The Question:
Ask the dietitian @africanutrition The African Pot Nutrition, any insight on moringa leaf powder? I would like to cook up some recipes, I understand it is iron rich. Could there be a limit to how much I can use?
MBO- London
The Response:
There is no disputing the benefits of Moringa. For generations, traditional healers have used it as a medicine, tonic and food additive. It contains numerous antioxidants that help prevent diseases such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and cancer and in recent times has been studied as a preventative treatment for diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Nutritionally, the dry powder which is commonly used to fortify foods contains significant amounts of vitamin A, calcium, iron, magnesium and other nutrients.
A 100g serving of dried Moringa provides about 45% of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for iron in a woman of child bearing age. However, this iron is in a form that the body does not readily absorb (non-heme). Research suggests that 2-20% of non-heme iron foods is actually absorbed by the body. To better increase absorption try the following tips:
- Ensure that your meal has meat protein and a source of vitamin C
- Do not take the Moringa with tea, calcium rich foods, soybeans, legumes and whole grains
As for a limit, I am not sure how supplements are regulated in the UK but in the USA they are not regulated by any governmental agency. This makes it extremely difficult to figure out just how much active ingredient is actually in the product. I would suggest following the manufacturer’s instructions on recommended doses. Hopefully they have an accurate method of measuring the overall nutritional content of their product. J
Here’s to your health!
