost hemoglobin production in the body. Hemoglobin carries oxygen to the lungs and prevents anemia and shortness of breath. It is an ideal supplement for postmenopausal women and adolescent girls.

Nutrients like vitamin A, iron, amino acids, and potassium found in moringa may benefit lactating mothers as it helps boost milk production.

Moringa trees contain anti-nutrients commonly referred to as phytates, which can inhibit the absorption of certain nutrients into the body. Although it has this inhibiting factor, Moringa is still a great herb to incorporate into your diet.

Moringa Benefits for Women

Some of the key benefits of moringa in women include;

May Help Balance Hormones

Moringa has gained popularity in the supplements industry because of its numerous health benefits, which include alleviating the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Premenstrual syndrome occurs in the menstrual cycle, where a woman can experience cramps, bloating, fatigue, mood swings, and irritability.

Moringa contains active compounds like polyphenols and flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce inflammation, reduce premenstrual discomfort, and relieve pain. Moringa also contains high concentrations of vitamin E, which is known to help support hormonal balance, reduce irritability, and stabilize mood swings.

The magnesium content in Moringa is very high. Magnesium is a mineral that helps improve sleep quality and relieve muscle cramps. These are two main issues in people experiencing premenstrual syndrome.

According to research published in the Phytotherapy Research Journal by Sidney Stohs, Moringa oleifera has antioxidant activity, which can help alleviate oxidative stress that may be caused by PMS symptoms like mood swings and fatigue.

The end of the menstrual cycle is a natural phase experienced by older women, and it come with symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, hormonal shifts, and other physical and emotional changes. Moringa contains nutrients like minerals, antioxidants, beta carotene, vitamin E, and phytoestrogens, which can help balance hormones and provide relief during menopause.

According to the Journal of Food Science and Technology by Shalini Kushwaha, Moringa oleifera supplementation combined with amaranth may help prevent complications during menopause and post-menopause because of its antioxidant activity.

Improves Reproductive Health

People have been using Moringa since ancient times because of its potential benefits in improving fertility. While more research needs to be conducted to justify the effectiveness of Moringa in improving fertility, there are some studies, which claim that Moringa can help improve egg quality, sperm count, and overall reproductive health.

Moringa is rich in nutrients like vitamins A, B, C, and E, iron, calcium, and zinc, which can help improve fertility in women and prevent oxidative stress damage in the ovaries. A pilot open-label randomized clinical trial was conducted to determine the effects of Moringa supplementation on infertile women. The results show that Moringa supplements may help improve pregnancy outcomes of infertile women.

Lactating mothers have been using Moringa products for years to help boost their milk production. Moringa is packed with amino acids, iron, potassium, calcium, beta carotene, and vitamin C to help increase milk supply.

A study published in the European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Biology supports that Moringa has galactagogue properties, which help increase the volume of breast milk in postpartum mothers.

Helps Skin Health

Moringa powder offers numerous benefits for the skin due to its high concentration of vitamin C, which has potent antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help protect the skin against free radical damage and environmental pollutants. This in turn slows down skin aging and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and age spots. Vitamin A in Moringa also helps boost collagen production in the skin to improve skin elasticity.

The Journal of Frontiers in Nutrition supports that the leaves of moringa oleifera have anti-aging benefits on the skin. Cosmetic industries are now adding Moringa to skincare products to combat skin wrinkling and skin aging.

Moringa contains amino acids and essential fatty acids, which help boost skin hydration, nourish the skin, and improve its moisture content. People with dry skin should incorporate Moringa into their daily routine as it restores the skin’s moisture balance making it smooth.

The Journal of Advances in Dermatology and Allergology supports that Moringa leaf extract is added to skin care creams to help improve skin revitalization and skin roughness.

Moringa has antifungal and antibacterial properties to help prevent acne breakouts, clogged pores, and the growth of acne-causing bacteria. It also works on acne by regulating oil production in the skin.

The Naunyn-Schmiedebergs archives of pharmacology agree that Moringa oleifera has antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties and is added to skin care products to help combat acne, pigmentation, and scars.

Digestive Health

Moringa is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibers that are good for supporting a healthy digestive system. Dietary fiber helps support a healthy gut, prevent bloating and constipation, promote regular bowel movements, and improve digestion. Moringa may also facilitate the smooth elimination of waste.

The International Journal of Molecular Sciences supports that Moringa leaves have a laxative effect on individuals suffering from constipation.

Blood Sugar Control

According to the Journal of Complimentary Therapies in Medicine, Moringa may help in the management of blood sugar levels. Moringa contains quercetin and chlorogenic acid which help influence insulin sensitivity and allow the body to effectively utilize insulin. Antioxidants present in Moringa also help regulate blood sugar levels.

Support Bone Health

Calcium and phosphorus are essential nutrients that support the growth and development of healthy and strong bones. Moringa is a great source of both phosphorus and calcium and it may help prevent loss of bone density in women as they age and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. The Biomed and Pharmacotherapy journal agrees that Moringa contains numerous complex nutrients that can help prevent osteoporosis.

Energy and Mood

Moringa contains a high amount of vitamin C and iron, which work to combat fatigue and increase energy levels. Consistent use of Moringa supplements may increase your energy levels within a week of use.

How to Incorporate Moringa into Your Diet

There are several ways that you can incorporate Moringa into your diet. Here is how;

• Moringa powder: The powdered form of Moringa is highly concentrated. Women or females can enjoy its benefits by adding a few scoops to water or their favorite smoothie.
• Moringa tea: You can use dried Moringa leaves or Moringa teabags and steep them in hot water to get the best nutritional tea. You can add a sweetener of your choice to improve taste.
• Moringa capsules and tablets: This is a more convenient way to take Moringa. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when taking supplements.

While Moringa is a herbal plant, some people may experience some mild side effects after taking it. Moringa may cause diarrhea, stomach upset, and gastrointestinal discomfort.

It is advisable that you consult a healthcare provider before taking Moringa supplements or products to get the right dosage.