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In today’s fast-paced world, Indian women wear many hats. They manage homes, raise children, meet professional deadlines, and care for families, often at the cost of their own health.
As Dr Shantanu Das, Vice President & Head of Food Sciences at ITC Ltd, points out, meals are cooked, and plates are full, but nutrition is quietly missing from everyday diets.
Despite increased awareness around healthy eating, nutrient deficiencies among Indian women remain worryingly high. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), more than 50 per cent of Indian women suffer from anaemia. This points to a deeper, often ignored problem: micronutrient deficiency.
Iron is not the only concern. Studies consistently show that many women fall short of daily requirements for calcium, vitamin A, protein, and other essential nutrients.
The result is what Dr Das calls the “nutrition gap”, a situation where food looks sufficient but fails to nourish the body properly.
This gap does not always show up as illness. Instead, it appears as constant tiredness, low energy, hair fall, weak immunity, mood changes, and health issues that are brushed aside as stress or part of a busy life. To address this invisible deficit, nutrition experts are now looking back at a traditional Indian superfood that has been part of our culture for centuries: moringa.
THE INVISIBLE NUTRITION GAP INDIAN WOMEN FACE
A woman’s nutritional needs change throughout her life. Adolescence, pregnancy, lactation, and menopause all place different demands on the body. However, most diets remain unchanged during these stages.
Teenage girls need iron and calcium for growth and hormonal balance. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the body requires more iron, folate, and protein to support both mother and child.
Later, menopause brings hormonal changes that increase the need for calcium, antioxidants, and bone-strengthening nutrients.
When these needs are not met, the body sends signals of fatigue, poor concentration, frequent infections, brittle hair, and joint pain. These signs are often ignored, allowing deficiencies to worsen over time.
WHY MORINGA IS A POWERFUL ALLY FOR WOMEN
Moringa is a nutrient-dense leafy plant that has long been used in Indian households. What makes it special is its wide range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants packed into a single food.
Moringa contains iron, calcium, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, protein, and antioxidants, all nutrients that many Indian women lack. Unlike supplements, moringa is a whole food, making it easier for the body to absorb and use these nutrients naturally.
FROM ANAEMIA TO BONE HEALTH: KEY BENEFITS OF MORINGA
Iron deficiency is one of the most common health issues among women due to menstruation, pregnancy, and childbirth. Moringa provides iron in a form that supports better absorption, helping reduce anaemia and improve energy levels.
Bone health is another major concern. Women begin losing bone mass in their 30s, and the process speeds up after menopause. Moringa offers calcium along with vitamin K, magnesium, and antioxidants, which work together to support bone strength and reduce the long-term risk of bone-related problems.
Moringa also supports hormonal balance. Its nutrients help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation—factors linked to PMS, irregular cycles, and conditions like PCOS. While not a treatment, it supports overall metabolic and reproductive health.
SUPPORTING SKIN, HAIR, MOOD, AND THYROID HEALTH
Good nutrition shows on the outside as well. Moringa is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, which support skin health, collagen production, and natural glow. Its amino acids help strengthen hair from the roots, reducing hair fall caused by nutritional weakness.
Magnesium and B-vitamins in moringa support mood regulation and mental well-being areas often affected by stress, hormonal changes, and fatigue.
Women are also more prone to thyroid disorders. Moringa’s mix of iron, vitamin A, and essential minerals supports healthy thyroid function, while its anti-inflammatory properties provide gentle nutritional support for thyroid-related concerns.
MAKING MORINGA PART OF EVERYDAY INDIAN MEALS
One of moringa’s biggest strengths is its versatility. Fresh moringa leaves can be added to dals, soups, sabzis, and stir-fries. Moringa powder can be mixed into chutneys, parathas, smoothies, or even sprinkled into curd.
However, consistency is key and convenience matters. This is where fortified staples play an important role. Products like Aashirvaad Moringa Atta combine everyday wheat with the nutritional benefits of moringa, making it easy to add nutrition without changing eating habits.
For families that eat rotis daily, this simple switch can help bridge common nutrient gaps, especially for women who tend to put their needs last.
EXPERT’S TAKE
Good health does not always require drastic lifestyle changes. Often, it is built through small, consistent choices. Moringa is one such choice rooted in Indian tradition and supported by modern nutrition science.
It is affordable, locally available, and easy to include in daily meals. By adding moringa either through home cooking or fortified staples, Indian women can take a practical step toward closing the nutrition gap and building long-term health and resilience.
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