Nutritional Value Of Moringa

The most amazing fact about moringa is that it is a storehouse of nutrients and medicinal chemicals. The various parts of this plant are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, potassium, iron and protein. It contains a plethora of phytonutrients, eight essential amino acids and other powerful disease fighting antioxidants. According to the Ayurveda, moringa comprises of around 539 compounds capable of preventing 300 diseases. Moringa contains more than 90 nutrients and 46 different antioxidants which make it a powerhouse of nutrition. The table given below provides a gist of the nutritional value of this wonderful plant.

Nutrient	Dried leaves	Fresh leaves
Vitamin A	6.78 mg	18.9 mg
Thiamin (B1)	0.06 mg	2.64 mg
Riboflavin (B2)	0.05 mg	20.5 mg
Niacin (B3)	0.8 mg	8.2 mg
Vitamin C	220 mg	17.3 mg
Calcium	440 mg	2,003 mg
Calories	92 cal	205 cal
Carbohydrates	12.5 g	38.2 g
Copper	0.07 mg	0.57 mg
Fat	1.70 g	2.3 g
Fiber	0.90 g	19.2 g
Iron	0.85 mg	28.2 mg
Magnesium	42 mg	368 mg
Phosphorus	70 mg	204 mg
Potassium	259 mg	1,324 mg
Protein	6.70 g	27.1g
Zinc	0.16 mg	3.29 mg

Moringa leaves are a storehouse of nutrients. They contain seven times more potassium than bananas and twice the amount of protein as that contained in milk. Milk is considered to be an important source of calcium, but moringa leaves contain four times more calcium than milk. They contain four times more vitamin A or beta carotene than carrots. Moringa powder which is prepared by grinding the dried leaves of moringa contain seven times more vitamin C than oranges, 25 times the amount of iron in spinach, 36 times the amount of magnesium in eggs, 50 times more vitamin B3 than peanuts and 50 times more vitamin B2 than bananas.

Moringa leaves compared to common foods

Values per 100gm. edible portion

Nutrient	Moringa Leaves	Other Foods
Vitamin A	6780 mcg	Carrots: 1890 mcg
Vitamin C	220 mg	Oranges: 30 mg
Calcium	440 mg	Cow’s milk: 120 mg
Potassium	259 mg	Bananas: 88 mg
Protein	6.7 gm	Cow’s milk: 3.2 gm

In addition to these nutrients, moringa leaves contains all the essential amino acids needed for growth and development of the body.

Amino Acid Content of Moringa Leaves:

All values are per 100 grams of edible portion.

Fresh Leaves Dried Leaves.

Nutrient	Dried leaves	Fresh leaves
Arginine	406.6 mg	1,325 mg
Histidine	149.8 mg	613 mg
Isoleucine	299.6 mg	825 mg
Leucine	492.2 mg	1,950 mg
Lysine	342.4 mg	1,325 mg
Methionine	117.7 mg	350 mg
Phenylalinine	310.3 mg	1,388 mg
Threonine	117.7 mg	1,188 mg
Tryptophan	107 mg	425 mg
Valine	374.5 mg	1,063 mg

 

Looking at the benefits of Moringa , it is imperative to include it in our diets and daily regime. With its antioxidant, purifying and detox properties it is the skin’s best friend. Always do a patch test before applying any new product on your skin like ben oil and the paste of moringa leaves. Moringa is an easy and delicious way to reap the benefits.

Skin Benefits Of Moringa

Just like healthy hair, supply of proper nutrients is vital for the maintenance of healthy skin. Moringa is loaded with nutrients like calcium, vitamin A, B, C, D, E; minerals like copper, iron, zinc, magnesium, silica and manganese. Moringa has moisturizing and nourishing properties and an excellent cleansing ability which makes it an active ingredient in skin care products.

24. Moringa has been found to possess anti-ageing properties. The effect of free radicals on human skin causes the appearance of wrinkles and makes the skin aged and less resistant to lines. Moringa has excellent cleansing ability which aids in cleaning the skin cells of free radicals and restoring the vitality and youthful complexion of the skin.

25. Moringa leaves contain about 30 antioxidants that contribute greatly towards healthy skin. Moringa oil is highly absorbable and hence helps in delivering these powerful antioxidants to the skin cells.

26. Moringa leaves also contain sulphur. This mineral is present in every single cell of the body and is the key ingredient for Collagen and keratin. Collagen is an elastic substance that gives flexibility and softness to the skin and keratin is a rigid substance which gives the skin rigidity and strength. These two substances form the majority of skin tissue and are made up of proteins constructed from sulphur.

27. The seed extract of moringa herb is popular in the cosmetic industry due to its therapeutic skincare benefits and skin purifying properties. It possesses the ability to filter out impurities that are deeply rooted within the skin and has an amazing detoxifying and rejuvenating properties. It enhances the fairness of skin by balancing the natural skin colour and tone. A paste made from moringa leaves beautifies the skin and can be used as a face mask.

28. The ben oil which is extracted from moringa seeds is used to soften and soothe baby’s’ skin.

29. Moringa seed extract is used in protective creams and has the ability to provide protection against cigarette smoke and heavy metal pollution.

30. It is a powerful cleaning agent and moringa seed powder is used as an active ingredient in deep cleansing creams and lotions. It protects the skin from adhering pollution and smog.

Cheers!

Hair Benefits Of Moringa

 

 

Healthy hair improves the physical appearance to a great extent. Health problems or nutritional deficiencies can damage the hair and cause problems like dandruff, split ends and breakage. Hence, proper intake of vitamins and minerals is essential for maintaining healthy hair. Certain vitamins, minerals and amino acids are involved in the formation of keratin protein.

18. Moringa Oleifera has a high content of vitamin A, thus promoting hair growth and maintenance. Optimum delivery of oxygen and nutrients from the circulatory system to the hair follicle is vital for proper hair growth. Vitamin A plays an important role in the development of healthy cells and tissues in the body and reduction of hair loss. Deficiency of vitamin A can cause thickening of scalp, dry hair and dandruff.

19. Moringa plant also contains zinc which stimulates hair growth by enhancing the immune function. Zinc and silica along with vitamin A prevents drying and clogging of the sebaceous glands. Sebaceous glands are responsible for production of sebum. Deficiency of zinc can lead to atrophy of the hair follicles due to the impairment of DNA and protein synthesis. Zinc also influences the conformation of nucleic acids.

20. Vitamin E in moringa is a powerful antioxidant that stimulates blood circulation around the scalp. Proper flow of blood to the scalp helps in the absorption of more nutrients available in the hair follicles.

21. Moringa is a storehouse of all the nutrients required for healthy hair. Hair loss occurs due to the deficiency of vitamin B- especially B6, biotin, inositol and folic acid. Proper blood circulation to the scalp enables hair follicles to grow stronger and healthier. Vitamin C together with vitamin E helps in the improvement of blood circulation in the scalp. It is vital to maintain capillaries that carry blood onto the follicles.

22. Moringa contains abundant quantities of minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, selenium, copper and manganese which are essential for healthy hair.

23. Moringa oil is a natural supplement for improving the health and strength of hair and scalp. Regular massage with this oil helps in reducing split ends and dandruff . It supplies rejuvenating vitamins and minerals to the hair follicles and tissues of the scalp.

Cheers!

7 Ways To Get Rid Of Dark Lips Naturally

Pink soft lips are something that every women would die for! Beautiful lips make your smile even more pretty. But dark lips and pigmentation has become a constant problem. Excess tea or coffee intake, sun exposure and neglect leads to pigmentation. Smoking also leads to this condition. Apart from using expensive
 lip scrubs and peels, you can make some easy lip packs yourself to remove those dark and ugly pigmentation. Let us see what all the natural things and ideas work on as an answer to how to get rid of dark lips naturally.

Here are some tips and recipes you should follow to lighten your dark lips:

1. Lemon honey lip serum:

 

A perfect dark lips treatment that you can do at home!

Here is the process to remove tan from your lips: Mix equal parts of lemon juice and honey to make your tan removing lip serum. This works on lips to peel off the tan with citrus extracts and nourish with honey to add pink color to the lips. Coat your lips with this serum and leave for an hour before wiping off with soft wet cloth. This process can be done as many times a day to remove tan and pigmentation. This serum can be refrigerated and used for a week. Isn’t that super easy?

2. Sleep with glycerine

 

Other than sun exposure and improper maintenance, dry lips might also cause pigmented lips. Apply glycerin over your lips using a cotton bud before going to bed every night. This glycerin treatment retains moisture and prevents drying to get rid of dark lips. Another good trick on how to get rid of dark spots on lips naturally.

3. Keep your body hydrated

Don’t just stick to the topical treatments always. It is needed to take care of your health to achieve beautiful lips along with the topical applications. Hydrate your body by drinking at least 8-10 glasses of water everyday in order to stay away from dehydration that causes dark lips.

4. A beetroot slice

Slice a red beetroot and store the pieces in your refrigerator. Simply massage your lips with a juicy piece in your leisure time. Sit with a beetroot slice in your hand whenever your watch television.This will do the trick! It will remove tan from the lips naturally and colors up your lip too. Pink lips are all yours in few days.

5. Observe your lip products

It might be cheap and allergic lip products that giving you dark lips. Avoid using local brands and wholesale lip products on your lips. Use a mild herbal 
lip balm instead to achieve soft tan free lips. Using fresh pureed fruits as lip masks works incredibly in removing sun tan and pigmentation. So, welcome fruits in your regular lip care routine.

6. Almond Oil:

Apply almond oil on your lips before bedtime as this helps to lighten lips, thus reducing discoloration.

7. Cucumber Juice:

Daily application of cucumber juice would also help lighten dark lips.

Just follow these tips to get rid of dark lips.

 

Amazing Benefits Of Moringa Plant For Skin, Hair And Health

This weekend Let’s delve deep into the secrets of the moringa plant and identify the benefits.

 

 

Drumsticks are an integral part of the delicious sambhar and other South Indian delicacies. It has a unique taste and texture. You would be surprised to know that the drumstick tree or moringa tree is highly beneficial for the human body. Astonishingly all its parts are edible as well.

 

What is the Moringa Tree?

The miracle tree Moringa is a multipurpose that is native to parts of Africa and Asia. It is also called drumstick tree by the British and Malunggay in Philippines

In India, it is found on the foothills of the Himalayan mountains. This plant belongs to the family Moringaceae. It derives its name from the Malayalam word, ‘Muringa’. It is a multipurpose plant and its leaves, pods, fruits, flowers, roots and bark are beneficial in one way or the other.

The moringa tree grows easily in semi-arid, tropical and sub-tropical climate and is reported to be beneficial for human beings as its various parts are edible.

Some of the most commonly used parts are moringa leaves and seeds. Moringa seeds and roots are used to extract oil and the flowers can be cooked and eaten.

Apart from these, its bark, sap, seeds, oil, leaves, roots and flowers are used in making traditional medicine in many countries.

Health Benefits Of Moringa

The most amazing thing about moringa is that all parts of this plant including its bark, roots, leaves, flowers, seeds, sap and pods are a storehouse of nutrients and antioxidants. Thus, this plant possesses innumerable health benefits and has the capacity of curing several diseases. For this reason, it is referred to as the ‘miracle tree’ and is widely used in traditional medicine. The various health benefits of moringa are as follows.

1. The seeds of moringa contain 40 per cent edible oil known as Ben oil. This clear, sweet and odourless oil is rich in antioxidants and is similar to olive oil in terms of its nutritional profile. It has an indefinite shelf life as it does not turn rancid like other oils.

2. Moringa leaves are the most widely used parts of this plant. These leaves are edible. They contain three times more iron than spinach.

3. Moringa contains all the essential amino acids needed by the body. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins which are needed to grow, repair and maintain cells. Human body manufactures 10 to 12 amino acids. The remaining 8 amino acids are known as the essential amino acids which should be provided from everyday diet and moringa contains all of them. The list of essential amino acids and their benefits are given below.

ISOLEUCINE	Helps in building protein and enzymes and creation of biochemical components within the body.
LEUCINE	Builds protein and enzymes along with isoleucine to enhance body’s energy and alertness.
LYSINE	Ensures the absorption of right amount of calcium by the body and aids in collagen formation and production of antibodies, hormones and enzymes. Maintains the balance of nutrients that reduce viral growth.
METHEONINE	Provides sulphur to the body and prevents hair, skin and nail problems. Lowers cholesterol levels by increasing liver’s production of lecithin. Helps in reducing liver fat and bladder irritation.
PHENYLALAINE	Production of chemicals required to transmit signals between nerve cells and brain, thus reducing hunger pains. It also improves memory.
THREONINE	Forms an important part of collagen, elastin and enamel proteins. Assists metabolism, prevents fat build up in the liver and boosts digestive and intestinal tracts.
TRYTOHYAN	Supports the immune system and alleviates insomnia. Reduction of anxiety, depression and migraine symptoms. Decreases the risk of artery and heart spasms as it reduces cholesterol levels along with lysine.
VALINE	Promotes a sharp mind, coordinated muscles and calm mood

4. The Moringa leaves helps in boosting energy levels in a natural manner, which is long lasting. It is also found to heal ulcers, restrict tumors, reduce arthritis pain and inflammation and control blood pressure.

5. Daily consumption of moringa as part of the diet improves body’s natural defence mechanism. It is an immune stimulant and it is often prescribed for AIDS afflicted patients.

6. It is rich in vitamin A or beta-carotene and acts as an effective weapon against blindness.

7. It plays an important role in lactating mothers. Consumption of moringa is reported to cause a dramatic increase in breast milk.

8. As it balances the sugar levels, it can be extremely effective against diabetics.

9. Increased consumption of junk food in the present scenario can lead to high cholesterol levels. Moringa helps in balancing the cholesterol levels in the body.

10. Consumption of moringa leaves stimulates metabolism and cell structure of the body.

11. This plant also has several antibacterial properties and hence can be used as a purifier and as a natural detoxifier.

• Moringa seeds mixed in impure water can help in absorbing all the impurities.
• Moringa helps in the removal and excretion of toxic build up by attracting toxins from the blood.

12. No side effects of moringa leaves have been reported. Hence, it can be safely consumed by children and adults. Nowadays, it is used in porridge, pastas and breads to increase the nutrient content of meals.

13. Moringa supplements are better than most of the multivitamin and calcium supplements available in the market which use synthetic ingredients. Moringa supplements are prepared from moringa leaves and pods which are natural sources of calcium and multivitamins .Their processing method increases the availability and absorption of nutrients by the body.
14. Moringa seeds are used in the manufacture of perfumes and aromatherapy oils. The flowers of moringa are used in making herbal tea which contains flavonoids and antioxidants.

 

15. Due to their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, moringa supplements facilitate quick healing of minor injuries like bruises, cuts and burns.

16. Roots of moringa are used in traditional medicine to control disorders of the circulatory system, for stimulating appetite and to improve the functioning of digestive tract. In addition to these, they can treat sexual dysfunctions, female reproductive tract problems and arthritis.

17. According to research, certain elements contained in moringa roots can cure ovarian cancer, kidney stones and inflammations. They improve the overall kidney function by enabling the body to flush out calcium and phosphates from kidneys more efficiently.

Next time we will blog about Hair Benefits Of Moringa!

Cheers!

Genevieve Nnaji Is One Of The Team Natural Hair (NH)!

Wow! Even Genny is Team NH! Who knew Genevieve Nnaji had natural un-relaxed hair! Her weaves always slay and most importantly look very well blended in, I used to think she used relaxers to straighten her hair.

The Nollywood star actress yesterday posted a couple of pics on Instagram and not only is her hair natural but it’s long & healthy!

Gene was spotted out and about in London town, rocking a grey shirt with black piping which she teamed with black skinny jeans, black pumps and a black clutch, she made sure she kept warm with a black coat but the best thing about her look was her HAIR, which she wore in a high bun!

 

Journey to long NH

 

She shared these pictures on her timeline and am sure these pictures were not taken in Nigeria.

 

Go Team Natural!!!

. CURRY LEAVES & COCONUT TONIC FOR HAIR BREAKAGE, SHEDDING AND MORE!

 

 

Hair growth treatments are one of the best ways to prevent thinning, shedding, and breakage; to ensure optimal hair growth; and to prevent potential hair loss. But, aren’t treatments and products that promote fast growth expensive? Well, yes, but you don’t have to buy them! In fact, there are a lot of awesome growth treatments you can make in your own kitchen using essential oils, herbs, and even fruits and veggies! And the hair growth treatments I’m going to discuss right now are definitely worth checking out.

Praised and expensive, Indian hair is often said to be worth more than gold and, given the price range of most extensions, weaves, and wigs, not to mention the price of upkeep, it most certainly is! How can that be? Well, Indian ladies know the secret and it has everything to do with a plant most of us put in food! Curry, that awesomely tasty spice, actually does wonders for hair growth, so in order to experience the benefits of one of the best traditional hair growth treatments yourself, see our recipe below!

Recipe: You’ll need to get fresh curry leaves and some coconut oil. Boil these two together until the black residue starts forming, then harvest this residue and apply it to your hair. Use it twice a week to replenish your hair, help it grow faster, and even fight gray hair! You don't want to fry the leaves, just boil them a bit and then harvest the black stuff.

How Often: Use twice a week.

Where to Buy: You can get your all natural homemade coconut oil from Amaze on 08037818132, 7EFDEBFD. Fresh curry leaves are available at most grocery stores and market.

Cheers!