Whether they’re breastfeeding for the first time, or practiced this intimate form of bonding with baby before, mothers can always count on Moringa oleifera (that’s malunggay, to Filipinos) to provide them and their little one with essential nutrients key to optimum health.
“This hardy plant native to tropical and subtropical regions is a galactagogue,” says Dr. Eca Lorenzo, internal medicine specialist and functional medicine practitioner. “That’s the term used to describe something that increases the flow of mother’s milk.” True enough, local studies show that Filipino mothers who consumed malunggay while breastfeeding produced more breast milk and had babies who gained more weight.
Moringa also largely boasts a higher content of vitamins and minerals typically associated with more popular foods. On a gram-per-gram basis of its dried leaves, its has 10 times the vitamin A of carrots, 1/2 the vitamin C of oranges, 17 times the calcium of milk, 15 times the potassium of bananas, 25 times the iron of spinach, and 9 times the protein of yogurt.
But moringa isn’t called “mother’s best friend” for nothing. This humble leafy green is a veritable superfood, packed with over 90 nutrients, 46 antioxidants, and a slew of amino acids potent enough to help address a mind-blowing 300 diseases. “This makes it a vital veggie for women not just while they’re lactating, but in other milestones of motherhood,” says Dr. Lorenzo.
Are you pregnant? Teeming with more iron than spinach, moringa “can meet the daily iron requirements of pregnant women,” says Dr. Lorenzo. The superfood’s generous supply of vitamins and minerals also covers the daily nutritional needs of those trying to conceive or already on the family way.
Are you a working mom? Then you know that juggling a demanding career with the needs of the household requires a resilient constitution. “Stay healthy for you and your family by exercising regularly, getting at least eight hours of sleep, and eating a balanced diet,” says Dr. Lorenzo. “Moringa’s vitamin C strengthens your immune system, its amino acids Isoleucine and Leucine boost energy levels, and its phytochemicals can help regulate blood sugar, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Moringa’s leaves also contain antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and neuroprotectant properties.”
Are you past your childbearing years? Menopause signals a decrease in the production of estrogen and progesterone, hormones responsible for a woman’s fertility. “But a decline in the production of these hormones also increases your risk of developing cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis,” says Dr. Lorenzo. “And with your metabolism slowing down, you’ll notice some weight gain, too.” Look out as well for other common signs of menopause, like mood swings, fatigue, and a lack of focus.
This is where moringa can help. “Calcium and phosphorus, two minerals found in moringa, ensure strong, healthy bones even as you age,” says Dr. Lorenzo. “Moringa also has anti-inflammatory properties, which may soothe pain associated with osteoarthritis, and even contribute to the healing of joints.”
Moringa’s powerful antioxidants protect the heart, which becomes vulnerable to disease once a woman goes into menopause. As for weight gain, turn to the leafy green, whose high fiber and vitamin B content promote digestion. It also has diuretic properties helping to reduce water retention. “Moringa also elevates energy levels and keeps mood swings at bay with its tryptophan, an amino acid needed to make serotonin, the hormone responsible for stabilizing mood and memory,” says Dr. Lorenzo.
Credible supplement. Safe to consume daily, moringa, particularly its leaves, can be savored in soups (think a hearty bowl of tinola or suam na mais), dishes like ginataang malunggay, and even on bread like malunggay pandesal.
Moringa can also be taken in convenient capsule form, and of the many in the market today, Sekaya Organic Moringa ticks all the boxes of a credible supplement. Made with 100 percent locally sourced pure and organic moringa oleifera, this EU-certified food supplement passed stringent testing in pharma-grade facilities to ensure its safety and superior quality. Take 1 to 3 capsules daily, or as advised by your healthcare professional to reap its full health benefits.
“Motherhood, for all its joys and fulfillment, is a never-ending job even as your children grow up,” acknowledges Dr. Lorenzo. “Relish every stage of this rewarding experience by staying healthy and strong for you and your family.”
Sekaya Food Supplements Organic Moringa is available in Babymama, BioBalance, The Diabetes Store, The Allganic Store, WeNourish.ph, Orange and Peach, and in Lazada or Shopee under the S Sentials Store. You may also order through the Synnovate Flagship Store in Lazada, or by messaging via Facebook or Instagram, and SMS or Viber at 0917-5SEKAYA (735292).
Sekaya is a Filipino plant-based brand that provides natural, science-backed products to support your health goals and daily wellness. Sekaya is under Synnovate Pharma Corporation, the natural products company of UNILAB. Learn more about how you can benefit from Sekaya’s plant-based solutions, and get health tips and information at https://www.sekaya.com.ph/ and by following @sekayaph on Facebook and Instagram.
