Out of so many sayings out there, it’s this one quote that resonates so deeply with me when it comes to motherhood and breastfeeding: The answer is in nature.
Lian Delos Reyes
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Top 20 Moringa Health Benefits: Guide for Health-Conscious Moms
- Breastfeeding
More specifically, I found the answer to my milk supply issues in moringa—the miracle tree known for boosting breast milk production and treating various illnesses.Â
In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best moringa health benefits and how this plant can help increase your milk supply, improve your overall health, and provide your baby the nutrition-filled love they need. Keep reading to learn more!
Moringa Tree Basics
Moringa trees go by many names. They’re hailed as the “Miracle Tree” and “The Tree of Life.” They’re also known as the drumstick tree and the horseradish tree in some countries.Â
Moringa oleifera is native to countries like India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. It also grows in many other tropical and subtropical areas, thanks to its heat- and drought-resistant quality.
This plant has been used for nutritional and medicinal purposes for centuries, So it’s no surprise that many families continue to include it in their diet.
Additionally, moringa (or malunggay, as it’s called in the Philippines where I grew up) is known as a native galactagogue or a substance that helps increase a lactating mom’s breastmilk. Mommas normally ate more moringa after giving birth, especially when they feel they aren’t producing enough milk.
RELATED: Galactagogues 101: Do They Really Increase Milk Supply?
Moringa leaves are commonly used as a vegetable ingredient in meals served with rice. But other than the leaves, the other parts of a moringa tree are actually nutritious as well—including the stem, pods, seeds, flowers, and even the root bark.Â
Content Overview:Â
Top 20 Moringa Health Benefits
Common Questions About Moringa
- How to use moringa?
- Is it good to take moringa every day?
- How does moringa increase milk supply?
- Is moringa safe for babies?
- What are the side effects of taking moringa?
- Can dads benefit from moringa, too?
Top 20 Moringa Health Benefits
1. Moringa supercharges your body with nutrients
The Moringa oleifera plant leaves are nutrient-dense—packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, protein, iron, calcium, and various other vitamins and minerals.
Not only that, but a number of studies also show that moringa contains more vitamin C than oranges, more vitamin A than carrots, and more calcium than milk! For such an easy-growing plant, moringa’s nutritional content truly exceeds what most people expect. In fact, even the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has cited moringa as a “source of maternal and child nutrition.”Â
2. It can boost mothers’ breast milk supply
As mentioned, the moringa tree is a natural galactagogue. It contains compounds that help stimulate the hormones for breast milk production, so it’s a perfect companion for breastfeeding moms!
3. It helps improve brain health
There’s a study that reveals the potential of moringa as a cognitive enhancer and neuroprotectant. So if you’re worried about pregnancy brain or becoming more forgetful, then moringa could probably help with that!
4. It can help improve your mood
By normalizing serotonin and dopamine levels, moringa can help uplift your mood. Some people actually eat moringa to try to soothe their anxiety or depression. But of course, it’s still best to consult your doctor if you’re experiencing any mood disorders.
More specifically, I found the answer to my milk supply issues in moringa—the miracle tree known for boosting breast milk production and treating various illnesses.Â
In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best moringa health benefits and how this plant can help increase your milk supply, improve your overall health, and provide your baby the nutrition-filled love they need. Keep reading to learn more!
Moringa Tree Basics
Moringa trees go by many names. They’re hailed as the “Miracle Tree” and “The Tree of Life.” They’re also known as the drumstick tree and the horseradish tree in some countries.Â
Moringa oleifera is native to countries like India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. It also grows in many other tropical and subtropical areas, thanks to its heat- and drought-resistant quality.
This plant has been used for nutritional and medicinal purposes for centuries, So it’s no surprise that many families continue to include it in their diet.
Additionally, moringa (or malunggay, as it’s called in the Philippines where I grew up) is known as a native galactagogue or a substance that helps increase a lactating mom’s breastmilk. Mommas normally ate more moringa after giving birth, especially when they feel they aren’t producing enough milk.
RELATED: Galactagogues 101: Do They Really Increase Milk Supply?
Moringa leaves are commonly used as a vegetable ingredient in meals served with rice. But other than the leaves, the other parts of a moringa tree are actually nutritious as well—including the stem, pods, seeds, flowers, and even the root bark.Â
Content Overview:Â
Top 20 Moringa Health Benefits
Common Questions About Moringa
- How to use moringa?
- Is it good to take moringa every day?
- How does moringa increase milk supply?
- Is moringa safe for babies?
- What are the side effects of taking moringa?
- Can dads benefit from moringa, too?
Top 20 Moringa Health Benefits
1. Moringa supercharges your body with nutrients
The Moringa oleifera plant leaves are nutrient-dense—packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, protein, iron, calcium, and various other vitamins and minerals.
Not only that, but a number of studies also show that moringa contains more vitamin C than oranges, more vitamin A than carrots, and more calcium than milk! For such an easy-growing plant, moringa’s nutritional content truly exceeds what most people expect. In fact, even the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has cited moringa as a “source of maternal and child nutrition.”Â
2. It can boost mothers’ breast milk supply
As mentioned, the moringa tree is a natural galactagogue. It contains compounds that help stimulate the hormones for breast milk production, so it’s a perfect companion for breastfeeding moms!
3. It helps improve brain health
There’s a study that reveals the potential of moringa as a cognitive enhancer and neuroprotectant. So if you’re worried about pregnancy brain or becoming more forgetful, then moringa could probably help with that!
4. It can help improve your mood
By normalizing serotonin and dopamine levels, moringa can help uplift your mood. Some people actually eat moringa to try to soothe their anxiety or depression. But of course, it’s still best to consult your doctor if you’re experiencing any mood disorders.
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5. It offers a remedy for malnutrition
Malnutrition is a widespread problem in many developing countries. And while there are many factors at play in the poverty and malnutrition cycle, consuming moringa is one of the most promising interventions for beating nutritional deficiencies, mainly because of its rich nutritional value.
6. It helps strengthen bones
Calcium in greens? Yes, greens like moringa are actually rich in bone-strengthening calcium.
No need to solely rely on dairy for your calcium needs—sip a cup of moringa hot chocolate, latte, or tea, and it’s as good as (or even better than) your usual glass of milk!
7. It’s used to treat asthma
Moringa seed kernels are proven to help patients with bronchial asthma. In an experiment that gave asthmatic patients 3 grams of dried and powdered moringa seeds for 3 weeks, significant improvements were seen in the subjects’ symptoms and asthmatic attacks.
8. It’s rich in antioxidants
Moringa leaves, both the mature and tender ones, have potent antioxidant properties. This suggests moringa’s potential usefulness in diseases linked to oxidative stress, including sickle cell anemia.
9. It helps improve eyesight
Also linked to moringa’s antioxidant properties is its use in improving eye health. Among other things, moringa may help with preventing lens opacification, cataract formation, retinal dysfunction.Â
10. It protects against kidney problems
Moringa is said to have properties that can reverse inflammations and oxidative damage in the kidneys. But of course, given the complications that could arise from these sorts of issues, it’s always best to consult your doctor before using moringa to treat or manage kidney-related conditions.
11. It has anti-inflammatory properties
Anti-inflammatory compounds are also found in moringa trees. These compounds make moringa useful in helping with the treatment of certain conditions, including heart diseases.
12. It aids in managing hypertension
Moringa can help lower blood pressure through compounds that inhibit artery thickenings, such as isothiocyanate and niaziminin.
[bctt tweet="Moringa can help lower blood pressure through compounds that inhibit artery thickenings, such as isothiocyanate and niaziminin." username="getmilksta"]
13. It could help prevent anemia
Anemia or iron deficiency is common among reproductive-age women. Thankfully, moringa leaves are here to help out! A study on dried moringa leaves showed that these miracle greens can enhance hemoglobin levels, so they’re a great option for anyone who needs more iron in their diet.
14. It can lower cholesterol levels
The polyphenols in moringa oleifera leaves have shown cholesterol-lowering effects. This offers a promising benefit to people, especially those who may have a high-fat diet.
15. It has anti-cancer properties
Moringa extract contains bioactive compounds bearing anti-cancer properties. And although there’s no sufficient study yet proving just how efficacious these properties are, the fact that these properties are present can pave the way for the development of cancer-treatment drugs.
16. It may help in treating non-alcoholic liver disease
Another known moringa health benefit is how its leaves aid in lipid metabolism and help prevent hepatic lipid accumulation. Some studies also support moringa’s role in preventing NAFLD or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
17. Moringa extracts help alleviate stomach pains
Thanks to moringa’s antibiotic properties, plus high vitamin B content, this miracle tree could also help with common stomach problems, including gastritis, indigestion, and constipation.
18. Moringa seeds may protect against arsenic toxicity
A study on rats showed moringa’s protective property against arsenic toxicity in the blood, liver, as well as kidneys.
19. It may help improve fertility
Still considering moringa’s rich nutritional content, this miracle tree may benefit all bodily systems, including your reproductive system. This is why, even though not enough studies have been done, moringa is widely believed to play a role in improving fertility.
20. It may relieve menopausal symptoms
Research shows that regular consumption of fresh moringa leaves can relieve some menopausal symptoms, including sleeping problems and hot flashes.
Common Questions About Moringa
[caption id="attachment_1548" align="alignnone" width="1080"]
Image of Lauren Archer, Doula & Lactation Specialist, drinking Milksta Boobie Latte while breastfeeding[/caption]
How to use moringa?
Moringa leaves are commonly mixed in soups and broths to support the milk supply of breastfeeding moms. Also, thanks to moringa’s known nutritional value, this plant is typically used in viands and snacks, not just for moms but also for the whole fam!Â
Moringa is commonly grown in backyards in Asia, so fresh moringa leaves are easy to come by all year round. Meanwhile, for places like the U.S.A., moringa is usually sold in liquid herbal extract, powder, capsule, or tea form.
Some moms like to add moringa powder when making smoothies and baking muffins or cookies. But, if you aren’t used to DIY-ing the use of moringa powder, estimating how much to add to your recipes could get tricky. Too much could make your recipe taste bitter, which is why many mommas (me included) prefer pre-mixed moringa blends, like a Moringa Tea Latte and decaf Boobie Latte.
Is it good to take moringa every day?
Consuming moringa is generally safe, especially if we’re talking about moringa leaves. Note, however, that the recommended dosage will vary from person to person, so do ask your doctor about the appropriate quantity for you.Â
You may limit your intake to 70 grams (or 11 teaspoons) of moringa leaves in a day to prevent potential cumulative toxicity. If you wish to try consuming other parts of a moringa tree, like the root or stems, you should be cautious of possible side effects (more on this later).
Also, if you’re taking other medications, it’s advisable to talk to your doctor and ask for any contraindications you should know about. Doing so will help you know if it’s safe for you to consume moringa along with the meds prescribed to you.Â
Is moringa safe for pregnant moms?
Moringa leaves are safe to consume for pregnant mommas. In fact, the consumption of moringa (in food or supplements with an appropriate dosage) is ideal for mommas in their second and third trimesters since this is when milk production starts.Â
RELATED: Stages of Pregnancy & What to Expect per Trimester
However, it’s best to avoid eating the other parts of a moringa tree, such as the flowers, bark, and roots, that are known to trigger contractions.
[bctt tweet="Moringa is ideal for moms in their 2nd and 3rd trimesters—the time when milk production starts." username="getmilksta"]
How does moringa increase milk supply?
Aside from being a rich source of vitamins and minerals, moringa is also loaded with phytosterols, like sitosterol and stigmasterol, that act as forerunners to the hormones responsible for reproductive growth.
These compounds boost estrogen levels, so they also stimulate the build-up of your mammary gland ducts to produce breast milk and keep it flowin’!
Is moringa safe for babies?
It’s completely safe for babies to get their fill of moringa goodness through their momma’s breast milk. However, directly feeding moringa to newborns is a no-no, regardless of how great your personal experience is with this plant. Young infants have an immature gut, so giving them moringa could upset their tummy.Â
Meanwhile, there’s a study that supports the benefits of moringa given to babies through their lactating mom. The study was done with women nursing 3-month old and 6-month old babies, and it revealed that babies whose moms took moringa tablets had a greater growth increase compared with the babies whose moms took iron tablets.
This same study also emphasized the period of 0 to 5 years as the “golden period” in a child’s growth and recommended the use of moringa to help meet their nutritional needs.
What are the side effects of taking moringa?
As mentioned, moringa leaves are perfectly safe when taken in appropriate amounts. But, consuming large quantities of moringa seeds, root, pulp, or bark may result in some adverse effects, like:Â
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Uterine contractions (from moringa bark and root)
- Interference with fertility
- Toxicity in immune cells (from seed extracts)
- Lower blood pressure and slower heart rate due to the alkaloids present in the plant
Additionally, the moringa seed is a natural anticoagulant. So if you’re taking blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin, be sure to talk to your doctor about the safety of consuming moringa.Â
Can dads benefit from moringa, too?Â
Yes! Moringa isn’t just for mommas—it can be for dads, too! Since it’s rich in vitamins and minerals, it’s perfect for dads who want to boost their health.Â
It can even help guard them against chronic diseases. What’s more, the moringa leaves’ amazing antioxidant properties and phenolic extracts are a promising aid in managing erectile dysfunction.Â
Looks like having a cuppa of moringa brew can now be something that the whole family can enjoy and benefit from!Â
Milksta Momma’s Takeaway
Moringa has a long history as a breast milk booster and plant medicine in several parts of the world. It’s known for its many benefits, including its role as a natural galactagogue and as an anti-inflammatory substance. And with the increasing number of studies that prove its nutritional superpower, it’s safe to say that moringa deserves its label as a superfood!Â
It wouldn’t hurt to give this miracle plant a try. Just make sure to check with your doctor first, and try pre-blended moringa before DIY-ing your own moringa recipes.
And in case you don’t know it yet, if you’re already a Milksta momma, then you’ve actually been consuming moringa and all its amazing health benefits through the delicious Milksta lattes!
_________________________________
This mom-powering piece is curated by multiple contributors: Lian Delos Reyes, founder & CEO of Milksta, and research & content specialists Nicole Saldaña and Rose Jane dela Cruz.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Milksta products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
5. It offers a remedy for malnutrition
Malnutrition is a widespread problem in many developing countries. And while there are many factors at play in the poverty and malnutrition cycle, consuming moringa is one of the most promising interventions for beating nutritional deficiencies, mainly because of its rich nutritional value.
6. It helps strengthen bones
Calcium in greens? Yes, greens like moringa are actually rich in bone-strengthening calcium.
No need to solely rely on dairy for your calcium needs—sip a cup of moringa hot chocolate, latte, or tea, and it’s as good as (or even better than) your usual glass of milk!
7. It’s used to treat asthma
Moringa seed kernels are proven to help patients with bronchial asthma. In an experiment that gave asthmatic patients 3 grams of dried and powdered moringa seeds for 3 weeks, significant improvements were seen in the subjects’ symptoms and asthmatic attacks.
8. It’s rich in antioxidants
Moringa leaves, both the mature and tender ones, have potent antioxidant properties. This suggests moringa’s potential usefulness in diseases linked to oxidative stress, including sickle cell anemia.
9. It helps improve eyesight
Also linked to moringa’s antioxidant properties is its use in improving eye health. Among other things, moringa may help with preventing lens opacification, cataract formation, retinal dysfunction.Â
10. It protects against kidney problems
Moringa is said to have properties that can reverse inflammations and oxidative damage in the kidneys. But of course, given the complications that could arise from these sorts of issues, it’s always best to consult your doctor before using moringa to treat or manage kidney-related conditions.
11. It has anti-inflammatory properties
Anti-inflammatory compounds are also found in moringa trees. These compounds make moringa useful in helping with the treatment of certain conditions, including heart diseases.
12. It aids in managing hypertension
Moringa can help lower blood pressure through compounds that inhibit artery thickenings, such as isothiocyanate and niaziminin.
Moringa can help lower blood pressure through compounds that inhibit artery thickenings, such as isothiocyanate and niaziminin. Click To Tweet
13. It could help prevent anemia
Anemia or iron deficiency is common among reproductive-age women. Thankfully, moringa leaves are here to help out! A study on dried moringa leaves showed that these miracle greens can enhance hemoglobin levels, so they’re a great option for anyone who needs more iron in their diet.
14. It can lower cholesterol levels
The polyphenols in moringa oleifera leaves have shown cholesterol-lowering effects. This offers a promising benefit to people, especially those who may have a high-fat diet.
15. It has anti-cancer properties
Moringa extract contains bioactive compounds bearing anti-cancer properties. And although there’s no sufficient study yet proving just how efficacious these properties are, the fact that these properties are present can pave the way for the development of cancer-treatment drugs.
16. It may help in treating non-alcoholic liver disease
Another known moringa health benefit is how its leaves aid in lipid metabolism and help prevent hepatic lipid accumulation. Some studies also support moringa’s role in preventing NAFLD or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
17. Moringa extracts help alleviate stomach pains
Thanks to moringa’s antibiotic properties, plus high vitamin B content, this miracle tree could also help with common stomach problems, including gastritis, indigestion, and constipation.
18. Moringa seeds may protect against arsenic toxicity
A study on rats showed moringa’s protective property against arsenic toxicity in the blood, liver, as well as kidneys.
19. It may help improve fertility
Still considering moringa’s rich nutritional content, this miracle tree may benefit all bodily systems, including your reproductive system. This is why, even though not enough studies have been done, moringa is widely believed to play a role in improving fertility.
20. It may relieve menopausal symptoms
Research shows that regular consumption of fresh moringa leaves can relieve some menopausal symptoms, including sleeping problems and hot flashes.
Common Questions About Moringa
How to use moringa?
Moringa leaves are commonly mixed in soups and broths to support the milk supply of breastfeeding moms. Also, thanks to moringa’s known nutritional value, this plant is typically used in viands and snacks, not just for moms but also for the whole fam!Â
Moringa is commonly grown in backyards in Asia, so fresh moringa leaves are easy to come by all year round. Meanwhile, for places like the U.S.A., moringa is usually sold in liquid herbal extract, powder, capsule, or tea form.
Some moms like to add moringa powder when making smoothies and baking muffins or cookies. But, if you aren’t used to DIY-ing the use of moringa powder, estimating how much to add to your recipes could get tricky. Too much could make your recipe taste bitter, which is why many mommas (me included) prefer pre-mixed moringa blends, like a Moringa Tea Latte and decaf Boobie Latte.
Is it good to take moringa every day?
Consuming moringa is generally safe, especially if we’re talking about moringa leaves. Note, however, that the recommended dosage will vary from person to person, so do ask your doctor about the appropriate quantity for you.Â
You may limit your intake to 70 grams (or 11 teaspoons) of moringa leaves in a day to prevent potential cumulative toxicity. If you wish to try consuming other parts of a moringa tree, like the root or stems, you should be cautious of possible side effects (more on this later).
Also, if you’re taking other medications, it’s advisable to talk to your doctor and ask for any contraindications you should know about. Doing so will help you know if it’s safe for you to consume moringa along with the meds prescribed to you.Â
Is moringa safe for pregnant moms?
Moringa leaves are safe to consume for pregnant mommas. In fact, the consumption of moringa (in food or supplements with an appropriate dosage) is ideal for mommas in their second and third trimesters since this is when milk production starts.Â
RELATED: Stages of Pregnancy & What to Expect per Trimester
However, it’s best to avoid eating the other parts of a moringa tree, such as the flowers, bark, and roots, that are known to trigger contractions.
Moringa is ideal for moms in their 2nd and 3rd trimesters—the time when milk production starts. Click To Tweet
How does moringa increase milk supply?
Aside from being a rich source of vitamins and minerals, moringa is also loaded with phytosterols, like sitosterol and stigmasterol, that act as forerunners to the hormones responsible for reproductive growth.
These compounds boost estrogen levels, so they also stimulate the build-up of your mammary gland ducts to produce breast milk and keep it flowin’!
Is moringa safe for babies?
It’s completely safe for babies to get their fill of moringa goodness through their momma’s breast milk. However, directly feeding moringa to newborns is a no-no, regardless of how great your personal experience is with this plant. Young infants have an immature gut, so giving them moringa could upset their tummy.Â
Meanwhile, there’s a study that supports the benefits of moringa given to babies through their lactating mom. The study was done with women nursing 3-month old and 6-month old babies, and it revealed that babies whose moms took moringa tablets had a greater growth increase compared with the babies whose moms took iron tablets.
This same study also emphasized the period of 0 to 5 years as the “golden period” in a child’s growth and recommended the use of moringa to help meet their nutritional needs.
What are the side effects of taking moringa?
As mentioned, moringa leaves are perfectly safe when taken in appropriate amounts. But, consuming large quantities of moringa seeds, root, pulp, or bark may result in some adverse effects, like:Â
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Uterine contractions (from moringa bark and root)
- Interference with fertility
- Toxicity in immune cells (from seed extracts)
- Lower blood pressure and slower heart rate due to the alkaloids present in the plant
Additionally, the moringa seed is a natural anticoagulant. So if you’re taking blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin, be sure to talk to your doctor about the safety of consuming moringa.Â
Can dads benefit from moringa, too?Â
Yes! Moringa isn’t just for mommas—it can be for dads, too! Since it’s rich in vitamins and minerals, it’s perfect for dads who want to boost their health.Â
It can even help guard them against chronic diseases. What’s more, the moringa leaves’ amazing antioxidant properties and phenolic extracts are a promising aid in managing erectile dysfunction.Â
Looks like having a cuppa of moringa brew can now be something that the whole family can enjoy and benefit from!Â
Milksta Momma’s Takeaway
Moringa has a long history as a breast milk booster and plant medicine in several parts of the world. It’s known for its many benefits, including its role as a natural galactagogue and as an anti-inflammatory substance. And with the increasing number of studies that prove its nutritional superpower, it’s safe to say that moringa deserves its label as a superfood!Â
It wouldn’t hurt to give this miracle plant a try. Just make sure to check with your doctor first, and try pre-blended moringa before DIY-ing your own moringa recipes.
And in case you don’t know it yet, if you’re already a Milksta momma, then you’ve actually been consuming moringa and all its amazing health benefits through the delicious Milksta lattes!
_________________________________
This mom-powering piece is curated by multiple contributors: Lian Delos Reyes, founder & CEO of Milksta, and research & content specialists Nicole Saldaña and Rose Jane dela Cruz.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Milksta products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.