The Health Benefits of Moringa, with Jacquelyn Turner-Haury of Fera Moringa

Moringa leaves have been extensively studied as a functional food for its health properties. It contains many bioactive components, including vitamins, phenolic acid, flavonoids, isothiocyanates, tannins, and saponins. Moringa leaves are beneficial for several chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, fatty liver, and general inflammation.

Today, we will interview Jacquelyn Turner-Haury, the founder of Fera Moringa, who shares her perspective on, and relationship with this potent functional food.

Satia: What is Moringa?

Jacquelyn: “Moringa is a highly concentrated superfood that comes from the leaves of the Moringa tree. It is considered one of the most effective supplements to hit the holistic health market.

Moringa trees contain some of the most nutrient-dense leaves on the planet. These nutritional leaves are dried and ground into a superfood powder that contains incredible health benefits for your body. It is often referred to as the “Miracle Tree” because every part of the tree has advantages, including the roots, leaves, bark, flowers, pods, gum, and seeds. Whether it’s boosting your smoothie with antioxidants, making your “latte” extra anti-inflammatory, or nourishing your skin with nutritionally rich oil, this plant has it all. 

This nutritionally dense super food has endless health benefits. It has been utilized in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years, which claims it can be used as a preventative for over 300 diseases. Moringa is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants as it contains a very concentrated amount of nutrition, including 7x more Vitamin C than oranges.”

Satia: What is your personal relationship with Moringa?

Jacquelyn: “Moringa has had a huge impact on my life. About 15 years ago, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, which had an incredibly debilitating effect on my health. I was chronically ill, losing too much weight, deprived of nutrients, and severely anemic. After attempting Western medicine unsuccessfully, I changed my lifestyle and started incorporating Moringa into my routine. Within weeks my body went into remission, which showed me the power of healing myself naturally. Moringa helped nourish my body with concentrated nutrients and replenish my iron levels, which alleviated my anemia. It became an integral part of my diet and changed my life for the better. I now live symptom-free and lead a full and abundant life.” 

Satia: What is the story behind FERA?

Jacquelyn: “I was inspired to start FERA because I felt more people should benefit from the incredible healing properties of this superfood. Moringa profoundly changed my life, and I wanted to help others who were eager to find a natural solution. I created an Etsy account and started selling my mother’s Moringa from our garden in Florida. Eventually, she could no longer keep up with the demand. That ignited me to put together a business plan, which evolved into FERA. It became an online marketplace for the highest quality USDA organic certified Moringa, both loose powder, and capsules. 

While Moringa continues to be the core of the brand, it has evolved over the past year, offering coaching sessions and an in-person retreat in Mexico. The purpose of FERA has always been to help people heal naturally and nourish their bodies. Now we provide a 6-month coaching program where you can work directly with me for a more intimate and personalized experience to heal your gut naturally. 

The retreat in Mexico is the merge of a retreat and co-living and co-working space. It’s a place to transform your health and enrich your life. You will be immersed in an inspiring setting to unlock your deepest passions and purpose in life. More information on the retreat can be found here. “

Satia: What health benefits does consuming Moringa have? What evidence is there to support these claims?

Jacquelyn: “Moringa is a highly nourishing superfood with an abundance of health benefits. Below are some of the top benefits of corresponding scientific studies. 

1. Contains A Rich Nutritional Profile
2. Is Abundant in Antioxidants
3. Provides Plentiful Anti-Inflammatory Compounds
4. Balances Blood Sugar Levels (Helps Fight Diabetes)
5. Lowers Cholesterol 
6. Balances Hormones
7. Nourishes the Skin
8. Stabilizes Mood
9. Enhances Brain Health “

Satia: Are there any other supplements you take to keep yourself healthy?

Jacquelyn: “I try to naturally get most of my nutrients through food, but I love making turmeric or mushroom lattes at home to get the extra boost of nutrients and added benefits. I’ve also added zinc to my diet as a booster against Covid-19.”

Satia: What else do you do to keep yourself feeling good?

Jacquelyn: “I wholeheartedly believe that to feel good, you need to take a holistic approach with your life. If one thing is out of balance, it completely disrupts the harmony. For example, if you eat green veggies all day long, but you are bursting with anxiety and stress, then you won’t be digesting and absorbing the nutrients very well, let alone feel very well. 

Some ways I maintain my overall health include daily meditation for 20 minutes, exercise, journaling, digital detoxes, time in nature, self-care, and working on harmonious relationships.

As for exercise, I enjoy running and yoga, but I also try to incorporate it into my lifestyle instead of forcing myself to do a workout routine. For example, I enjoy going for hikes or long walks in the neighborhood or biking to work. This makes me feel healthy and active without going to the gym every day.”