9 Surprising Moringa Health Benefits for Women

A dietitian shares an insider look at the potential benefits of moringa for women and how it could help you live a healthier, more active lifestyle.

By Rachel Gargano, MS, RD, CSSD, CBS

— On Nov 16, 2022

6 Surprising Moringa Health Benefits for Women

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Those who pay close attention to their health are likely familiar with moringa—like spirulina and alfalfa leaf, this superfood offers many potential benefits. But if you haven’t heard of it, you probably wonder two important questions: what is moringa used for, and what can it do?

The plant is native to India and contains vitamins and minerals that can support your 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, offers potential benefits for many people, it can be especially helpful for women. It’s no surprise that women require different nutrients and vitamins than men. They also have a complex hormonal system, which requires extra support. Many women also choose to add moringa powder or supplements to their routine since it can help support energy levels and isn’t followed by a dreaded crash.

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What 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 offers a range of potential health benefits.

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 aid in skin and hair health. While moringa isn’t an overly well-known superfood in North America, it is incredibly prevalent in South Asia.

Top 9 Potential Benefits of Moringa for Women

Like many other nutritious superfoods, moringa isn’t just known for one possible benefit—it has the potential to 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 many other advantages.

1. Contains tons of essential vitamins

Moringa is rich in a handful of B vitamins and vitamins A, E, and C. These powerful antioxidant vitamins can support immune functioning and overall wellness.

Vitamin E is also a helpful tool for easing some of the unpleasant symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome). Also, vitamin E may help contribute to skin, nail, and hair health. Because of this, moringa powder can be added to homemade face masks and beauty products.

Moringa is also packed with B vitamins, which may aid in cognitive function and energy levels. 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.

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. May help promote lactation

Moringa has been traditionally used to increase milk supply for lactating mothers for many years. Still today, women may use moringa to potentially support their milk supply.

How does it work? Because it is packed with potassium, iron, calcium, vitamin C. B, beta-carotene, and amino acids, moringa may contribute to lactation.

However, it’s important that new mothers purchase their moringa from a trusted source, as some products may be filled with cheap fillers or harmful chemicals.

3. May support libido

Research studies have shown that the vitamins and minerals in moringa seeds can offer potential sexual health benefits.

Vitamin C can aid in immune system health and regulate circulation, leading to increased stamina. Vitamin D can assist with balancing sex hormones in both women and men. Minerals like calcium, iron, and zinc may also support your libido.

4. May aid in weight management

For women, maintaining a healthy body weight can be incredibly challenging, as they tend to have slower metabolisms than men. Thankfully, studies suggest that moringa powder may support a weight management plan through the breakdown of fats, known as lipolysis.

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 work together to support a healthy metabolism and may curb appetite.

5. May help balance hormones

For those going through changes in their hormone levels that come with age, the consumption of moringa may help balance and assist with symptoms that may arise.

Because moringa contains a large amount of fiber, it may help regulate the levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone in the body. Along with regulating hormones, the fiber in moringa can also support digestive health.

6. 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, and is high in vitamins K and D. Many studies have linked the years following age-related hormonal changes to a loss of bone density in some women. Because of this, calcium-dense foods may provide potential health benefits.

7. Helps skin health

Moringa's antioxidant content may potentially benefit skin health, owing to the vitamins A, C, and 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-3 fatty acids may also assist with inflammation and keep the skin moisturized. One study discovered that moringa had a favorable effect on skin health and possible wound healing. By adding moringa to your diet, you can support your overall skin health.

8. Aids menstrual cramps

For some, moringa may assist with cramping and discomfort. With its anti-inflammatory properties, studies have examined the potential effects moringa may have on inflammatory response and pain management.

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.

9. Supports immune function

A robust immune system is the body's best tool for overall health and long-term wellness. Moringa contains vitamins that support a balanced immune response, such as A, C, and E, which protect the body from cellular damage. They also assist with inflammation and support the overall function of immune cells, letting the body respond appropriately to illnesses.

Moringa also contains beta-carotene, an antioxidant that supports immune function. Research has shown that moringa leaf contributes to immune wellness in animals, indicating its potential to have similar effects in humans. While there is no single way to maintain immune resilience, moringa may aid in maintaining the body’s natural defenses.

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 potential side effects to keep in mind.

This superfood 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 disrupt the digestive system and potentially cause nausea and stomach discomfort.

It’s also important to check if moringa agrees with the rest of your prescription medication before proceeding, so always check with your health provider first.

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 needs. 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 greens powders. Add a scoop of a greens powder with moringa to your favorite fruit blend, coffee, or tea for a dose of this superfood.

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 experience the potential benefits of 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 contributes to the nutritional value of your treats but can also add a subtle, earthy flavor that compliments various ingredients. When baking with moringa powder, start with small amounts and adjust to taste, ensuring you stay within the recommended dosage.

Consider Trying Live it Up Super Greens

Live it Up Super Greens is a simple and effective way to reap the potential health benefits of moringa. Along with moringa, this superfood-packed greens powder also contains whole-leaf wheatgrass, 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 often much more efficient and affordable.

Plus, Live it Up Super Greens is made with organic vegetables, plus probiotics and digestive enzymes. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free, without any artificial sweeteners or fillers. Packed with vitamins from whole foods, this greens powder makes a great addition to your daily routine!

Frequently Asked Questions on Moringa

What does moringa do?

The potential health benefits of moringa are plentiful: from supporting your cells from damage, assisting with inflammation, supporting weight management, and balancing hormones to help with lactation and easing PMS. With all these potential benefits, moringa may help you be the best you can be.

Is moringa good for you?

Yes, moringa is generally considered healthy and safe for most people. The superfood contains potassium, dietary fiber, manganese, magnesium, vitamin C, vitamins B1, B2, and B3, calcium, iron, zinc, and many other vitamins and nutrients.

What does moringa do to hormones?

Moringa is packed with an impressive amount of fiber, which helps regulate your body’s hormone levels and support overall wellness.

Does moringa support estrogen in women?

Because moringa is so rich in phytosterols that are precursors for hormones, it may help maintain healthy estrogen levels for some women. With more estrogen in the body, it can help 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 speak with your doctor or familiarize yourself with potential side effects and interactions before taking moringa daily.

References

About the author:

Rachel Gargano, MS, RD, CSSD, CBS

Rachel is a registered dietitian based in Martinez, California, with over 15 years of experience. She specializes in working with prenatal and postpartum women and their infants, as well as with athletes from beginner to pro. When not helping others, she enjoys spending time with her kids, being physically active, and tending to her abundant household plants.

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