Moringa: The superfood no one is talking about

At 24 weeks, this pregnancy has been different from my other two pregnancies in every way. Since the day of implantation, I knew I was pregnant, unlike my other two sons, whom I had no idea I was pregnant with until I was three months along.

Immediately food and water aversions, nausea, high blood pressure, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath all came strong and quickly. After about four months of trying all the things to help curve the symptoms, I found ZERO relief! And after some blood work where my iron levels were dangerously low and an ER visit, my OBGYN was now referring me to a cardiologist.

I wasn’t a fan of the idea, so I started researching my symptoms. Heart failure, arrhythmias, etc., then I read into microcytic anemia, and there it was, ding, ding, I found it. So I upped my iron take with spinach smoothies, lentils, steak, etc.

Two weeks before the cardiologist appointment, I just happened to be picking up a smoothie at my friends' local cafe and market because I had run out of fruit at home. I asked her to add as much spinach as she could since I needed all the iron I could get from my diet. When I mentioned why I needed the extra iron, she suggested I try moringa.

Moringa has several potential benefits during pregnancy due to its high nutritional content. It is a rich source of iron, calcium, and vitamin C, which can support the developing fetus and the mother's health.

Iron is important for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the different parts of the body. A pregnant woman requires more iron than a non-pregnant woman. Calcium also plays a significant role in the development of the baby's bones, teeth and the overall growth of the fetus. Moringa is also rich in antioxidants, which can help prevent oxidative damage to the cells and promote overall maternal health during pregnancy.

Moringa also has a wide range of nutritional and bioactive compounds for general health, including essential amino acids, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, making this plant POWERFUL.

Already convinced? The following is where I purchase my organic, gluten-free (naturally) raw moringa leaf powder. Need more convincing? Below are ten benefits of moringa! Whether you are pregnant or not, this incredible plant has it ALL! https://amzn.to/464eyVB

Here are ten benefits of moringa:

1. It's extremely nutritious

“Moringa leaves are one of the most nutrient-dense greens on the planet, packed with protein, essential amino acids, 27 vitamins, and 46 antioxidants,” says Lisa Curtis, Founder and CEO of Kuli Kuli Foods. That includes key nutrients like calcium, iron, B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C. Overall, moringa is rich in macro- and micronutrients and other bioactive compounds, which are vital for the normal functioning of the body and the prevention of many diseases.

2. It fights against inflammation

Inflammation is a physiological response that happens in the body to protect against infection and restore body tissue injury. “Moringa contains inflammation-fighting nutrients, including phytonutrients, antioxidants, and antibacterial compounds,” says Smith. Together, these powerful compounds fight inflammation in the body by targeting free radicals (compounds that damage cells) and, as a result, reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and fight disease. “Two compounds of note are quercetin, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, and isothiocyanates, which aid in detoxification and have anti-inflammatory effects,” Smith says. One study suggests that these specific compounds found in moringa may help alleviate low-grade inflammation associated with chronic diseases.

3. It might enhance your sex drive

Did you know that stress can negatively impact sexual function? It can throw libido out of whack by increasing cortisol and decreasing the feel-good hormone, dopamine. Sexual function is a very complex process that involves the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves and muscles, which are very sensitive to stress. Many herbs known to be considered aphrodisiacs have long been used to enhance libido — and moringa might be one of them. “Animal studies found that moringa may boost testosterone and reduce cortisol, thereby supporting libido,” says Smith. According to one animal study, moringa leaves may have beneficial effects on male sexual dysfunction induced by stress. Jones adds that “human studies are needed before firm conclusions can be made."

4. You’ll feel more energized

If you’re looking for a caffeine-free energy boost, you might want to consider moringa in your morning routine. “It’s rich in vitamins and minerals, especially iron and vitamins C and D, nutrients involved in energy-yielding metabolism,” Jones says. Moringa also contains B vitamins which help sustain long-term energy and support healthy metabolic processes. And the great news is you won’t be left with energy crashes, jitters, or anxious feelings, which are common side effects of caffeinated beverages.

5. It may support cognition and mood

The extract of plants like moringa and its effect on enhancing cognition and mood continues to be studied extensively. Moringa may boost cognition, given its amino acid and vitamin profile. “It contains tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin, aka the happiness hormone,” Smith says. This feel-good hormone works in the reward centers of your brain and “improves learning, motor function, and memory,” Curtis says. You’ll find both vitamins C and E in moringa, potent antioxidants that help reduce oxidative damage to the brain, a major player in the development of some cognitive disorders.

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6. It balances blood sugar

This edible plant might keep your blood sugars stable for the better. “Moringa is believed to aid in blood sugar balance thanks to its chlorogenic acid and isothiocyanates,” Smith says. Chlorogenic acid can potentially control blood sugar levels by regulating the cell's uptake or release of glucose (sugar) following a meal. Smith adds that “studies have supported the use of moringa to aid in blood sugar balance with positive effects on fasting blood sugar levels, insulin levels, HbA1c and overall blood glucose control in those that consume moringa powder."

7. It has anti-aging properties

Although there’s no shame in aging, moringa is packed with antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols, which may combat premature wrinkles and keep your skin looking youthful, according to research. “Its compounds have powerful anti-inflammatory effects and its anti-aging benefits on skincare are promising but additional research is needed,” Jones says.

8. It may reduce blood pressure

If you struggle with high blood pressure, adding moringa to your diet regularly might make a difference, especially when your routine includes exercise and a nutrient-rich diet. Moringa powder has anti-hypertensive properties because it contains quercetin. “This antioxidant decreases oxidative stress on the heart and helps to stabilize blood pressure management systems in the body,” says Curtis. If you are taking blood pressure medications, you’ll want to speak to your healthcare provider before considering moringa, as it may result in your blood pressure becoming too low.

9. It can help with digestion

If you struggle with digestive problems like constipation, the fiber found in moringa may help keep you regular. “It contains soluble fibers as well as insoluble fibers,” Curtis says. Both forms of fiber have many health benefits, especially for digestion. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and turns to gel, slowing digestion and keeping you fuller for longer, while insoluble fiber adds bulk to the stool, making it much easier to pass through the digestive tract, therefore reducing constipation. Not only that, moringa’s nutrition profile contains compounds that help promote the beneficial bacteria in the gut.

10. It may improve cholesterol

Having healthy cholesterol levels is crucial in preventing heart disease. The good news is that “moringa has the potential to decrease cholesterol,” Smith says. According to one study, moringa has hypocholesterolemic (lipid-lowering) and antiatherescotic (prevents the buildup of plaques in artery walls) activities that support a healthy heart.

Fully convinced now? I knew you would! So where can you buy it for myself? I got you! Follow the link here: https://amzn.to/464eyVB

Have you heard of this superfood? Tell me in the comments

Sources:

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/a40758441/moringa-health-benefits/