Moringa for iron
It has been proved that iron from moringa leaves could lower the effects of iron deficiency. It can change the expression of iron-responsive genes in cells. This effect has been better than conventional iron supplements. Iron deficiency was induced in one group of rats. Selected group of rats were feed with an iron-deficient diet for 10 weeks continuously. In the control group rats were maintained on an iron-sufficient diet (35.0-mg Fe/kg diet).
Once the depletion period is over, animals were repleted with different source of iron from plant resources. This was done in combination with ascorbic acid. Iron deficiency caused a significant decrease in serum iron and ferritin levels by 57% and 40%, respectively. This has been compared with non depleted control animals and results were analyzed. Remarkable changes in the expression of transferrin receptor-2, transferrin, liver hepcidin (HAMP), ferroportin 1, hemochromatosis type 2, ferritin-H and ceruloplasmin were recorded in iron-depleted and iron-repleted rats. These levels were compared with non depleted rats.
Dietary iron from organic moringa tree leaves has been found to be highly effective. It was compared with ferric citrate supplementation to reduce the effects of iron deficiency in rat models. Researchers found that that changes in the expression of liver hepcidin hormone in messenger RNA with leaf extract as remarkable. This could be used as a sensitive molecular indicator for iron deficiency.
Fruits, vegetables, teas, red wine are sources of iron from the plant kingdom. But most of fruits have iron along with vitamin C to enhance the absorption of iron. Previously it has been though that iron from animal sources is superior to that obtained from plant resources.
Recently researchers found that iron absorption is more enhanced when you consume certain herbs, vegetables and fruits. Thus plant foods are also good sources of iron, if it contains minerals and vitamins that increase iron absorption. If you take for example moringa leaves have been found to contain 50% iron along with 86% vitamin C when you take this tisane of these leaves it can provide all nutrients and increases iron.
You may be traveling a lot or may not find time or facility to incorporate it in your diet. It will be good choice to use moringa oleifera leaf tea for getting iron. Taking leaf powder with astringent taste may not be possible for everybody. Low temperature dried leaves are also available in the form of loose tea and tea bags. You can use these tea bags and prepare tea easily by following instructions. You can add little organic honey for taste and get the benefits of this tea.
