Moringa trumps kale as a superfood—which explains why its popularity has exploded all over the globe in recent years. 

It contains twice as much protein as kale, 97 times the vitamin B2, and four times the iron. No wonder the moringa tree has been dubbed the most nutrient-rich plant yet discovered.

Nearly every part of the tree—leaves, roots, bark, pods, nuts, and flowers—has been used in herbal medicine to treat well over 300 ailments for thousands of years. 

Some of the conditions moringa has been used to treat include diabetes, joint pain, long-lasting inflammation, and even cancer. It’s also been used for different kinds of bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. 

By including it in their diet, everyone stands to benefit from the plant’s plentiful antioxidants and bioactive compounds. That said, some of moringa’s amazing health benefits are specific to men. 

If you’re curious about exactly how moringa benefits men and how to incorporate it into your diet, you’ve come to the right place. 

Let’s start with a general health recap of this superfood, and then explore the specific health benefits it has for men. 

What Is Moringa and How Is It Taken?

Moringa, scientifically known as Moringa oleifera, is a tree that’s native to North India. It’s also grown in Africa, South East Asia, Arabia, South America, and the Pacific and Caribbean Islands. The hardy, evergreen tree thrives in tropical, subtropical, and semi-arid regions.

Almost all parts of the tree are edible. Everything from its roots, bark, pods, and flowers, to its leaves can be used in smoothies, soups, stir-fries, cookies, cupcakes, and even macaroons.

Moringa takes pride of place in Ayurveda—a healthy-lifestyle system that’s been used in India for more than 5,000 years. In Ayurveda, moringa is considered a heating and pungent food. According to Ayurvedic principles, these qualities make moringa ideal for deep cleansing and detoxification of the body.

In many African and Asian cultures, parts of the moringa tree are incorporated into local dishes. Since it’s so hardy and nutritious, the moringa tree is highly prized in areas where other healthy foods can be difficult to cultivate.

Parts of the tree can also be eaten raw, steamed, roasted, or boiled to create traditional herbal medicine. Notably, the leaves are used to prepare herbal tea for boosting health and vitality. 

Moringa seeds can also be pressed into oil, which is usually added to food or used for skin and hair care. 

In the US, moringa is most commonly consumed in powder or capsule form. You can add the powder to an amazingly vast array of recipes and smoothies, or just mix it with water or juice. 

Kuli Kuli Foods brings you Pure Moringa Vegetable Powder made from drying and pulverizing organic moringa leaves.

Moringa capsules are essentially just the same powder packaged into capsules. 

Whichever form you choose, make sure to review the recommended daily dosage. Generally, 5–10 grams of moringa per day is adequate. 

Moringa’s Nutritional Information

Moringa’s earthy-tasting powder is packed with important compounds for your health. 

Its nutritional contents help protect against heart disease, immune system deficiency, infections, cancer, and inflammatory conditions.

Just 100 grams of moringa leaves contains the following nutrients:

In What Ways Is Moringa Good for Men’s Health?

Moringa has plenty of health benefits for men, especially when it comes to sexual and reproductive health. 

But let’s not overlook the superfood’s general health benefits either, which are well-documented. 

Moringa is called “the miracle tree” in many cultures around the world, and for good reason. Some of its general health benefits include:

• Combating oxidative damage in the form of illness and disease
• Inhibiting the growth of and killing tumor cells 
• Protecting the body from inflammation 
• Healing skin abrasions
• Controlling cholesterol levels
• Improving blood circulation
• Protecting your heart health 

With these overall health benefits, how does this superfood specifically benefit men?

Here are some of moringa’s powerful health benefits for men:

1 – It Promotes Prostate Health

Moringa leaves and seeds are rich in sulfur compounds that may have anti-cancer properties—meaning they can help in treating prostate cancer. Test tube studies show that these compounds can inhibit the growth of human prostate cancer cells.

In addition, moringa may help to prevent age-related prostate enlargement, which causes difficulty when urinating.

In recent studies, researchers gave mice moringa leaf extract and testosterone shots daily for 4 weeks to induce prostate enlargement. 

The results showed that moringa helped to significantly reduce prostate weight. The extract also reduced compounds related to the development of prostate cancer. 

2 – It May Alleviate Erectile Dysfunction

Because of the improved circulation and the healing antioxidants associated with moringa, this superfood is known to improve sexual function. For men, moringa can help alleviate erectile dysfunction (ED). 

Erectile dysfunction affects more than 30 million men in the US. Fortunately, moringa can help to prevent and treat erectile dysfunction. 

The antioxidants in moringa improve blood circulation throughout the body, which may help in resolving erectile issues. In addition, some studies in rats show that moringa extracts can inhibit enzymes that have been linked to ED. 

What’s more, research on rats shows that moringa extracts can help relax the smooth muscle in the penis, therefore improving blood flow to the area. 

3 – It May Improve Male Fertility 

On top of helping with ED, moringa can also improve male fertility. 

The antioxidants in moringa can help keep your sperm healthy. Infertility in men is most often linked to reduced sperm production and issues with sperm motility. 

According to findings from studies in rabbits and rats, moringa leaf powder can significantly improve semen volume, sperm count, and sperm motility. 

Moreover, moringa leaf extract also may prevent the loss of sperm caused by exposure to heat, chemotherapy, or the electromagnetic rays emitted by cell phones. 

That said, human studies are still needed to confirm moringa’s effectiveness in boosting male fertility. 

4 – It Improves Hair Growth

Away from sexual and reproductive health, moringa also supports good hair days.

Adding moringa to your diet can help improve your hair growth—keeping hair loss at bay. The nutrients and minerals in moringa, including vitamins C and E, iron, zinc, and Omega-3 fatty acids are perfect for hair nourishment. 

Not only do these vitamins and minerals foster hair growth, they also reduce hair breakage and shedding. 

Here is a summary of how the nutrients in moringa can help you with hair growth:

5 – It Promotes Muscle Strength

Since it contains all 18 amino acids, including the 9 essential amino acids, moringa is considered a complete plant protein. Its protein content can help build and repair your muscles after a workout.

Moringa has a higher protein content than yogurt and some legumes. It’s, therefore, a great source of protein for fitness enthusiasts and athletes.

With fewer calories and higher fiber and nutrient content, plant proteins tend to be healthier than animal proteins. This makes moringa a great supplement for vegans. 

Including moringa in your pre-workout smoothie will also give you a hefty boost of calcium, which is essential for promoting strong muscle contractions for endurance. What’s more, moringa contains more calcium than yogurt and milk.

Other nutrients in moringa that aid in muscle repair and growth include vitamin B, iron, and magnesium. 

Moringa Green Power Smoothie Recipe for Men

Moringa is versatile—you can easily incorporate it into your daily meals. One popular way to get your daily dose of moringa is by blending it with other ingredients into a nutritious smoothie.

Try this recipe for a delicious post-workout green smoothie:

Preparation:

1. Place all the ingredients in a blender.
2. Blend at high speed until smooth.
3. Pour into a mason jar (or beer mug!) and enjoy. 

Where Can I Buy High-Quality Moringa Products?

Now that you know what you stand to gain from incorporating moringa into your diet, it’s time to shop.

Check out Kuli Kuli Foods’ shop for high-quality, sustainably produced moringa products including:

• Pure organic powder
• Herbal teas
• Energy bars
• Green energy shots
• Green energy shakes

Kuli Kuli Foods partners with small, mostly female farmers across the globe, and promotes sustainability. We ensure that everything from the soil quality, to harvesting practices, and processing procedures align with our goal to bring you only the best moringa.

Third-party research has established that Kuli Kuli Foods’ Pure Moringa Powder is the cleanest on the market. 

Kuli Kuli Foods has supported over 3,234 small farmers and generated over $5.2 million in revenue for them. In addition, we’ve planted and preserved more than 24,600,000 moringa trees. 

Our customers love our products. Here’s what two of our happy customers have to say:

“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 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Reviewer

Don’t wait to reap the health benefits of moringa. Place your order for the best moringa products on the market.

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We hope to offer three, quick lunches that can deliver packed nutrients to students, and do not take too much prep time. Enjoy the “moringa lunches” below! We also offered a bonus moringa snack towards the end of the post.

3 Easy “Back-to-School” Lunches for Kids

For more highlights, please watch our webinar on Eating for Energy and Immunity. There are lots of tips on how to stay healthy during this uncertain time.

Let us know in the comments if you have any quick nutrient-dense lunches that have helped you and your family stay nourished too!

1) Moringa Grilled Cheese and Quesadillas 

Adding moringa to a classic recipe like grilled cheese or quesadillas is a great way to offer a nutritious meal. We recommend adding 1 teaspoon of organic moringa powder at first, per serving. You can add the moringa powder to the cheese or veggies in between the bread for the grilled cheese, or on the tortilla for the quesadilla.

Because moringa is high in vitamins and fiber, it can move through the body quickly and help with bowel movements; one teaspoon is a great “starter” amount! Many people increase their daily moringa serving to one tablespoon. If you are wondering, How Often I Should Eat Moringa, and we offer a separate article digging into that.

If you’re feeling fancy, you can always try a spin on the recipe, such as making Blueberry Basil Moringa Grilled Cheese.

2) Yogurt Smoothie Bowl with Granola

“Mommy and Me” Smoothie Bowl

Lots of kids love “breakfast for lunch” and “breakfast for dinner” occasions. There are so many ways to enjoy a smoothie bowl, and kids often love putting their own spin on smoothies too.

Our Mommy and Me: Smoothie and Smoothie Bowl is a quick and easy favorite. If you find yourself overthinking the smoothie bowl idea, we recommend you just choose a flavor and go for it. Nut butters are great, filling additions to consider.

Check out our blog post on 4 Tips to Make a Healthy Moringa Smoothie for more ideas too.

3) Moringa Pasta Dishes

Pasta requires a little bit more prep, but the good news is that you can make a big batch of pasta and save the leftovers for a quick reheat later in the week.

Healthy Macaroni Recipe with Moringa

Moringa blends beautifully into marinara and pesto sauce, making it a great way to get veggies into dishes like lasagna. Our Moringa Macaroni and Cheese recipe also utilizes moringa to make these cheesy comfort food rich in vitamins.

For any “moringa lunch” recipe where moringa is being cooked, we recommend adding the moringa towards the end of the recipe. This superfood does lose some of its nutritional content at a high temperature.

For example, if you’re heating up marinara sauce to toss into spaghetti, add the organic moringa powder during the last minute or so, with just enough time to stir the powder so the sauce absorbs it.

Bonus snack: Moringa Hummus 

If you make your own hummus, then you’re set to go with this recipe. Add 1 teaspoon of moringa next time to it! Maybe offer Moringa, Hummus, and Cucumber Toast for the more adventurous eaters in your family.

Need more ideas on how to make moringa part of your children’s meals? Earlier this year, we dug into 10 Ways to Moringafy Recipes for Children. The result is a fun collection of easy twists on recipes, by adding anywhere from 1 tsp – 1 tbsp of moringa.

Adding moringa to your family dishes provides an effective way to boost nutrition and energy for the family without sacrificing taste.

We’d love to hear from you. What are you cooking these days for at-home school lunches? Any moringa lunches?

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

The post 3 Easy “Back to School” Lunches for Kids appeared first on Kuli Kuli Foods.

A few years ago, a major retailer had requested that Kuli Kuli put a pregnancy disclaimer on our packaging based on two studies in the 1980s that showed how moringa leaves might act as a contraceptive in rats. However, a more recent study in mice showed the exact opposite – that moringa leaves actually improved the reproductive performance in mice.

What’s a girl to believe? I decided to dig in further on the research and reach out to multiple doctors. As always, Kuli Kuli recommends checking with your doctor for any further questions.

Is Moringa Safe to Consume While Trying to Get Pregnant?

I know so many new mothers swear by the benefits of moringa on their breastmilk supply, and that there are documented ways that moringa benefits women. But was moringa safe to consume while trying to get pregnant or during the early stages of pregnancy?

CEO and Founder, Lisa Curtis.

According to WebMD, the main concern around moringa is not the leaves, but the roots, bark, or flowers of moringa. Moringa root contains a toxin used historically in traditional medicine, that causes the uterus to contract. But moringa leaves are a different story, as they are packed with vitamins, iron, and more.

I decided to ask my doctor about her thoughts on consuming moringa before, during and after pregnancy. My doctor was actually quite familiar with moringa, as her Filipino family eats moringa on a regular basis. She had also researched moringa from a scientific perspective. She gave me a resounding “yes” on consuming moringa while trying to get pregnant and throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.

I quickly discovered that there were unexpectedly positive side effects to taking organic moringa powder – it actually helped with many of my pregnancy symptoms, including fatigue and constipation.

Here are the top three benefits I’ve experienced while consuming moringa throughout my pregnancy.

1) Moringa is a Caffeine-Free Alternative to Coffee

Many of us need coffee to get the energy we need to go about our days. However, caffeine during pregnancy is generally limited to small doses, and some doctors recommend eliminating it entirely. Coffee is a stimulant and diuretic, meaning that it can increase blood pressure as well as heart rate.

The concern around coffee is that babies in the womb do not have the ability to metabolize caffeine the way adults do. Although studies are inconclusive, many experts say that strictly limiting coffee—or cutting it out completely—might be best for the health of the baby.

Moringa can offer a healthy option that is energizing, without the afternoon crash that coffee offers. After increasing my daily dose of moringa – adding the Pure Organic Moringa Powder to my morning oatmeal with a scoop of almond butter and drinking a Green Tea Wellness Shot every afternoon, I felt a difference. I found that particularly in the first and third trimesters, this extra energy boost has been critical to my ability to continue to run Kuli Kuli effectively. I experimented a few times with taking days off from consuming moringa and definitely found a noticeable difference in my energy levels.

2) Moringa Can Help With Overall Energy and Fight Fatigue 

Women in the later stages of pregnancy need to prioritize three nutrients: calcium, iron, and folic acid. Prenatal vitamins can help with this, but are not readily available in some parts of the world. One tablespoon of Pure Moringa Vegetable Powder can provide about 50% RDV iron, 15% RDV of calcium, and 5 mg folic acid.

Lisa with daily her moringa smoothie

As CEO and Founder, I have a lot on my plate that needs to get done each day; moringa is part of my daily health routine that makes it all possible. I’m a big believer in treating my body right, and that if I’ve well-nourished and well-rested, anything is possible.

The fascinating aspect of being pregnant during COVID-19 is that very few people knew that I was pregnant since I’ve been doing all my meetings virtually. Everyone was shocked when I told them a few weeks ago, which to me was an interesting confirmation that pregnancy hadn’t slowed me down at all.

I wrote an article about this experience called 5 Reasons Quarantine is the Best Time to Be Pregnant.

3) Moringa Helps Keep the Body Regular 

A lot of pregnant women struggle with staying regular and constipation can be unpleasant, if not painful. With an expanding uterus, it is common for bowel movements during pregnancy to become irregular. Stool softeners are also a concern for many to-be mothers. Drinking water, staying as active as possible, and adding fiber to one’s diet are common tips for staying regular.

Moringa is packed with fiber, and has been an easy part of my daily health routine. Though it may sound strange to put it in print – moringa really does help me poop!

Summary: Moringa Has Helped This CEO Get It Done 

Women have enough on their plate to add a complicated health routine to their daily life. Luckily, moringa has been huge in helping me stay healthy during my pregnancy. It also has helped me stay energized and comfortable throughout the busy work day.

We also have a great article summarizing 3 Ways Moringa Helps New Mothers, as well as it’s complimentary article, Breastfeeding? Moringa Can Help. We hope these cover the range of questions around moringa’s benefits for women.

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

Lisa Curtis with her partner showing off her “bump”

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

The post Can Pregnant Women Take Moringa? appeared first on Kuli Kuli Foods.

Here are eight superfoods you can easily grow for your table. From blueberries to leafy greens, to garlic, there are lots of good options for planting your future meals. Enjoy!

1. Blueberries

These small, round berries are about as close as you can get to a super health pill. They’re packed with antioxidants and high in vitamin C and potassium. The little blue orbs help lower blood pressure, manage diabetes, and protect against heart disease and cancer. They also aid in healthy digestion. Blueberries grow on bushes and do best when planted in early spring. There are several varieties, some of which grow in colder climates, but they thrive in full sunshine.

2. Dark, Leafy Greens

You’ve likely heard that kale is good for you, but other superfoods that fall into this category include chard, collards, spinach, and romaine. Dark greens offer fiber, carotenoids, and folate, as well as vitamins C and K, iron, and calcium. Research shows eating dark leafy greens may lower the risk of stomach, breast, and skin cancer.

Make a #mymoringasmoothie with your greens!

They help ward off heart disease and protect bones from osteoporosis. They also make great smoothies! These vegetables grow best in rich, loamy soil with plenty of organic matter. They are cool-weather crops that thrive when soil temperatures are between 50 and 80 degrees.

3. Beets

Beets may be a bit of a newcomer to the superfoods list, but they definitely belong! This red root vegetable fights heart disease and high blood pressure and improves circulation and cognitive function. Beets are chock-full of nutrients including calcium, iron, and potassium, along with five essential vitamins. Beets grow underground.

They don’t take up much space in your garden and prefer partial shade and well-drained soil. There are many varieties of beets, and you can eat both the top leaves and the thoroughly washed bulb (root).

4. Sweet Potatoes

The sweet potato is another root vegetable — starchy and sweet-tasting. Despite the name, sweet potatoes and white potatoes are not part of the same family of plants. To make things more confusing, yams are often called sweet potatoes, but yams are in a third plant family. They yam what they yam. 

But returning to sweet potatoes: These colorful lumps (usually orange but also yellow and purple) are a rich source of vitamins B and C and fiber. Sweet potatoes are also high in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, which benefits the eyes. When adding them to your garden, keep in mind they do best in a sunny space. They’re a warm-weather crop and can grow in fairly poor soil. In cooler climates, it’s best to cover rows with black plastic to keep the soil warm. Sweet potatoes are extremely temperature-sensitive, so wait three to four weeks after the last frost to plant them.

5. Pumpkins

Pumpkins are so much more than a Halloween decoration. This superfood is full of vitamins A, C, E, and B2. Pumpkins also contain iron, potassium, manganese, protein,  and fiber. Their seeds are super as well — edible and nutritious. With a high number of antioxidants, pumpkins can help reduce the risk of cancer, and heart and eye diseases.

They also boost your immune system and fight infections. The pumpkin is a hardy crop that can do well almost anywhere. Wait until after the last frost and sow the seeds in a sunny spot. The vines can sprawl quite far; keep that in mind when you’re deciding how much garden space you’ll need. 

6. Figs

Figs are one of the oldest superfoods on the planet. Native to the Middle East and the Mediterranean, the fig tree dates back to the earliest historical documents.

Figs are a delicious superfood and snack.

These soft, chewy fruits with crunchy seeds are rich in fiber. Figs also contain calcium, magnesium, and iron along with vitamins A and K. The tiny fig helps lower blood pressure and aids in digestion. The trees do best in warm weather but can also be grown in temperate climates. In areas with long, hot summers, plant the tree in early spring or late fall.

In colder weather, use a container, keep it in full sun, and move it indoors when temperatures fall. There are lots of ways to great creative with figs, whether making a sweet fig spread with crackers, or making a fig and goat cheese salad. 

7. Apples

The old adage about apples keeping the doctor away is true. We’ve known for years that this fruit has an impressive array of health benefits. Apples contain fiber, potassium, and vitamins A, B, K, and E. This tasty fruit lowers your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Apples act as a prebiotic and feed the healthy bacteria in your gut. You don’t need acres of land to grow apple trees. Dwarf trees can grow in a small space. This hardy tree grows in all temperate climates and actually does best where it gets cold in the winter. The trees planted in full sun bear the most fruit.

8. Garlic

It may not do much for your breath, but garlic does a lot for your health. It smells good, tastes good, and has been around for thousands of years. It provides protein to your diet, along with vitamin C, the B vitamins, folate, calcium, and zinc. It can also boost your immune system, purify your blood, help prevent heart disease, and act as an antibiotic. Garlic is easy to grow and doesn’t need much space. Plant it in fertile, well-drained soil. Too much water near the roots can cause them to rot.

To Superfood or Not to Superfood?

Eating superfoods won’t singlehandedly cure disease, but a balanced diet including them can set you on the path to prevention and may even keep doctor visits to a minimum. Include most or all of these plants in your weekly meals for the variety you need.

Moringa is a great superfood to grow in your backyard too, and grows best in a warm, dry climate. Any tips on growing your own moringa tree? Check out our article dedicated to Growing Your Own Moringa Tree for insight on growing a healthy moringa plant.

Any superfoods you want to see added to this list? What’s growing in your garden? Let us know in the comments below!

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

The post 8 Superfoods You Can Easily Grow in Your Backyard appeared first on Kuli Kuli Foods.

I’ve always secretly dreaded being pregnant. I didn’t worry about pregnancy symptoms – weight gain, nausea, exhaustion, dizziness, etc – those I can handle. My dread always came from the fear of being perceived as being less capable.

5 Reasons Why Quarantine Is The Best Time To Be Pregnant

As a thirty-two year old female Founder and CEO, I’ve fought my entire life to prove that I am capable. Capable of leading a team, capable of fundraising millions of dollars, and capable of building a successful business selling moringa, a superfood most Americans still haven’t heard of. As the main face of my company Kuli Kuli, a big part of my business success depends on the outside world believing in my credibility as a CEO.

I knew that a growing bump in my stomach would tell the world a different story about my abilities. I was worried about five challenges that pregnant women in business frequently face,

1) People Question Your Brainpower

Despite ample medical evidence to the contrary, the concept of “pregnancy brain” is widespread. The idea can be funny – I’ve certainly used it to convince my husband to take on chores that I have “forgotten.” But the prospect became terrifying if suddenly I was perceived as being less capable of making key business decisions.

When no one knows you’re pregnant, no one jokes about your cognitive abilities being impaired.

2) You Receive Unsolicited Advice in Business Conversations 

A pregnant friend of mine went into an important sales meeting with a carefully prepared deck and agenda. She only had thirty minutes to close the deal. Instead, the buyer insisted on talking about his grandchildren for the entire meeting, offering her unsolicited advice and not even bothering to flip through the deck until the last five minutes.

Unsurprisingly, the buyer didn’t end up bringing her products into his store.

3) Your Childcare Plans Become Fodder for Public Debate 

Recently, before telling my investors and board members that I was pregnant, I sought advice from fellow female founders. Their number one piece of advice was as unanimous as it was shocking. Every single woman I spoke with told me “you have to clearly explain your childcare plans and emphasize that you’ll be coming back to work after your maternity leave.”  

The assumption that female founders would suddenly give up the companies that they’ve poured years of their lives into made me furious.

4) People Put Your Pregnancy On Stage Instead of You

In my pre-quarantine life, I averaged 29 speaking engagements a year. Many of these speaking opportunities have since turned into webinars. A few days ago, during a prep call for a webinar, I told the moderator I was pregnant when he asked if I had kids. He congratulated me, and asked if I wanted to talk about it during the webinar. I declined, and he promised not to put me on the spot.

In the last two minutes of the webinar he broke his promise entirely, asking an awkward question that forced me to announce my pregnancy and diverted attention entirely from the professional conversation we’d been having.

5) You Get Touched Without Your Consent

Though it shocked me to hear it, multiple friends have told me that they’ve had their pregnant bellies awkwardly touched at the grocery store, on the sidewalk, and even at work. Though I hate being six feet apart from everyone I love, I appreciate that no one touches me without my consent. From tummy touches to critical interruptions in business conversations and assumptions of cognitive impairments, it’s clear to me that it can be challenging to be a pregnant woman in business.

This article is the first time I’ve publicly announced my pregnancy. Most pregnant women don’t have the luxury of deciding when to announce their pregnancies – nature announces it for them.

Quarantine life has given me unexpected insight into how much easier work would be if pregnant women were treated as capable and professional as any other women. Getting ready to have a baby is such an exciting time but it has its share of challenges. We could make work easier for all women by letting them decide how and if they want to bring their personal lives to work.

At Kuli Kuli, we believe that empowering women happens at multiple levels. Lisa founded Kuli Kuli to help women use more moringa locally and earn a sustainable livelihood by selling a portion of each harvest to the US. 

For more, please follow us @kulikulifoods or leave us a comment below!

The post 5 Reasons Why Quarantine Is The Best Time To Be Pregnant appeared first on Kuli Kuli Foods.

5 Ways Moringa Benefits Hair

As if you need another reason to love moringa, we have compiled a list of the ways that moringa supports good hair days, and for a fraction of the price compared to fancy hair treatments. Towards the end of this article, we added a nourishing moringa hair treatment for you to add to your weekly routine.

We also have an article on 10 Reasons to Eat Moringa Everyday, if you’d like a quick overview. There’s so many reasons to make moringa part of your overall health regime. In this article, we’ll stick to how moringa benefits hair growth and strength.

#1 The Iron in Moringa Brings Oxygen to the Roots

Iron deficiency has been linked with hair loss for years, now, making iron a logical ingredient for healthy hair growth. Iron helps carry oxygen in the blood, all the way to your scalp. When any living organism has a fresh supply of oxygen, it grows better, including your hair follicles!

Moringa is one of the top vegetarian sources of iron. Just one serving of our Kuli Kuli moringa powder will give you half of your daily recommended iron. We cover more ways Why Moringa is Good for Women, if thinking about iron made you curious for moringa intake and overall women’s health!

#2 The Zinc in Moringa Stimulates Hair Growth

Zinc is probably the biggest player in this hair game. Low levels of zinc been linked to poor hair growth, and even hair loss. Healthy levels of zinc also help damaged hair follicles recover more quickly. Zinc is a key contributor to healthy hair follicles, which are the root of every single hair on your head.

Healthy Hair Moringa Routine

#3 The Essential Amino Acids in Moringa Build Healthy Hair Strands

Moringa is packed with amino acids, the building blocks of cells. There are a handful that are particularly important in hair growth—arginine, cystine, cysteine, lysine, methionine—all of which are abundant in moringa. Many people lack the essential amino acids because of a poor or unvaried diet.

One serving of moringa each morning, though, can give you exactly what you need! We have plenty of recipe ideas forhow to get creative with your moringa too.

#4 Vitamins C & E in Moringa Fight Oxidative Stress

Vitamins C & E are powerful antioxidants. They help fight against damaging free radicals. Free radicals accost the body from both the inside and outside, causing hair to weaken and even turn grey.

Vitamin C can help combat this damage while vitamin E can help repair the damage that is already done. If you are familiar with Vitamin C from an immunity perspective too, we cover more of that in The Science Behind Nourishing Immunity.

#5 The Omega 3s in Moringa Nourish Hair

Most people think of salmon when they hear about Omega 3 fatty acids, but moringa is a great plant-based source of this fatty acid. Omega 3s help thicken hair strands by plumping them up with healthy fats. In one study published by Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, participants who took Omega 3 supplements found themselves with significantly increased hair growth and increased diameter and density in their hair strands. How cool is that?

Moringa is abundant in antioxidants, vitamins, and essential amino acids. It helps to reduce inflammation due to it’s antioxidant properties, which include vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium (found in cold-water fish, Brazil nuts, and eggs), flavonoids, and phenolics (common in many fruits and vegetables).

If that’s not enough to get your love of moringa started, we also provided a fun and easy “Hair Mask” to try.

Bonus: Moringa Avocado Hair Mask

If you’re already adding moringa to your daily routine then you are setting yourself up for a great hair day already! If not, well then, what are you waiting for?

It’s as simple as this:

After this hair mask you will definitely have shiny, soft, lush fill-in-your-adjective-here hair. This combined with the boost of nutrients from chowing down your moringa powder is a winning combination for beautiful hair, for sure!

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how wonderful moringa is for your hair, check out our blog post on Moringa’s Benefits for Skin.  You may also be interested in moringa’s benefits as a complete plant protein, or maybe you’d like to read about more about its anti-inflammatory properties. We’ll leave you to it!

Has moringa helped you find a healthy hair routine?? Let us know in the comments!

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

The post Good Hair, Don’t Care: 5 Ways Moringa Benefits Hair appeared first on Kuli Kuli Foods.

While I myself am not a sleep scientist I don’t think it takes science for you or me to understand just how important good sleep is, right? I may not know what is happening at the cellular level of my body when I stay up too late because of a Netflix-binge; but I’m familiar with the telltale affects the next day: mood swings, emotional fits, heavy eyelids, funky appetite and a super foggy brain.

While I support a good night’s rest no matter what the science says, I want to break it down. We will explore why nutrition matters, and how nutient-rich foods like moringa can help with your sleep hygiene.

Why Sleep is Important

There are lots of tasks your body does while you sleep. Sleep helps the brain and body repair, so you can be ready for another day. Getting good rest may also help prevent excess weight gain, heart disease, and increased illness duration.

Sleep is a Key Part of Healthy Living

When our bodies rest, we are able to have better mental functioning the next day, as well as energy. This seems intuitive. Inflammation from daily stress also has a chance to be processed while we sleep, especially for inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract as our bodies pauses eating.

While the amount of sleep you need can vary according to your age, most adults need an average of at least seven hours of sleep, to feel its juicy benefits.

How poor sleep affects health

We are all vulnerable to the effects of sleep deprivation, whether we get one hour of sleep or five, depending on the person. When we don’t get sufficient sleep then we can notice various problems, with long-term and short-term effects.

The most noticeable effect is our emotional wellbeing after a bad nights sleep. The sleep-deprived brain has a difficult time registering emotions both in the self and in others.

Poor sleep has a huge impact on cardiovascular health, so much so that poor sleep can increase morbidity due to cardiovascular issues. In one study the researchers found that those that reported getting fewer than six hours of sleep a night were 66% more likely to have hypertension than those getting an enviable 7-8 hours of sleep each night.

Sleep deprivation is now well-established as a dangerous risk factor for many other cardiovascular issues such as blood pressure, glucose metabolism, hormonal regulation and inflammation. Sleep deprivation is so dangerous that it is unethical to force people to deprive themselves of sleep.

Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie, anyone?

Another dangerous aspect of sleep deprivation is the impact it has on our nervous system. In a way, being deprived of sleep launches your nervous system into fight-or-flight mode without the ability to get out of it. In fact, researchers found that participants that were only recently deprived of sleep—as in, just one night of poor sleep—had a 60% increase in brain activity in the stress response system compared to participants with normal sleep.

This fight-or-flight response then initiates an inflammation response throughout the body. Our bodies panic to alleviate the phantom stress that sleep deprivation induced.

By now, you may be ready to learn more about how to help ensure good rest each night.

How Moringa can help Sleep Health 

Acquiring more sleep is a great goal, as is boosting the overall nutritional quality of food you’re receiving each day. Sleep and nutrition influence the other. Powerful foods that give you energy, flush the body with multivitamins, and reduce inflammation are key.

Moringa has been touted as a superfood over the past couple years and this is because of its large reach in health benefits. 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.

Summary

Eating moringa everyday might be the new change your sleep routine needs. This plant from “the miracle tree” has been used by cultures all over the world for thousands of years. In the US, you can find moringa in energy shots, smoothie mixes and more!

Let’s try our best to give our bodies support. Let’s exercise a few times a week and eat our vegetables. Exercising can help with a quality rest, as can going to bed early enough so that we match our natural circadian rhythm. Try to go to bed early enough so that we feel awake and alert the next day.

Any other tips for improving the quality of a sleep routine? What works for you? Let us know in the comments below!

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

The post Why Sleep is Important and How Moringa Can Help appeared first on Kuli Kuli Foods.

The moringa tree is traditionally used by people throughout India and Ghana as more than just a nutritious food source. The seeds, flowers, and bark are also utilized in medicines, teas, and even for hair and skin. Here are 5 ways that moringa benefits the health and look of the skin.

We offer three simple DIY recipes for moringa skincare towards the second half of this post!

5 Reasons Moringa is Good for Your Skin

If you’re ready for the DIY recipes, scroll to the second part of this article! We’ll provide a little bit of the health background first, offering insight into why moringa is so good for your skin.

1. Moringa boosts skin’s natural collagen production.

Moringa is high in vitamin C which is an essential nutrient for the body to produce collagen naturally. Collagen helps to give the skin a younger look by supporting the structure of the skin. More collagen in the skin helps to increase the firmness of the skin and decrease the appearance of wrinkles. Vitamin C stabilizes collagen because it’s a cofactor for the enzyme responsible for securing and cross-linking collagen fibers.

Moringa face mask DIY recipes below!

2. Moringa can slow signs of early aging. 

While the vitamin C in moringa helps to support collagen and the look of skin externally, it also plays an important role internally as well. As the body ages, it becomes less efficient at neutralizing the free radicals that begin to build up in the body. Free radicals from oxidative stress cause damage to different organs and tissues in the body, including the skin.

That’s why increasing antioxidants is important to maintaining a youthful glow and look to the skin. Vitamin C is one of the most potent antioxidants, along with vitamin A and B, which moringa also contain. Moringa is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties which also helps to decrease oxidative stress and free radicals. 

3. Moringa can help dry or oily skin. 

Whether the skin is oily or dry, the properties in moringa can help to benefit both skin types. The high antioxidants in moringa mentioned above, helps the body switch from a state of stress to a state or repair, moving from sympathetic nervous system to the parasympathetic nervous system. This down regulation of the stress response decreases the inflammatory markers that triggers oil production. 

For drier skin, the B vitamins in moringa can help act as a natural humectant which retains and preserves moisture in the skin’s outermost layer. The oil in moringa can even penetrate into the skin tissue and bring moisture in.

4. Moringa can help with acne. 

Most breakouts are caused by sebum, an oily secretion, from the sebaceous glands mixing with dead cells and blocking pores. Since moringa can help with reducing oil production on the skin, this helps with reducing the build up that blocks the pores. In addition, moringa helps to balance the hormones and reduce the negative impacts of stress because of the high antioxidant content. Hormone imbalances and increased stress are both associated with acne.

5. Moringa can support wound healing. 

While this is not scientifically proven (yet), there are studies that point towards moringa having an effect on wound healing. We all know that when a pimple gets popped, it often gets worse before it gets better. This is because an open wound or cut on the skin leaves it vulnerable to bacteria and infection. Moringa may be able to help with wound healing because of the effect it has on collagen production.

3 DIY Moringa Skin Concoctions 

By now,  you’re probably read to open a pouch of moringa powder and get going! We offer three easy ways to use moringa at your “home spa.” Enjoy!

1. Moringa Avocado Face Mask

Moringa is abundant in vitamins A, C, E and antioxidants. Unsurprisingly, all of these healthy nutritients are also great for your skin. Create a thick, luxurious moringa face mask to feed your skin all the nutrients necessary for a natural, smooth and radiant glow.

If you would like to try a different moringa face mask, we love this DIY recipe from Mindbodygreen. If a face mask doesn’t work well for you, adjust and personalize recipes.

Some people’s skin responds very well to honey and avocado, while others have better luck with bananas and yogurt!

2. Ancient Moringa Triple Blemish Blaster

Moringa leaves used outside of consumption are known for their anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory characteristics. Tea tree oil and honey have also been used for centuries for their anti-bacterial properties.

Most instant blemish remover creams on the market tend to dry out your skin, so the banana in this recipe helps to keep all the ingredients combined and moisturized, without drying out your face. This anti-bacterial, acne-fighting combo will keep your blemishes under control.

Ingredients: Moringa Body Scrub 1/2 banana, mashed 1 tablespoon of moringa powder (1 single serving packet 1 tablespoon of honey 2 tsp tea tree oil Directions Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Apply generously on problem spots. Leave on for 15-20 minutes and rinse off with warm water. Repeat as needed

This is a natural blemish blaster that not only smells good, but is also smooth and hydrating for your skin.

3. Moringa Oatmeal Exfoliating Body Scrub

Winter is coming, and along with it comes dry arms and legs. What better way to combat winter dryness than the classic soothing oatmeal scrub with the unlocked secrets of moringa to boost the vitamin E levels for your sensitive skin?

Dry and sensitive skin can be prone to inflammation, especially with frequent shaving. The added moringa contains anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial features to help prevent red and itchy skin.

Coconut oil and oatmeal both act as an emollient to help soften while sugar exfoliates your skin.

Ingredients: Moringa Oatmeal Mask 1 cup old fashioned oats 2 tablespoons of moringa powder (2 single serving packets) 1 cup granulated 1/2 cup coconut oil Directions Process oats until flour-like or into small pieces. Mix in moringa powder and sugar. Add in coconut oil and mix until well combined. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Enjoy!

We hope you enjoy these three easy DIY face mask ideas! The secret ingredient every time? Moringa! The superfood is excellent at nourishing the body from the inside out.

Here’s to healthy, happy, and glowing skin! Did you try any of these DIY moringa face masks? This article was co-written by Ada Yim and Shannon Miller.

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

The post Moringa For Healthy Skin: 3 DIY Recipes You Need To Try! appeared first on Kuli Kuli Foods.

The water shortage has had huge impacts on livelihoods and the economy, and especially on the California agriculture system. In 2009, California’s crop yield made up 16.5% of the U.S.’s total crop revenue, and 6.5% of the U.S. livestock revenue. California also produces almost half of the fruits, vegetables, and nuts produced in the U.S. Decreasing water supplies affect growing capacity, the economy, and livelihoods. Water rights are very fragmented in California, and different municipalities own different parts of water infrastructure, so it is a very hard system to manage.

Given this state of emergency, what can CA residents (and non-CA residents) do to reduce their own impact on the drought at home? Given the wildfires throughout the state, how can one individual help climate change?

1. Get involved.

   Climate change needs to stay on top of our politicians plan, with tangible tasks they are going to do to address the large and most polluting industries in our state. Do your research and see if there is a local or regional group you can get involved with, that puts pressure on politicians to act on behalf of their citizen’s concerns for a sustainable future. This is one of the biggest ways any individual can help.

2. Don’t let the tap run.

   Letting the water run, or even drip slowly, while you’re not actively using it is a big water-waster. While you’re brushing your teeth or washing dishes, turn off the tap in the interim time when you’re not actively using it.

3. Run full loads.

   For laundry and washing dishes, running loads that are full makes sure that you are only using the water you really need. Plus, it makes for fewer loads and less work!

4. Run your sprinkler system manually.

   Many timed sprinkler systems don’t account for recent rainfall and don’t water just the plants that need it the most. Try only running your sprinklers when you really need to. When you do turn them on, focus on the plants that need the extra water the most. For example, most lawns only need about 1 inch of water per week.

5. Go native.

   Native plants are more suited to the local climate than the typical lawn. In California, for example, native plants are built to withstand a dry climate and don’t need to be watered as much. Filling your garden with mostly native plants will save you water and work to keep them alive in an unfamiliar climate. Putting a layer of mulch around plants and trees in your garden will also help them retain moisture.

6. Reduce your carbon footprint.

   It may seem like an unrelated issue, but power plants use tons of water to produce energy for the grid. By biking more, turning off the lights, and unplugging your devices, you can also save water! To reduce your carbon footprint, you have to know your carbon footprint first. Calculate your footprint so you know where to focus your efforts!

   

   Native Plant Gardens Can be Beautiful.

7. Eat fewer water-intensive foods.

   Eating local foods reduces the amount of water used in transporting and preserving them in travel, and many specific foods require a large amount of water to produce. Meat, especially beef, pork, and lamb, as well as almonds, walnuts, eggs, rice, soybeans, avocados, and wheat, are some of the most water-intensive foods. Almonds use 2,126 gallons of water per pound produced, and beef uses 1,875 gallons per pound. As a consumer, you are powerful in your decision on where to spend your “dollar vote” at the grocery store.

   By buying less water-intensive foods, you are demonstrating your commitment to more efficient food products that are more compatible with the current drought conditions. Easy ways to do this include eating less meat, and eating vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and broccoli instead of avocados, green beans, and corn. Moringa is also a great example of a food that requires very little water to produce. Moringa trees are great at growing in dry conditions!

8. Replace shower heads and install dual-flush systems.

   Changing to a low-flow or water-saving shower head reduces water waste by over 50%. These are super easy to buy at the hardware store and install on your own. The same goes for dual-flush toilets – you can change the system on your existing toilet to one that can do both a half-flush and a full-flush, which saves up to 70% of water flushed and can decrease your indoor water consumption by 30%.

9. Check your pipes for leaks and insulate them.

   Leaks are very common in household pipes, and repairing these leaks with cheap toolkits that you can find in a hardware store is super easy and makes a big difference. It is easy to check for a leak using your household water meter – look at the meter, wait for 2 hours while no one in the house is using water, and look at the meter again. If it is different after these 2 hours, then there is a leak. Insulating your pipes, which is especially important during the very hot and very cold months of the year, also helps your pipes remain efficient and lose less heat.

10. Use a reusable water bottle.

    Plastic single-use water bottles that you can buy in stores do a lot of harm to the environment. This is true both in terms of resources to manufacture them and waste they create in natural ecosystems, which harms wildlife. It takes three times as much water to make a plastic bottle as it does to fill it, and reusable water bottles last a lifetime and don’t produce harmful waste upon disposal. There are also much more stringent regulations on the quality and safety of tap water than bottled water. Therefore it is also healthier for you to refill from the tap!

It does make a difference when we treat every day like Earth Day. The cumulative impact from your efforts could double if you make a pact with a friend. Please share this article with a friend to spread the word about everyday actions that can help!

Can you think of other ways to reduce your carbon footprint? How can you encourage your workplace or household to do the same? Let us know in the comments!

Tag us @kulikulifoods to learn more about our sustainability initiatives. 

Resources:

• http://www.sfgate.com/science/article/California-drought-Sierra-snowpack-is-barely-5446649.php
• http://www.latimes.com/science/la-me-g-california-drought-map-htmlstory.html
• http://www.sfgate.com/science/article/California-drought-Sierra-snowpack-is-barely-5446649.php
• http://www.motherjones.com/files/2agovstat10_web-1.pdf
• http://eartheasy.com/live_water_saving.htm
• http://www.ecology.com/2014/08/29/water-intensive-food-impact-california-drought/
• http://www.huffingtonpost.com/norm-schriever/post_5218_b_3613577.html
• http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/17/california-drought_n_4617755.html

The post 10 Ways to Reduce Your Impact on the California Drought appeared first on Kuli Kuli Foods.

We thought it would be great to refresh your children’s environmental reading list with new(er) books to read with your kids. Double your positive impact by ordering some of these books from your local bookstore! All of these books are released after the year 2000.

Top 7 New Earthy Books for Everyday!

We hope you enjoy this hand-picked selection of new books to read with kids. Make sure to scroll to the bottom for a bonus Earth Day recipe that offers fun for the whole family!

1. My Friend Earth by Patricia Machlachlan. Grades PreK – K 

Great read aloud book for kids 3-5 years old. Our Earth does so many wonderful things, learn about the Earth tends to animals and regulates the weather to bring us sunshine, snow, and rain. Kids will love the colorful pages with cut outs. Great interactive book that opens up the opportunity to talk about positive actions to help support this Earth.

2. A Different Pond by Bao Phi. Grades 2-3

This book follows the tale of a father and son who awake before dawn to go fishing, despite a “no trespassing” sign. After catching two small fish, the father and son return home. After all, the father needs leave for work and his son is left in charge of his siblings. This story continues from there, offering a thought-provoking journey. The books is a great illustration of how economic status can impact daily life, as well as the innate desire to connect to our natural surroundings.

Phi’s book is set in Vietnam and also features powerful and beautiful art.  

3. The Curious Garden by Peter Brown. Grades PreK – 3

Tip: Choose books with larger pictures for younger audiences!

In this story, a young boy comes across a struggling garden in his city and decides to tend to it. Over time the garden grows and expands, bringing light and joy into a previously dark and gray city. This tale highlights the transformation, growth, and renewal of sustainable, local food co-ops.

The little boy has bright red-hair, which will make spotting him a fun game for the littler readers!

Fun extension to pair this book with: the author Peter Brown offers free printable coloring pages on his author website!

4. Mama Miti by Donna Jo Napoli. Grades Pre K – 3

The true and powerful story of Mama Miti is told through breathtaking imagery with bold colors and textiles. Mama Miti, also known as Wangari Maathai, started a grassroots organization in Kenya that changed the landscape and future of her country. Her Green Belt Movement helps empower people to combat deforestation, soil erosion, and environmental degradation. Mama Miti’s organization has planted over 30 million trees. In 2004 Mama Miti also became the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

Wangari Muta Maathai has changed Kenya tree by tree—and with each page turned, children will realize their own ability to change their world for the better.

5. Song of the Wild: A First Book of Animals. Nicola Davies, Grades K-5

This is a book filled with poems about animals of every color, shape, size, and origin, from giant blue whales to bats as tiny as bumblebees. Some poems are lyrical, while others are humorous. All of them are filled with colorful and lively illustrations that capture the beauty and diversity of the animals on the Earth.

Not only beautiful to read and look at, this book is also filled with educational information on all the different animals. 

6. Drawn from Nature by Helen Ahpornsiri. Grades 1-4

The book takes us through one year, through all four seasons, and shows scenes from each time. What makes this so special is that every image shown in here is made entirely from hand-pressed plants! Every line, every dot is a flower petal or seeds or needles from that season of time.  The quality of the images is amazing so your kids can spend hours looking at the intricate details.

Kids will get to learn about the different seasons of Mother Earth, and this book can easily become interactive by asking kids how many flowers, leaves, or colors they see in the picture. Check out the video below for a sneak peak of the artist’s method! 

7. The Forest Feast for Kids: Colorful Vegetarian Meals that are Simple to Make by Erin Gleeson. Grades 3-7

Not a book to read, but a book to help get kids more involved with eating foods that the Earth gave us – vegetables! This book is not only filled with tasty, easy meals that kids can help make, it’s also illustrated beautifully with watercolor images. It’s a bridge between a cookbook and a child’s fairytale story. 

Bonus: Fun “Earth” Recipe to Make with Kids!

Looking for a fun recipe to make with the kids that looks like the earth? Here’s a pancake recipe that includes our signature moringa powder as well as blueberries! 

Green and Blue Pancakes with Moringa and Blueberries

1. Mix up your favorite pancake recipe – either from scratch or a mix. Separate into two bowls.
2. In one bowl, add 1-2 tsp of Organic Moringa Powder (this will make up the land). In the second bowl, add the juice of ½ cup of blueberries, defrosted frozen blueberries work best (this will make up the water).
3. Heat a non-stick or cast iron griddle over medium heat. Grease with ghee or butter. Ladle on the blueberry mixture first, then go in and top with the moringa mixture, trying to make different land masses. Once the sides start to bubble, flip and cook the other side.
4. Top with more blueberries, ghee, and syrup if you like. The topping possibilities are only limited by your imagination!

Closing Thoughts:

There are so many ways to celebrate Earth Day, Earth Month, and Earth Year. Check out our article that offers 8 Earth Day Activities for more inspiration. It’s always a good day to celebrate the earth.  We hope this article helped you find ways to celebrate and protect our beautiful planet every day of the year.

Have you read any of these books to your kids? Let us know in the comments below. Feel free to add any of your favorite children’s environmental books too! 

Show us your favorite environmental reads by tagging us @kulikulifoods!

Happy reading and Happy Earth Month!

The post 7 NEW Earthy Books to Read with Kids appeared first on Kuli Kuli Foods.