Health enthusiasts hold these three food items in high esteem, given their obvious nutritional benefits.

Moringa has recently entered the health arena and found its unique pedestal. As a “wonder tree,” its various parts come with nutritional value that exceeds those found in foods that we consume daily.

For example, moringa contains twice as much protein as kale, almost a hundred times more B2, and supersedes kale’s iron content four times. It beats wheatgrass in protein, calcium, and vitamin K content. Moringa also tops turmeric in anti-inflammatory properties.

Most of the plant’s parts have nutritious value: its pods, flowers, leaves, bark, and nuts all have something to offer.

And that’s not all.

The plant is armed with bioactive and antioxidant compounds fit for your physical and mental needs.

What Is Moringa?

Moringa, also known scientifically as Moringa oleifera, is a “power tree” that has been used for centuries to cure headaches, improve immune system function, regulate weight and weight loss, and boost libido.

Moringa belongs to the Moringaceae family and is common in Africa and Asia. It’s been studied and proven to help handle diabetes, high blood pressure, inflammation, and non-alcoholic liver disease.

Moringa contains a significant amount of bioactive compounds. The extensive combination of vitamins, phenolic acids, and alkaloids are found primarily in the plant’s leaves.

Together, these compounds give moringa its pharmaceutical properties.

In some instances, moringa leaves have been used to treat typhoid, malaria, diabetes, and hypertension in developing countries—mainly in Asia and Africa.

Moringa’s Wonder Nutrients

• Moringa is high in protein and amino acids. These two nutrients account for 30% of its weight. As a result, it rivals milk, which has a protein weight of 35%.

• Fresh moringa leaves have higher beta carotene and vitamin A content than that found in pumpkin and carrot.

• Moringa exceeds oranges in vitamin C content and dairy products in calcium. It also beats spinach and bananas in iron and potassium content, respectively.
  Moringa has been proved to contain roughly 15 times the amount of potassium found in bananas, and seven times the amount of vitamin C in oranges.
  Moringa leaves contain 200 mg of vitamin C per 100g of concentration.

• Moringa’s seed oil is commercially known as behen oil. Behen has phytochemicals and a fatty acid content that is healthier than most commercial hydrogenated oils.
  These oils are also chemically referred to as saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids (SFA/MUFA).

Moringa’s Nutritional Profile

Moringa’s leaves are rich in various minerals such as potassium, calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, copper, and phosphorus.

Other parts of the moringa plant that are edible include the stem, bark, pods, and root. All these are high in carbohydrates, with the leaves having the highest overall concentration of minerals.

Immature flowers and pods are also edible and are famous for their high amount of fatty acids.

The table below breaks down the nutritional composition of moringa’s edible parts for every 100 g of dry weight:

Essential Bioactive Compounds in the Moringa Plant

Moringa’s bioactive components empower it with properties capable of enhancing disease treatment and prevention.

Moringa has been proven to be anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antioxidant, cardioprotective (guards the heart), and hepatoprotective (mitigates liver injury).

These compounds form two main metabolite groups:

• Primary metabolites: These are the compounds involved in physiological functions (body growth and reproduction) and include proteins, lipids, and polysaccharides
  
• Secondary metabolites: These are minor compounds that are needed by the body in only trace amounts. They include phenolic compounds, halogenated compounds, and terpenes. Collectively, these compounds work to fight chronic diseases such as cancer, obesity, and diabetes.

Let’s take a deeper look at some essential moringa compounds that aid in treating and preventing various diseases.

#1: Essential Vitamins

Fresh moringa leaves have an abundance of carotenoids that form vitamin A. Vitamin A is a catalyst of good vision, embryonic growth and development, reproduction, cell differentiation, and immune competence.

Vitamin A also aids in the management of eye problems, like night blindness, and inhibits the development of cataracts (opaqueness of eye lenses).

Moringa leaves are also rich in vitamin E, with nutrient concentrations matching those found in nuts.

#2: Anti-Inflammatory Compounds

Moringa’s anti-inflammatory effects can be attributed to components such as alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, and tannins.

Moringa reduces inflammation by working against inflammatory proteins and enzymes in the body. Its leaf concentrate plays a significant role in inhibiting inflammation in cells.

#3: Antimicrobial Compounds

Moringa’s leaves contain essential oils which produce an antimicrobial and antifungal effect.

For best results, leaf extracts are typically used in conjunction with alcoholic extracts derived from the plant’s seeds. Moringa’s root, stem, and bark extract also have antimicrobial qualities.

Dry moringa leaves are a powerful source of phenolic acids and flavonoids (collectively called polyphenol compounds). These flavonoids include quercetin, myricetin and kaempferol. The benefits of each category are further broken down as follows:

• Phenolic acids belong to phenolic compounds, which originate from hydroxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic acids. These compounds exhibit antioxidant, antimutagenic (impede cell mutation), anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties.

• Flavonoids have been observed to protect against diseases caused by oxidative stress, including certain types of cancer and ailments of cardiovascular origin.

• Quercetin is an antioxidant with therapeutic benefits, which reduces hyperlipidemia (bad cholesterol) and atherosclerosis (building of fats in artery walls), and protects insulin-producing cells.
  

Quercetin also protects the liver from damage while increasing its protein content.

#4: Anticarcinogenic Compounds

Moringa has several compounds in its leaves and seeds that have been proven to be effective against lung, skin, breast, pancreatic, and esophageal cancers.

Tannins are contained in dry moringa leaves and have water-soluble properties. Tannins are anti-cancer in nature. They protect against toxins, inflammation, and coronary heart disease.

#5: Antioxidants

Moringa has a variety of antioxidants in its seeds, leaves, and flowers. These are essentially polyphenols that exhibit a high antioxidant capacity.

Moringa also comes packed with ascorbic acid, which creates insulin secretion. This provides an anti-diabetic effect.

Antioxidants are also responsible for managing inflammation and stress of the brain. Moringa’s antioxidants are neuro-enhancers, and have been used to treat instances of Alzheimer’s disease.

Moringa’s vitamins C and E also improve brain functionality by inhibiting neuronal degradation. At the same time, they help in memory function by normalizing the neurotransmitters’ serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine levels.

Consequently, these antioxidant effects control stress and pleasure stimuli in people, including those suffering from psychosis and depression.

#6: Glycosides and β-sitostero

Moringa has glycosides and β-sitosterol in its leaves and seeds. These two substances collectively lower blood pressure (by regulating the body’s lipid profile) and reduce cholesterol levels.

Moringa leaves package saponins, which inhibit the absorption of plasma cholesterol, consequently moderating the circulation of bile acids.

Moringa Green Tea to Boost Immunity

Most people just boil dry moringa leaves to make tea. In this recipe, we’ll add some spice and also include Organic Pure Moringa Powder.

Recipe

Method

1. Add the cinnamon, ginger, and lemon wedge to a mug.
2. Pour 1 cup of boiled water into the mix. Stir and allow to brew for 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Remove the lemon wedge.
4. Add in the Organic Pure Moringa Powder and stir.
5. Add honey to enhance the taste.

Where Can I Purchase Healthy Moringa Products?

Having learned the benefits of moringa for the body and mind, you may want to choose a product for your personal use.

At Kuli Kuli Foods, our online shop offers you natural and high-quality organic moringa products, which include:

• Herbal teas
• Organic powder
• Energy shots
• Energy bars
• Energy shakes

At Kuli Kuli, we’ve partnered with female farmers worldwide to support their self-sustenance and offer education and incentives surrounding moringa’s growth and production.

Our responsibility extends to every step that goes into producing the best moringa products.

We oversee the preparation of quality soil and optimized planting, excellent harvesting methods, hygienic processing, and packaging to ensure only the best products for our customers.

Today, Kuli Kuli supports a population of over 3000 small farmers, who have gone ahead and planted at least 24,000,000 trees, thereby generating over $5.2 million in collective revenue.

Our customers love the products we sell. Two of them gave the following testimonials:

“You get energy from Kuli Kuli moringa powder, it really helps with that. When I don’t drink it, I feel different, a little dragging.“

Kecia

“Kuli Kuli moringa powder is pure and easy to use. It’s the final ingredient I add to my smoothie. It doesn’t matter what my lunch is, my energy never drops throughout the day.“

Jay

Moringa has healthy benefits just for you. Place an order today from our list of nutritious products.

The post Moringa Nutrition: 6 Essential Compounds for a Healthy Body and Mind appeared first on Kuli Kuli Foods.

The Moringa oleifera tree is indigenous to South Asia but is widely grown and used in other parts of the world like Africa and South America.

Moringa powder is rich in plant bioactive compounds, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Because it has very few side effects and a wide range of medical applications, it can help with anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antifungal, and antidepressant issues.

Moringa, The Super Plant

The moringa tree goes by many names; the drumstick tree, the ben oil tree, or the horseradish tree.

Almost every part of the tree can be eaten or used for medicinal purposes. The following parts are edible:

• Roots 
• Leaves
• Oil pressed from moringa seeds
• Flowers 
• “Drumsticks” or immature seed pods
• Mature seed pods

Moringa leaves are very nutritious. A cup of fresh moringa leaves contains the following nutrients:

In the western world, moringa leaves aren’t readily available so moringa powder or capsules are used instead.

In Africa and India, the tree’s pods and leaves are widely used to make traditional herbs and medicines.

Fact 1 – Moringa Powder Helps to Balance Blood Sugar

Maintaining your blood sugar in the acceptable range is important. When your blood sugar is too high or too low, this disrupts the normal function of your body resulting in illness and disease.

Diabetes is one such disease that comes as a result of uncontrolled blood sugar. Type 2 Diabetes, in particular, is a lifestyle acquired disease that occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin.

Insulin is a hormone that the body produces when your blood glucose is elevated. It’s usually secreted by the pancreas after meals.

Bad eating habits, an unhealthy lifestyle and lack of exercise can make your body resistant to insulin leading to the development of Type 2 Diabetes.

Worried that you may develop diabetes?

Well, moringa powder can help to regulate your blood sugar and increase your body’s sensitivity to insulin.

Moringa powder contains chlorogenic acid. This antioxidant was found to have a positive effect on blood sugar maintenance and it also helps the body process sugar better.

Research showed that chlorogenic acid reduces blood sugar in two ways:

• It increased the amount of glucose that was taken up and used by muscle cells
• It decreased glucose production by the liver by inhibiting the breakdown of glycogen and fats

For better glycemic control, add a teaspoon of moringa powder to your meals.

Fact 2 – Moringa Powder Can Help to Control Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (hypertension) is the scourge of our times. According to the CDC, nearly half the adult population of the United States is hypertensive.

Of those, over half a million people die each year from hypertension-related complications of hypertension itself. 

Hypertension complications that can result in death include:

• Stroke 
• Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
• Aneurysm 
• Heart failure 
• Metabolic syndrome

Most of these deaths are caused by uncontrolled high blood pressure.

Interestingly, only 24 percent of hypertensive people have good control of their disease.

Moringa powder has antihypertensive properties because it contains Quercetin. This antioxidant decreases oxidative stress on the heart and helps to stabilize blood pressure management systems in the body.

Moringa extract also contains isothiocyanate and niaziminin. These bioactive compounds slow down the thickening of coronary arteries allowing blood to freely flow to heart muscles.

When this happens, heart muscles stop producing inflammatory products and this decreases blood pressure.

If you’re looking for a healthy way to keep your blood pressure in check, add a teaspoonful of moringa powder in your morning smoothie or cereal every day.

Fact 3 – Moringa Powder Can Keep Things Moving

Do you suffer from constipation? If the answer is yes, then you know just how uncomfortable it can be when you can’t use the bathroom.

Constipation happens when bowel movements aren’t as regular as they’re supposed to be. It’s associated with the following:

• Painful bowel movements
• Stool that is dry and hard 
• A feeling of not having emptied the bowels after leaving the toilet

Constipation affects everyone from time to time but it’s more common in elderly people. As people age they become less active, and this leads to their abdominal muscles not being as effective at moving food along.

Pregnant women are also at a greater risk of suffering from constipation because of the hormonal changes that are associated with pregnancy.

Even if you’re not affected by any of the above, certain medications, neurological disorders, or a low fiber diet can cause constipation. 

Moringa powder is high in fiber. It contains soluble fibers as well as insoluble fibers. These absorb water and give bulk to stool, making it easier for the body to move it along.

Regular intake of moringa powder doesn’t only help avoid constipation. Research shows that it also decreases the chances of suffering from stomach disorders like colitis.

Moringa extract is also high in Vitamin B which also helps with digestion.

For good stomach health, add moringa to your meals.

Fact 4 – Moringa Powder Can Improve Brain Power

Sometimes you can find yourself suffering from brain fog. Things that were once easy to figure out become hard, and tasks that took minutes to complete now require hours.

This happens to everyone at different stages of life. In the elderly, brain fog is usually associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

It’s estimated that approximately 12 percent of people above the age of 65 suffer from Alzheimer’s.

The number of people affected increases with age and approximately one in three deaths of elderly people are associated with Alzheimer’s or other types of age-related dementia.

A key aspect of Alzheimer’s disease is the oxidative damage to the brain and that’s where moringa powder comes in.

Moringa powder is rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin E, both of which are powerful antioxidants that reduce oxidative damage to the brain. 

If you’ve been feeling low and you’re finding it hard to put on a brave face, moringa can help you too.

Research has shown that moringa powder increases dopamine and serotonin production in the brain. 

Dopamine is a ‘feel good’ hormone that works in the reward centers of your brain. It also improves learning, motor function, and memory.

Serotonin helps to regulate mood, sleep, and appetite.

An increase in the production of these two hormones improves mood and cognitive function. Scientists have postulated that moringa could be used to treat depression in the future.

If you’re looking for a morning pick-me-up that will help keep your mind sharp so that you get all your work done right, moringa will help you do just that. It really is good ‘brain food’.

Moringa Is Easy to Incorporate Into Your Meals

Moringa is easy to add to your daily meals. Its versatility allows you to add it to your breakfast, lunch, supper, or snacks.

You can add moringa powder to your tea or use it in your baked goods. If you want to get your kids on the bandwagon, we have some interesting moringa recipes that you can whip up for them. 

For a vegan chocolate peanut butter and moringa pudding you need the following:

Blend these, freeze overnight, and you can enjoy this yummy dessert the next day. Alternatively, you can make this in the morning and it will be ready to serve by dinner

Your whole family will enjoy this yummy dessert.

The Best Moringa Products on the Market

If you’re looking for high-quality, natural, sustainably sourced moringa products, look no further. Kuli Kuli has products that contain 100%, non-GMO moringa leaves.

Our range of high-quality products include the following:

• Moringa powder
• Energy bars
• Green energy shakes
• Herbal teas
• Green energy bars

We believe in empowering the communities from which we source our moringa and that’s why we partner with many female farmers all around the world.

So, when you buy Kuli Kuli products, you’re not only taking a great step to improving your health, you’ll also be supporting our partners.

Our products are made with you in mind. We make it easy for you to incorporate moringa into your daily routine.

“My first order of this was actually through a different vendor. Loved it! So came directly to this site to purchase more. Glad I did!

Both my husband and I notice a dramatic change in energy level. We have energy all day when we start our mornings with moringa!

I do the morning moringa dance! Lol! Great stuff! Thanks for providing such a wonderful product.”
–Danielle ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Reviewer

Share on Facebook:

The post 4 Scientifically Proven Moringa Benefits for Everyone appeared first on Kuli Kuli Foods.

Para algunos, la moringa ayuda a crecer el pelo, otros dicen que ayuda con las relaciones con su pareja, y otros dicen que el té de moringa ayuda a calmar el estómago.

La Moringa es una planta alta en proteína con orígenes en la India que se exportó a Africa y luego a Latinoamérica.  La planta crece en climas tropicales, y aquí en Miami hay varias granjas que cultivan moringa.

Conocen Moringa?

La Moringa es muy nutritiva (y es conocida como) el “Árbol de Vida” o el “Árbol de Milagros” (Miracle Tree)  porque ayuda con múltiples condiciones.  Es alta en calcio, hierro, antioxidantes, y también tiene todos los aminoácidos esenciales.   Es un superfood.  Es más nutritivo que kale.

Moringa es deliciosa!

El uso de moringa ayuda a:

• bajar la presión
• estabilizar los niveles de colesterol
• balancear los niveles de azúcar  en la sangre
• bajar inflamación 

Desafortunadamente, una gran porción de los Latinos en EEUU tienen alto riesgo de desarollar diabetes,  colesterol alto y ser obeso.  Moringa puede ayudar a disminuir la posibilidad de tener estas condiciones crónicas.

Yo mezclo el polvo de moringa en mis smoothies por la mañana, también lo mezclo con yogurt griego y un poquito de miel, lo pongo en ensaladas, sopas, guisados, y con hummus.  Y en todo esto no pierde la potencia de sus propiedades nutritivas.

Y a que sabe?  La tendrás que probar — mezclado con algo ayudará a bajar la intensidad (del sabor) amargo y amortiguar el sabor.  Pero reconociendo que la moringa ayuda con tanto, uno se acostumbra el sabor pronto.

Personalmente, después de usarlo por 4 meses consistentemente, me ayudó a bajar mi colesterol por 30 puntos y el dolor que tenía en mis rodillas desapareció.  Les sugiero que comiencen su aventura con el polvo de moringa, por su facilidad para mezclar en batidos/smoothies o yogurt; y que prueben las barritas.  Mi barrita favorita es la de chocolate.

Hoy, es el mejor dia para empezar a nutrir tu cuerpo.  Y es más fácil con este descuento de 15% en cualquier producto.  Un brindis a tu salud y la salud de tu familia!

Has probado este superalimento? Háganos saber en los comentarios a continuación!

Síguenos en las redes sociales @kulikulifoods!

The post Conocen Moringa? appeared first on Kuli Kuli Foods.

Elizabeth Crawford of Food Navigator USA moderated an insightful panel featuring health coach and biomedicine expert Dr. Kanchan Koya, and human metabolism researcher Dr. Cathy Yeckel.

If you missed the webinar, Eating for All-Day Energy: How Nutrition Can Nourish Women’s Health, you can watch it by clicking the link, or watching it below. We’ll provide a quick summary in this article too.

 3 Takeaways from our Eating for All-Day Energy Webinar

We hope this discussion offered insight into how to enhance overall energy and long-term health. Nourishing the body with nutrient-dense foods is a great start. There is a lot to deal with right now, and women often face pressure to “do it all,” as Elizabeth Crawford addresses early on in the panel.

What is the link between nutrition, health, and immunity? What if women had the permission and ability to slow down and take care of themselves? Enjoy the summary and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

1) Eating the Spectrum of Healthy Foods Is Better than a “Quick Fix”

The intersection of health, food, and metabolism draws Dr. Yeckel to her work, especially the links between metabolism and health. When it comes to eating a balanced diet amidst Covid-19, Dr. Yeckel emphasizes that there isn’t a “quick fix” when it comes to nutrition.

A colorful diet starring fruits and vegetables

“We have this wonderful potential that’s starting to get people interested in nutrition and health, but we also have this risk aside, that everyone wants the magic bullet,” Dr. Yeckel explains. “We have this whole spectrum of foods and ingredients that can start to nourish us.”

It makes sense that consumers looked for “solution-focused” foods featuring “immunity” benefits during the “frantic pantry-loading days,” as Elizabeth Crawford expresses; however, the real wholeness and health comes from a longer-term

2) “Back to the Basics” Can Be a Powerful Blueprint

After a stint in the Biopharma industry, Kanchan decided to leverage her expertise in science and love of food. Dr. Koya is a “food as medicine” practitioner, and also the creator of the platform Spice Spice Baby, as well as the Spice Spice Baby Cookbook.

A lot of trendy food options are exciting, Dr. Koya explains in this webinar, but they can overshadow the long history of certain foods that have always been known for their nutritional benefits.

“Let’s look at combinations of population studies, molecular studies, lab studies, animal studies, and let’s come up with a very simple blueprint for how we should eat to start.” After that, Dr. Koya recommends adding those superfoods—carefully and thoughtfully.

3) Foods That Help Us Unwind Are Just as Important As “Energy” Foods 

“Unwinding can be difficult in the best of times,” Elizabeth Crawford says. Dr. Koya adds how crucial sleep is, especially for overall health and repair within the body.

What do you eat or drink before you ready for bed, starting about three hours before bedtime? Dr. Koya discusses how alcohol disrupts the sleep cycle, which of course impacts energy, cravings, and metabolic health the next day. “As much as I love a glass of wine, I really like to caution people who are using it routinely, to pay attention to that link between alcohol and sleep.”

What other questions do you have for overall energy and nutrition? You can watch our webinar below for more about eating for all-day energy and women’s health. Feel free to share with anyone who also inspires you, and leave a comment below!

For more webinar recaps, be sure to checkout Carbon Neutrality Amidst Covid-19, Quarantine Cooking, and How to Build a Climate-Smart and Ethical Business.

What do you think about the “back to basics” model of overall health and nutrition? Let us know your thoughts or questions below!

Follow us @kulikulifoods to learn more about our nutrient-dense moringa. 

The post Eating for Energy: How Nutrition Can Nourish Women’s Health appeared first on Kuli Kuli Foods.

In this article, we’ll explore two superfood snacks and how they can help as mid-morning or mid-afternoon boosts.

What is a Superfood Snack?

In this article, we consider a “superfood snack” as any snack that has an abundance of multivitamins, and documented benefits for overall vitality. While pursuing a healthy lifestyle is key for sustained wellness, there are certain foods that offer a powerhouse of fiber, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and more. Cruciferous vegetables, such as moringa, are a frequently noted superfood, with benefits ranging from heart health to gut health.

Both of our snacks in this article feature moringa, which could be the new caffeine-free lift that your day needs. It’s called “the miracle tree” in many cultures around the world, and for good reason!

Moringa as Caffeine-Free Energy

The caffeine-free health benefits of moringa are well-documented, with additional research on its benefits released each year.

Pure Moringa Powder: The Secret Ingredient!

Caffeine affects people differently, since it affects the central nervous system, tends to be addictive, and can disrupt sleep patterns.¹ Because moringa is a nutrient-dense superfood, the lift from consuming this plant is different: the whole body is nourished and lifted, rather than a temporary burst of energy.

Many people who add moringa to their routine, either in place of coffee or in addition to it, experience a change to their overall energy. The “afternoon crash” diminishes, replaced by a jitter-free lift for extended energy.

In search of your next moringa-rich snack? Our two snacks below feature a caffeine-free moringa snack, as well as a caffeinated moringa snack.

Superfood Shots & Superfood Bars

We’re partnering with So Good So You, a small business started by plant-based foodies who wanted to bring functional food to consumers. The secret ingredient in both of these snacks? Our organic and pure moringa powder!

Energy Shot from So Good So You

Their Energy Shot offers a whole array of benefits, including one billion CFU of probiotics, a good dose of Vitamin C, and moringa for sustained energy. Needing sustained energy? This is a good place to start!

So Good So You offers a colorful variety of nutrient-rich probiotic shots and juice. The 2x Energy Shot offers 190 mg of caffeine, for those who want the nutritional benefits of moringa and the caffeine connection. Both shots are packed with organic juice too, helping you feel sustained energy throughout the day.

The probiotics are an added perk in these shots, offering some love and nutrition to overall gut health, which is a key part of feeling strong and healthy. You can take these So Good So You shots as part of your morning routine, or as an afternoon pick-me-up!

Moringa Energy Bars from Kuli Kuli

For those in search of a moringa bar that is caffeine-free, we recommend our Kuli Kuli moringa energy bars, available as Black Cherry or Dark Chocolate. In a rush, or need a “salad-on-the-go?” These bars offer half a cup of leafy greens, with no added sugar!

Whether your morning or afternoon snack, or a post-workout bite, these bars can help lift your spirits and overall energy.

So Good So You & Kuli Kuli Giveaway

Each person is different in their needs: maybe you need a caffeinated and nutrient-rich probiotic shot from So Good So You. Maybe you need a salad-on-the-go moringa energy bar. Maybe you need both, depending on the day!

We’re excited to announce a giveaway with the team at So Good So You! Today (9/3/20) through 9/9/20, we are offering a joint giveaway, happening on Instagram. One winner will be randomly selected to receive 10 So Good So You Free Product Vouchers and 12 Kuli Kuli Moringa Energy Bars. For details on how to enter, visit @SoGoodSoYou or @KuliKuliFoods on Instagram.

As for the promo code on our website, you can also use the code: SOGOOD for 15% off our Moringa Energy Bars. Enjoy!

What happens when you swap coffee for one of these moringa superfood snacks? Let us know in the comments!

Follow us @kulikulifoods so we can see some of your favorite ways to add this energizing superfood to your daily routine.

References

1. Carman, A. J., Dacks, P. A., Lane, R. F., Shineman, D. W., & Fillit, H. M. (2014). Current evidence for the use of coffee and caffeine to prevent age-related cognitive decline and alzheimer’s disease.The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, 18(4), 383-92. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12603-014-0021-7

The post Superfood Snacks: How Moringa Can Energize Your Day appeared first on Kuli Kuli Foods.

In this article, we want to celebrate the work by Russell and Jewell Bean, who run a farm in Alabama with moringa trees, fruits, vegetables, goats, and more! Enjoy the article, and feel free to leave a comment below, or share with a friend.

Meet Russell and Jewell Bean

Russell & Jewell Bean are third-generation farmers based in Eufaula, Alabama. They operate 88 acres on S & B Farm, which has been in Jewell’s family for 105 years. Their farm is a lively place. Vegetables, fruits, medicinal herbs, goats, poultry, and heritage pigs call the S & B farm home. Animals on the S & B Farm eat moringa too, and benefit from eating the superfood.

James Brady, a Leader in the Moringa Movement, introduced the Kuli Kuli team to Russell and Jewell Bean. James and Russell grew up in Public Housing in Alabama, and were also members of the Boys and Girls Club; as children, neither one knew of their journey into the moringa world. Today, both men are moringa growers and advocates of a plant unheard of growing up!

Moringa is a central part of the Bean’s farm. “We were introduced to moringa through our Jamaican mechanic,” Russell and Jewell share. “Moringa has a way of assisting the body in many ways to heal itself.”

At the S & B Farm, the Beans grow moringa until winter settles in. They also introduce moringa to other farmers in the area, and share their moringa seeds with their clients throughout the United States.

“We use moringa in our drinks, meals, medicine cabinet and throughout the farm.” -Jewell and Russell Bean

Jewell & Russell are award-winning farming experts. They were named 2016 Lloyd Wright Small Farmer and 2017 Small Farmers of the Year by Alabama NRCS. They have also been featured in several top magazines, newspapers and televisions stations.

Resource Specialists with a Love for Moringa

Jewell & Russell received Resolutions from Alabama House of Representatives, Alabama State Senate and Barbour County Commission for their work as farmers in the community, county, state and region. Jewell is a Resource Specialist for Food, Nutrition, Health, Youth and Community Development with Tuskegee University. Russell is a Resource Specialist for Small Farm, Agriculture and Environment with Tuskegee University. Russell and Jewell have several published research in the Professional Agricultural Workers Journal.

Moringa Trees on the Bean Farm

Russell & Jewell has completed more than 25 classes each in agricultural plant & animal sciences practices. The Bean’s are certified in FSMA, Postharvest, Risk Management, Marketing, Master Goat Producers, Tunnel House Production and Energy Data Collector. Russell & Jewell completed the 2-year Small Farmer Agricultural Leadership Institute Program from Southern University and A & M College System. Jewell & Russell have trained thousands of small-scale farmers with their peer-to-peer and hands-on trainings, workshops and seminars over the past 5 years.

Training Certificates Available!

Jewell and Russell offer a one-year training certificate to anyone interested in farming. They cover everything agricultural. Most of their trainings are geared toward New and Beginning Farmers/Ranchers, Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Military Veterans. Russell & Jewell also have a great working relationship with Tuskegee University, Auburn University, Alabama A & M University and many other Agricultural Universities throughout the U.S.

The Jewell & Russell family motto is, “Never give up, but always give back! It is all about what you do for others.” All of their work honors this motto, and together, Jewell and Russell help make moringa and small-scale farming in the United States prosper.

For more articles on other moringa leaders, please read our other article, Meet James Brady: A Leader in the Moringa Movement. Feel free to leave a comment below too!

Thank you to Russell and Jewell Bean, for all they do to share moringa with small-scale farmers throughout the United States.

Follow us @kulikulifoods to learn more about leaders like Russell and Jewell Bean.

The post Meet Russell & Jewell Bean: Leaders in the Moringa Movement appeared first on Kuli Kuli Foods.

Moringa vs. Wheatgrass: A Recap 

Morina has been showing up strong in the Battle of the Supergreens, a lively series where we compare supergreens with each other. The time has come to pitch moringa against that legendary foe, wheatgrass.

For years, wheatgrass has been the poster child of high-energy healthy, active lifestyles. If you had super-health crazed parents, maybe they even forced you to down wheatgrass shots as a kid.

Let’s take a look at the nutritional content of 10g of Kuli Kuli’s moringa powder vs. 10g of a leading wheatgrass powder.

We knew going in that this was going to be a hard fought battle, but based on moringa’s spotless record so far, it’s no surprise that it’s come out on top once again. Moringa beats out wheatgrass in key categories like iron, fiber, calcium, and vitamin K. It also holds its own as a complete plan protein with all nine essential amino acids. Furthermore, the fact that one 10g serving of moringa powder will give you half of your daily recommended iron should be enough to get your attention!

Wheatgrass predictably takes home wins in the vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium categories, but this isn’t enough for it to hold an edge over moringa. Lots of people consume moringa as part of a smoothie or nutritious meal, which can provide these particular nutrients. For example, you can enjoy the delicious benefits of moringa in our #moringainspired Moringa Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie.

Moringa vs Wheatgrass: Nutritional Comparison

The nutritional benefits of moringa make it something of a miracle tree. From its anti-inflammatory benefits to its complete plant protein, moringa offers a natural way to reduce blood pressure, you really can’t go wrong.

Try some moringa today and let us know if you notice the moringa diffence!

Moringa vs Other Superfoods

Interested in seeing how moringa fares against a host of other green superfoods?  Be sure check out the other blogs in our battle of the greens series. You’ll soon find out that moringa is on its way to being a nutritional world champion!

Kale vs Moringa

Matcha vs Moringa

Spinach vs Moringa

Collard Greens vs Moringa

Swiss Chard vs Moringa

Kelp vs Moringa

Spirulina vs Moringa

There you have it! A bit of the nutritional details behind moringa and wheatgrass, revealed. 

Don’t forget to tag @kulikulifoods in any social media posts you share so we can see your beautiful creations!

Sources

Moringa: Kuli Kuli Moringa Powder

Wheatgrass: Amazing Grass Organic Wheatgrass Powder

The post Battle of The Greens: Moringa vs Wheatgrass appeared first on Kuli Kuli Foods.

We’ll cover the basics of how moringa can help with breastfeeding, and hope to be a resource for new mothers too.

How Moringa Helps Breastfeeding

There are many challenges faced by mothers raising infants, as they seek to ensure that both they and their baby are healthy. Moringa can provide—to both mother and baby—nutrients during pregnancy as well as nutrients during the postpartum stages of motherhood.

Before we focus on breastfeeding, we also offer a related article on 3 Ways Moringa Can Help New Mothers. Moringa oil can be used for soothing baby massages, while organic moringa powder consumed by mothers can increase the quality of their breastmilk. Not all moringa powder is equal in its quality though, and it’s important to trust your source of moringa.* 

1. Moringa Can Increase the Quantity of Breast Milk

Nursing infants is not easy, but many new mothers find that moringa helps increase the amount of breast milk they produce. How? Moringa is a lactation enhancer.

3 Ways Moringa Can Help New Mothers

Moringa has been studied for decades as a natural galactagogue (a substance that promotes lactation), from South East Asia, to Sub-Saharan Africa.

Whether pumping milk or nursing, moringa can increase the amount of milk produced. According to one study with a double-blind randomized control trial, moringa increased the amount of breastmilk produced by postpartum mothers on days 3-5 after giving birth.

This particular study involved preterm infants, who are more vulnerable than full-term babies. Women given the placebo did not experience a significant increase in the quantity of their breast milk, while women given moringa did experience a significant increase. Imagine if women around the world, nursing newborns, had access to the nutritious benefits of moringa. Malnutrition, at a global level, could be addressed. 

Moringa is also rich in minerals zinc and copper, which support the body’s functions and fuel vital organs, both of which are necessary to replenish after a feeding.

2. Moringa Can Increase the Quality of Breast Milk

We are what we eat. When mothers consumer moringa, the nutrients help both the mother and the newborn. You can learn more about the Top 10 Reasons to Eat Moringa for a brief overview. Essentially, because moringa is so nutrient-dense, it is a great daily addition to your overall diet, especially during the postpartum days.

Moringa Smoothie Ideas

Whether consuming moringa in a daily smoothie, or adding moringa to soups, this superfood can help with postpartum breastfeeding needs. 

Postpartum use of moringa increases maternal vitamin A intake, thus increasing the vitamin A content of breast milk for at least six months. Around the world, women often bear the brunt of malnutrition; however, moringa can be used as a way to ensure mothers, newborns, and children, receive their daily nutrients.

Moringa can also help with the fatigue that often comes with new motherhood. If you’re curious about the broader ways Moringa is Good for Women, please explore our article that goes into this in more detail.

3. Are Breastfeeding Vitamins Necessary? 

We recommend you check with your doctor for specific medical advice, and consult their opinion on breastfeeding vitamins. It is important to note that moringa is high in vitamins A, C, E and a handful of B vitamins. These vitamins are known as the “antioxidant vitamins” and they help combat illness and infection.

Vitamins A and E also help keep cells healthy, and prevent cellular mutations. If you want to learn more about the role of these vitamins and the immune system, we offer a great article on The Science Behind Nourishing Immunity.

Breastfeeding is largely recommended as the baby’s sole source of nutrition for the first 6 months of their life. It helps carry the hormones, cells and antibodies that support the baby’s development, strengthen the immune system, and lower the risk of contracting infections.

Many mothers want to breastfeed their children, but struggle with milk supply. This is where moringa can help. As always, should you wish to pursue using moringa as a nutritional supplement for yourself and your baby, we advise that you contact a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

*All of our moringa products are inspected for microbiological inspection and heavy metals. Our quality assurance requires that our moringa is tested at least four times before meeting the shelves.

At Kuli Kuli, we believe that moringa is one piece of the larger health puzzle. Has moringa helped you with breastfeeding needs? Let us know in the comments!

Follow us @kulikulifoods or leave us a comment. We’d love to  your favorite ways to enjoy the benefits of this miracle tree. 

The post Breastfeeding? Moringa Can Help appeared first on Kuli Kuli Foods.

Moringa vs. Turmeric: A Recap

Morina has been showing up strong in the Battle of the Supergreens, a lively series where we compare superfoods with each other. Both moringa and turmeric are really healthy additions to your diet. We recommend a Moringa Turmeric Smoothie after reading this article!

Superfoods and Inflammation 

Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory food.

Inflammation is more than a sprained ankle or scraped knee. It can happen to any tissue in the body. Through inflammation, our body communicates that something is amiss. And food does play a role in how our bodies respond to inflammation. For a more in-depth read on anti-inflammatory foods, we have articles on that too.

Moringa’s anti-inflammatory prowess has been somewhat overshadowed by the relative popularity of another superfood… turmeric. As an anti-inflammatory, moringa may be more effective at reducing inflammation than turmeric. 

There are already more than enough reasons to make moringa a regular part of your diet. To give a quick snapshot, moringa has twice the protein, three times the calcium, and four times as much iron as kale. Beyond these amazing nutritional properties, research is now pointing to the fact that moringa should be your anti-inflammatory of choice.

But just how strong of an anti-inflammatory is moringa? We decided to compare it to turmeric in an anti-inflammatory battle royale

Comparing Anti-Inflammatory Superfoods

Before we compare the anti-inflammatory properties of two different foods, we must first understand how the foods actually reduce inflammation. Turmeric is a root, related to ginger, and is used in food and cooking. Its principle anti-inflammatory compound is a curcuminoid phenol compound known as curcumin. Curcumin is also what gives turmeric its yellow color.

Moringa is similar to broccoli in that it is a cruciferous vegetable and contains glucosinolates that can form isothiocyanates. Isothiocyanates can also be found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and kale. Isothiocyanates are readily absorbed in the body and have been well-studied in broccoli.

Emerging research on moringa has shown that the isothiocyanates in moringa are even more stable and bioactive than those found in broccoli. These compounds reduce inflammation by reducing the production of nitric oxide (NO) and inflammatory markers. Additionally, they are able to activate a detoxification pathway known as Nrf2.

A recent study found that the isothiocyanates were more effective at reducing inflammation markers than curcumin. In the test, Curcumin reduces nitric oxide (NO) production by 5-30% while similar concentrations of moringa isothiocyanates reduced NO by 72-93%. Moringa was also more effective at reducing concentrations of three different inflammatory markers including iNOS, IL-1β, and IL-6.

Turmeric is not Readily Absorbed

Turmeric is not as easily absorbed when eaten on its own, which brings to question its bioavailability. One of the best ways to solve this problem is to eat turmeric in conjunction with black pepper. Black pepper contains an alkaloid called piperine, which significantly boosts the body’s ability to absorb turmeric. However, this can be a hassle as it takes a few hours after consumption for piperine’s effects to peak.

Additionally, if you don’t have the time to eat pepper in advance, there aren’t many cases in which black pepper and turmeric go well together. Finally, despite turmeric’s popularity as an anti-inflammatory, there isn’t enough research that has proven clinically the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin.

Moringa has Higher Bioavailability

Isothiocyanates may be more bioactive and easily absorbed in the body than curcumin. No need to worry about pre-gaming your moringa with pepper because your body can absorb it all by itself. Moringa also gives you a host of other health benefits beyond what your typical green vegetable is capable of providing. This is in part because while most greens are 90% water, moringa is only 80% water, making it more nutrient-dense than most leafy greens.

Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie, anyone?

Of course, this isn’t to say turmeric isn’t good for you (it is a superfood after all). However, in terms of anti-inflammatory foods, moringa may be a simpler and more versatile ingredient to add to your anti-inflammatory lifestyle. If you’re looking for a natural solution to reducing inflammation, add moringa to your favorite smoothies, shakes, and any sweet or savory dish.

It’s just one more reason to eat moringa every day as part of a healthy diet. Still not convinced? Eating moringa can also help reduce blood sugar and bad cholesterol.

Check out our Moringa Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie or the vast offering of #MoringaInspired recipes and smoothies on our website. Because of moringa’s versatility, you can use it to improve the nutritional quality of so many meals. Try moringa in a bar, as an energy shot, or in our new moringa greens and protein powder!

For more information on moringa’s health benefits, check out Kuli Kuli’s popular Battle of the Greens series below!

Kale vs Moringa

Matcha vs Moringa

Spinach vs Moringa

Collard Greens vs Moringa

Swiss Chard vs Moringa

Kelp vs Moringa

Spirulina vs Moringa

There you have it! A bit of the nutritional details behind moringa and turmeric, revealed. 

Don’t forget to tag @kulikulifoods in any social media posts you share so we can see your beautiful creations!

References

Graf, Brittany L., Asha L. Jaja-Chimedza, and Ilya L. Raskin. “Comparative Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Moringa-Derived Isothiocyanate versus Curcumin in vitro and in vivo.” The FASEB Journal 31.1 Supplement (2017): 972-22.

Juge, N., R. F. Mithen, and M. Traka. “Molecular basis for chemoprevention by sulforaphane: a comprehensive review.” Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences 64.9 (2007): 1105.

Jurenka, Julie S. “Anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, a major constituent of Curcuma longa: a review of preclinical and clinical research.” Alternative medicine review 14.2 (2009).

Laurence, Emily. “This Super Green Is a Stronger Anti-Inflammatory than Turmeric.” Well+Good, 12 Sept. 2017, www.wellandgood.com/good-food/health-benefits-of-moringa/.

Maheshwari, Radha K., et al. “Multiple biological activities of curcumin: a short review.” Life Sciences 78.18 (2006): 2081-2087.

Menon, Venugopal P., and Adluri Ram Sudheer. “Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin.” The molecular targets and therapeutic uses of curcumin in health and disease. Springer US, 2007. 105-125.

Tumer, Tugba Boyunegmez, et al. “Direct and indirect antioxidant activity of polyphenol-and isothiocyanate-enriched fractions from Moringa oleifera.” Journal of agricultural and food chemistry 63.5 (2015): 1505-1513.

Waterman, Carrie, et al. “Stable, water extractable isothiocyanates from Moringa oleifera leaves attenuate inflammation in vitro.” Phytochemistry 103 (2014): 114-122.

The post Battle of the Superfoods: Moringa vs Turmeric appeared first on Kuli Kuli Foods.

Moringa has gained recognition from grocery stores and celebrities across the country. Recently, Naomi Campbell and Martha Stewart both cited moringa as a powerful way to nourish and energize the whole body, as well as support greater immune health. In 2016, we launched a “Battle of the Supergreens,” exploring how moringa compared with top superfoods. Here’s a throwback article!

After reading how these two greens compare, why not combine these superfoods and make a Probiotic Moringa Spirulina Smoothie?

Moringa vs Spirulina: A Recap

Morina has been showing up strong in the Battle of the Supergreens, a lively series where we compare supergreens to each other. Just to give you a quick recap, so far moringa has taken out matcha, spinach and kale.  So now that moringa holds a respectable 3-0 record, we thought we’d put it up against something a little more competitive.

What could possibly hope to compete with moringa, you ask? This time around we’ll be looking at everyone’s favorite blue-green algae, spirulina.

Spirulina and Moringa Smoothie, anyone?

*Cue dramatic music*

Compared to moringa’s previous super-opponents, this next contender might actually put up a fight. For as you may or may not know, spirulina is a mighty, mighty protein beast.  In fact, spirulina is so high in protein that it actually holds the number one spot on two very appealing lists: highest protein content per calorie, and highest protein content per ounce. That’s right, 100 grams of spirulina contains nearly 58 grams of protein! And like moringa, spirulina is a complete plant protein meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. Not to mention it’s also said to have been eaten by Aztec warriors in preparation for battle.

But you know we’re not here just tell you how great spirulina is. For this battle, moringa will be relying on a few of its old standbys: its incredibly high iron content, as well as its respectable amounts of vitamin A, calcium, and fiber. For this round we will be looking at 10g of Kuli Kuli moringa powder (about 1 tablespoon) vs. 10g of spirulina powder.

So without further ado…the Battle of the Greens begins!!!

The above graphic might be a lot to digest. When it comes to calcium, fiber, iron, Vitamin A, Carbohydrates, and Sodium, moringa wins! We realize it’s not always as simple as winning or losing; however, moringa does seem to have a wider nutritional breadth than spirulina. 

Moringa is the Champion!

DING DING DING!

Moringa knocks out spirulina 7-3 with several decisive wins.  As it turns out, spirulina is kind of a one trick pony. Beyond its high protein content, it really wasn’t very competitive in any of the other categories.

Let’s visualize things a little differently in a 100% stacked bar chart.  This is a great way to compare the nutritional content of the two foods as you can see the relative differences between moringa and spirulina for each nutrient.

As you can see, moringa did in fact pull off big wins in the vitamin A, calcium, fiber, and iron categories. A single serving of moringa will give you half of your daily recommended iron content which is why it is such a great addition to any vegetarian’s diet. It’s also quite low in sodium, and its protein content is certainly nothing to sneeze at.

Since moringa and spirulina are both complete plant proteins, moringa is really just an all around more nutritious food.  Moringa has also been shown to reduce blood sugar, has anti-inflammatory properties, and is a well known lactation enhancer making it a great choice for diabetics, athletes, and new mothers alike.

So now that you know how great moringa is, you may be wondering how to add it to your diet.  As you might have guessed, we have an extensive catalog of moringa recipes on our site for your reading pleasure.

This summer 2020, we also have a moringa smoothie giveaway happening! Here’s a quick reminder of how to enter. We can’t wait to see your creations!
・・・
1. Post a photo of your delicious Moringa Smoothie
2. Tag @kulikulifoods
3. Use the hashtag #MyMoringaSmoothie
・・・

Moringa vs Other Superfoods

Interested in seeing how moringa fares against a host of other green superfoods?  Be sure check out the other blogs in our battle of the greens series. You’ll soon find out that moringa is well on its way to being a nutritional world champion!

Kale vs Moringa

Matcha vs Moringa

Spinach vs Moringa

Collard Greens vs Moringa

Swiss Chard vs Moringa

Kelp vs Moringa

There you have it! A bit of the nutritional details behind moringa and spirulina, revealed. 

Don’t forget to tag @kulikulifoods in any social media posts you share so we can see your beautiful creations!

Sources

Moringa: Kuli Kuli Moringa Powder Nutrition Facts

Spirulina: United States Department of Agriculture National Nutrient Database

The post Battle of The Greens: Moringa vs Spirulina appeared first on Kuli Kuli Foods.