The drum tree or miracle tree, which is called the horseradish tree in Europe, is a native tree in India and grows in tropical and subtropical climates. The fruits of this tree are similar to green beans and are often used in curries.
The leaves of this tree are called moringa. Moringa leaves are widely used in the world and especially in India for their complementary benefits. Moringa leaves contain 20 amino acids that can help focus and brain functions. Moringa leaves have been used in Ayurvedic medicine for more than 5000 years due to their anti-inflammatory properties, cardiovascular benefits, antibacterial effects, and high amounts of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. This medicine believes that this leaf can cure 300 diseases.
Antioxidants in moringa leaves protect the body from free radicals and prevent premature aging. Zeatin in moringa leaves is a known anti-aging agent. Zeatin is a type of natural growth hormone that is found in high levels in the leaves of this tree.
Consuming this leaf strengthens the immune system and stimulates the blood vessels and helps the body’s metabolism. Moringa can be consumed as seeds or in the form of tea, capsules, and powder. Moringa powder has very low calories (37 calories per 100 grams) and also has a rich composition of quercetin, beta-sitosterol, kaempferol, and caffeoylquinic acid.
The benefits and harms of Moringa for pregnant women
Use of moringa in perinatal:
Moringa leaves help women’s fertility, but it does not mean that its consumption is definitely involved in women becoming pregnant. The simultaneous consumption of Moringa leaves along with a healthy lifestyle can meet the nutritional needs of women and help fertility.
Use in Pregnancy
Moringa leaf
This leaf contains
- nutrients
- zinc
- vitamin A
- potassium
- magnesium
- protein
- vitamin B1
- vitamin B2
- vitamin B3
- vitamin C
- vitamin E
- vitamin K
as well as folic acid, iron, and calcium. This leaf has three times as much vitamin A as carrots, seven times as much vitamin C as oranges, twice as much potassium as bananas, and four times as much calcium as cow’s milk. Moringa leaves are considered safe for pregnant women and are not poisonous, but the bark and roots of this tree are not recommended for eating.
Moringa leaves contain 35 mg of magnesium per 100 grams, which is very important for nerves and muscles.
The point that pregnant mothers should pay attention to is that Moringa leaves should be used in moderation like other foods. Consuming 3 grams or more of moringa leaves per kilogram of body weight regularly can be toxic. It should also be noted that before buying any supplement, including moringa leaf supplement, the necessary research should be done on the manufacturing company and consultation with a specialist doctor. Experts do not explicitly emphasize eating moringa, but they have not banned it either.
Moringa seed
In general, a pregnant woman can consume one to two teaspoons of moringa seeds per day. Also, the seeds can be fried in a pan and consumed next to the salad.
Moringa powder
There is not much information available about the consumption of Moringa concentrate, powder, and tea, and even some experts recommend not to consume Moringa capsules during pregnancy or not to consume more than 4 capsules per day. While some say that taking moringa capsules and powder (one to 2 teaspoons of powder or about 5 grams per day along with smoothie or yogurt) can be helpful for the healthy growth of the baby and the formation of breast milk. This powder is a rich source of calcium, which is essential for the growth of bones and teeth.
Consumption of Moringa oleifera leaf powder can prevent malnutrition, anemia, headache, irregular blood pressure during pregnancy, diarrhea, fever, and uncertain tendency to infection and inflammation.
Moringa oil
This oil can be used in cooking and skin care. This oil is quickly absorbed by the skin and due to its antioxidants, iron, vitamin A and C, it can remove wrinkles. The use of this oil for cooking should be a maximum of 10 grams per day.
Moringa consumption after delivery:
Consuming this leaf helps the mother in milk production because of its nutrients and vitamins. In a study conducted, it has been seen that women who regularly consume moringa leaves produce more milk than women who do not consume moringa leaves. The child can use the amino acids in the mother’s milk provided by consuming moringa leaves.
Moringa side effects in pregnancy
Moringa in high doses can reduce sugar, but this itself can cause digestive or liver problems, therefore pregnant women are advised to strictly control the dosage.
Taking moringa capsules
Moringa capsule has the same effect as Moringa powder, but it is compressed and it is much easier to use. It must be noted that in the process of producing these capsules, the leaves of the tree are slowly dried at low air temperature, or the capsule is compressed without fillers, binders, or auxiliary materials, and the raw materials are obtained from organic cultivation.
Moringa oil consumption
This oil is called ben oil or ben oil, which contains about 70% omega-9 fatty acids and is very similar to olive oil. This oil can be used for skin diseases and joint pain and hair care. This oil has a pleasant aroma that can be used in cooking and salad.
Preparation of moringa tea
This tea is excellent for weight loss due to its spicy and bitter ingredients, and it is also effective in reducing appetite, stimulating digestion, and filling a person quickly. It should be noted that the ingredients of this leaf are sensitive to heat.
- Pour one to two teaspoons into a cup.
- Boil the water and let it cool down to 80 degrees.
- Brew the leaves with this water and let it brew for 3-5 minutes.
