Moringa is my new favourite superfood! Moringa Oleifera is a tree native to India and Southeast Asia but is grown in several other areas across the world too. The tree is so amazing that you can literally use each and every part – the roots, seeds, leaves, flowers and drumsticks (the fruit). I was recently introduced to this special plant by a lactation consultant in the hospital after I gave birth a few months ago. She explained that drinking or eating Moringa helps boost breastmilk supply and so I began my research. First of all, Moringa has been named the ‘miracle tree’ as well as the ‘tree of life’ meaning that there must be some truth behind this trending advice.
After further research, I came to know that not only does this miracle tree support nursing mothers, but it is also extremely nutritional in general and great to incorporate into your everyday diet. To start, the plant contains the following: Vitamin C, Calcium, Folate, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc and Vitamins A, B1, B2 and B3. For example, look at this, the leaves have 25 times the amount of iron in spinach, 17 times the calcium of milk, 15 times the potassium in bananas, 10 times the amount of Vitamin C in carrots and even 9 times the amount of protein found in yogurt. Due to the tree containing all those nutrients, it is highly nutritional and beneficial in several ways such as: nourishes skin and hair, reduces water retention, suppresses the development of cancer cells, helps ease constipation and gastritis, improves eye health and is really helpful in treating high blood pressure as well as diabetes and asthma. Moringa has the following benefits that are extremely useful for all but especially nursing mothers: first of all, it is considered a galactagogue, meaning it is a food that helps boost milk supply, so lets see how it helps:
1- Aids the nursing mother by providing iron to replenish the body after birth and reduce the fatigue post-delivery.
2. Great source of calcium, which is required for breastfeeding.
3. Prevents blood clots which is critical post-delivery.
4. Acts as an anti-fungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory reducing any uterine issues among several other things a nursing mother may be prone to.
5. Found to naturally act as an anti-depressant, reducing the risk of postpartum depression.
As we all know, the food the mother eats directly effects her baby as it receives the same nutrients, therefore, Moringa is one of the best foods to include into your daily diet as a nursing mother.
When it comes to drinking or eating Moringa, it is fairly easy to include the plant into your diet. You can eat the fresh, raw leaves and add them to a salad or smoothie or even take capsules. You can drink Moringa tea, drumstick juice or add the concentrated powder into your smoothie or simply mix it with water. Lastly, you can add it to your favorite meals or most popular, you can have it as a soup. I found so many recipes online but I have gotten comfortable with simply boiling the leaves in water with some tomato, onion and garlic with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Yes, the tree of life is miraculously nutritional but you must eat with caution as you should have a maximum of 250 grams twice daily. Also be ware that the roots, bark and flower may cause the uterus to contract which is helpful post-delivery to support the uterus returning to its previous state but not safe for pregnant women. Too much may also lead to digestive problems. Also note that you should not overcook the carefully picked and cleaned leaves as it may decrease the concentration of nutrients. Remember, always be cautious when it comes to adding new foods to your diet and do your research. Nonetheless, I hope you take me up on my recommendation and enjoy the benefits of the ‘tree of life.’
* The author is a wellness advocate and influencer @keys2balance.
Reem Abdulrahman Jassim al-Muftah
