CHANGING SEASONS AND CHANGING NUTRITIONAL NEEDS

I love changing seasons, especially from Summer into Fall and Fall into Winter. Trees seems to magically change colours overnight; evenings and daytime temperatures are cooler and time to bundle up in cozy wear and drink hot teas, coffee and hot chocolates. 

For parents, the tempo increases as their children are back in school and activities start to ramp up.  All this makes it necessary to adjust our nutritional intakes to deal with the additional stress created thru our external environments. We need to take care of our immunity and keep our energy up.

Taking Moringa the superfood is a good choice during the changing season.

It has a delicious spinachy green flavour and is:

• 25% plant protein including all 9 essential amino acids 
• 24% fibre 
• A rich source of iron, vitamin K & E
• A source of vitamin A & calcium 
• High in antioxidants

As Moringa Powder is a natural source of these nutrients, it is highly bioavailable, so our bodies can absorb the benefits more easily than by taking synthetic supplements.

Here are the top 10 reasons why we need to incorporate this into our diet especially with changing seasons that puts additional demand on our internal system to keep up.

1. REDUCTION OF TIREDNESS AND FATIGUE

Studies have shown that 1 in 5 people feel unusually tired, this is exacerbated by the shortened days as we move into Winter.  But it’s also tied to low levels of iron, especially for women.

Iron is essential for the reduction of tiredness and fatigue in the body, and vitamin A supports the metabolism of iron ensuring a greater uptake. Adding moringa to your daily routine is an effective, natural way to prevent tiredness and fatigue.

The rich iron content of moringa powder also makes it ideal for vegan, vegetarians and those suffering from anaemia.

• Iron -- 32.2% of our RDA
• Vitamin A – 18.9% of our RDA

With the changing of season, going from a warm house out to cool or cold weather, it makes it hard for our skin to properly protect itself.  We need to amp up our skincare routine on top of what we take internally to support our skin.  Moringa has:

• Vitamin A – 18.9% of our RDA
• Vitamin E – 16.9% of our RDA

Moringa also has one of the highest antioxidant contents of any food. With an ORAC value of 157,000, it has 6x the antioxidants of goji berries and comparable levels to the antioxidant powerhouse matcha. 

Antioxidants are essential for protecting, repairing and preventing cell damage, minimizing the ageing process of the skin in the long-term. They help counteract oxidative stress and the effects of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage collagen causing skin dryness, fine lines, wrinkles and premature ageing.  This would be even greater for your skin by adding in Marine Collagen. 

3. IMMUNITY

Such an important consideration as we head back to work and school, we will be exposed to more germs that would compromise our immunity.

• Iron -- 32.2% of our RDA
• Vitamin A – 18.9% of our RDA

Both are essential for the function of the normal function of the immune system.

4. MUSCLE GROWTH

Moringa oleifera leaves are almost 25% protein, which is unusually high for a plant. Natrihealth Moringa contains 9 essential amino acids making it a complete source of protein, supporting the growth and maintenance of muscle mass. The high protein content of moringa makes it particularly beneficial for vegans and vegetarians who can struggle to get enough protein supply.

Try shaking it into a smoothie for a post/pre workout boost, or simply sprinkling some on your roasted vegetables for an easy way to increase your protein intake! 

5. ANTI-STRESS

A 2010 study in the Research Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics confirmed that the leaves of the moringa tree are a powerful, natural adaptogen. Never heard of them? Adaptogens are herbs or plants that protect the body from the toxic effects of stress. Used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, they help reduce stress and improve attention and endurance in the face of fatigue.Studies indicate that adaptogens not only help the body to cope with stress, but can enhance general health and performance. 

Why not swap your afternoon coffee for Natrihealth Moringa Powder tea, just stir in warm water and drink.

6. DIGESTION 

Moringa powder is a rich source of calcium (24.7% RDA) which contributes to the normal function of digestive enzymes.

It also contains 24% fibre which can help support a healthy digestive system and bowel regularity. Fibre can also be helpful for weight management as it helps you feel fuller for longer and supports a healthy metabolism.

7. ENERGY RELEASE 

Moringa is a rich source of iron (32.2% RDA) and calcium (24.7% RDA), both of which support energy-yielding metabolism. A green smoothie with Moringa in the morning will keep you feeling nice and energised all day!

Add in Natrihealth freeze dry blueberries to boost your anti-oxidant levels even higher and increase the tastiness of your smoothie.

8. VISION

Having healthy eyes and normal vision is something that can often be taken for granted but requires the right nutrition on order to maintain normal function. Moringa is a source of vitamin A (18.9% RDA per serving) which contributes to normal vision.

9. ANTI-DIABETIC

Typically used in traditional medicines, recent scientific studies have confirmed that moringa is in fact a successful way to treat diabetes, and is proven to decrease blood glucose level. 

Additionally, further research has shown that those eating a diet rich in plant proteins can reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). A 19 year study by the University of Eastern Finland has found that replacing just 5 grams of meat-based protein consumption a day with a plant-based source, could reduce risk of T2D onset by as much as 18% - moringa contains 25% plant protein.

10. BONES

Maintaining strong and healthy bones is an important component of overall health. Moringa oleifera leaves are a rich source of vitamin K (158.7% RDA), protein (25%) and calcium (24.7% RDA) all of which support normal bones. 

MORINGA BENEFITS SOURCES:

UK National Health Service : Tiredness and Fatigue

All health claims in this article taken from EU Register on Nutrition and Health Claims

Antioxidants: ORAC (Oxidant Radicals Absorbent Capacity) system developed by US National Institute of Health. Moringa ORAC value: 157,000 μmol TE/100g. Goji berry powder: 25,300 μmol TE/100g. Independent research by Brunswick Laboratories 

Moringa oleifera as an Anti-Cancer Agent against Breast and Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines

Evaluation of Adaptogenic Activity of Moringa oleifera Lam, Research Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics

Intake of different dietary proteins and risk of type 2 diabetes in men: the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study, British Journal of Nutrition 

Effect of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves aqueous extract therapy on hyperglycemic rats, National Center for Biotechnology Information.