What is Moringa Powder?
Moringa powder comes from the Moringa plant, scientifically known as Moringa oleifera, commonly known as drumstick tree or horseradish tree. It is native to India, Africa, Southeast Asia and tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The Moringa tree is truly unique because every part of the tree, the leaves, seed pods, and even the bark, contain nutritional and medicinal value. The dried leaves of the Moringa plant contain the most nutritional value, with over 90 different vitamins and minerals. Moringa powder has been used to fight diabetes and cancer, reduce inflammation in the body, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and kill bacteria.
Nutritional Value and the Hair
Now, I could go on and name all 90 different vitamins and minerals and 46 antioxidants, but I will focus on some of the nutrients that benefit the hair and skin. One of the best ways to benefit from Moringa is to take it internally.
When taken internally Moringa provides:
7x more vitamin C than oranges-Vitamin C aids in improving scalp circulation and fights free radicals which damage our DNA.
10x more vitamin A than carrots- Vitamin A is key for developing healthy cells and tissues in the body and scalp and reduces hair loss. Vitamin A deficiencies can cause thickening of the scalp, dandruff, and dry hair.
17x calcium than milk- Calcium can help you absorb iron and helps grow thicker, fuller hair.
9x more protein than yogurt- Hair consists of 90% protein, thus a protein-rich diet is important in preventing hair loss.
5x more potassium than bananas- potassium helps build protein and enable the growth of tissues.
25x more iron than spinach-iron helps produce the hemoglobin in your blood which carries oxygen to the scalp which aids in the growth and repair of hair cells.
Other important nutrients contained in Moringa that reduce hair loss are:
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Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6, B7, and Biotin
B Vitamin complex helps increase scalp circulation and encourage hair growth
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Inositol
Penetrates damaged hair and repairs it from the inside out and protects it from future damage.
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Vitamin E
A powerful antioxidant that stimulates the scalp by increasing blood circulation and fight free radicals.
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Zinc
Low zinc levels are linked to hair loss and poor hair growth. Zinc is shown to improve damaged hair follicles.
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Silica
Balances the calcium and magnesium levels in our body and delivers vital nutrients to the hair follicles and contributes to silky, healthy hair.
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Essential Amino Acids
Amino Acids are the building blocks of all cells. The amino acids in Moringa that are important to hair growth are arginine, cystine, cysteine, lysine, methionine.
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Omega 3s
Omegas helps thicken hair strands (density and thickness) by supplying them essential fatty acids.
When Used Topically:
The Vitamin A builds collagen fibers that help strengthen and improve damaged hair
Β Vitamin C and E help fight free radicals from the sun and other environmental damages and moisturize hair.
Improves scalp circulation.
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The Antibacterial properties soothe and heal skin ailments such as dandruff and eczema.
How To Use
Smoothie
1/2 cup each of Mango and Strawberries
1 teaspoon Moringa Powder
1 cup of Orange Juice
1 cup of Spinanch
1 teaspoon of honey
Water as needed
Combine all ingredients in a blender and drink!
Hair Oil
The dried leaves and seeds can be commonly found in powder form.
1 tbsp of Moringa powder
1 cup of carrier oil ( Coconut or Almond)
Combine ingredients and sit in sunlight for 2-3 weeks. Use as a prepoo or to oil your scalp 2x-3x a week
Hair Conditioner
1 tbsp of Moringa powder
1/2 cup of favorite deep conditioner or Greek Yogurt
Combine ingredient and apply directly to scalp. Let sit on hair for 30 minutes and rinse out.
Have you use Moringa? What is your favorite hair or smoothie recipe?
