Moringa leaves which have the scientific name Moringa oleifera are known to have various health benefits, so they can be called superfoods. One of the well-known benefits of Moringa leaves is to increase and boost the production of Mother's Milk in breastfeeding mothers. Is that the fact or it just a myth so? Let’s see the following explanation.
- Moringa Leaves Have a Breast Milk Boosting Effect
Have you heard about galactagogues? Galactagogues or laktagogums is a term used for substances that have a milk-boosting effect, which can help increase milk production. This effect is due to the phytosterol content in Moringa leaves.
Based on a literature study conducted by King, et al and published in The Phillippine Journal of Pediatrics in 2013, based on 5 studies that met the criteria, all of them stated that the group given the intervention in the form of Moringa leaves had a better amount of milk production compared to the control group. It was also explained that there were no side effects that occurred in breastfeeding mothers in the five studies.
A literature study conducted by Raguindin, et al and published by Breastfeeding Medicine in 2014 also gave similar results. It is known that from 6 studies conducted, consumption of Moringa leaves can provide a significant increase in breast milk volume from the seventh day. This increase in breast milk volume is thought to happen because of an increase in the prolactin hormone. Furthermore, the increase in the volume of breast milk has an effect on increasing the baby's weight.
- Moringa leaves are high in calcium content
According to the Nutritional Adequacy Rate, breastfeeding mothers need an additional 200 mg of calcium. Additional calcium is needed to support the production of breast milk for babies, besides of it, calcium is needed is useful for strengthen the mother's bone health. During breastfeeding, the mother's calcium consumption will be used to meet both the needs of the mother and her baby, so that breastfeeding mothers are prone to loss of bone mass density. If left for a long time, this can lead to osteoporosis.
In order for the calcium content to be able to meet the needs of the mother and baby, intake of calcium-rich foods such as Moringa leaves is necessary. According to Indonesian Food Composition Data, 100 grams of Moringa leaves contain 1077 mg of calcium which can meet up to 77% of daily calcium needs in breastfeeding mothers.
- Moringa Leaves Contain Various Vitamins
Moringa leaves contain beta-carotene, vitamins B1, B2, B3, and vitamin C. Beta-carotene is the active form of vitamin A, where there is an increased need for 350 RE in nursing mothers. Consumption of Moringa leaves does have a good reputation for protecting the eyes from damage and preventing cataracts.
The need for B vitamins, both B1, B2, B3, and vitamin C in breastfeeding mothers also increases. In fact, the early days after giving birth is a time when mothers will easily wake up at night to take care of their babies. Therefore, the various vitamins contained in Moringa leaves will help maintain the mother's immune system. Vitamin C is also able to repair damaged body tissues and help to heal wounds caused by childbirth.
So, there is no harm in trying to consume Moringa leaves, right? But remember, do not consume it excessively! Let’s, start consuming more varied fruits and vegetables from now. Fitie is ready to provide various articles related to nutrition and health to help you choose the food according to your needs!
Sources :
Dror, D. K., & Allen, L. H. (2018). Overview of Nutrients in Human Milk. Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.), 9(suppl_1), 278S–294S.
Kementerian Kesehatan RI. (2017). Data Konsumsi Pangan Indonesia. Jakarta: Kementerian Kesehatan RI.
Kementerian Kesehatan RI. (2019). Angka Kecukupan Gizi yang Dianjurkan untuk Masyarakat Indonesia. Peraturan Menteri Kesehatan Republik Indonesia Nomor 28 tahun 2019. Jakarta: Kementerian Kesehatan RI.
King, J., Raguindin, P. F., & Dans, L. F. (2013). Moringa oleifera (Malunggay) as a galactagogue for breastfeeding mothers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Philipp J Pediatr, 61(2), 34-42.
Raguindin, P. F. N., Dans, L. F., & King, J. F. (2014). Moringa oleifera as a Galactagogue. Breastfeeding Medicine, 9(6), 323–324.