Malunggay Health Benefits
Malunggay – Malunggay or Moringa Oleifera is one popular plant known for its great nutritional value and also for being an herbal medicine. It is even called the Miracle Tree.
Commonly, Malunggay grows in tropical climates like the Philippines, Africa, Malaysia, and India. Most of the time, this amazing plant is used for cooking, herbal medicine for certain health conditions, and other purposes.
The leaves of Malunggay are the most commonly used part of the plant. But, its fruits, pods, flowers, roots, and bark could also be used on other purposes.
Health Benefits of Malunggay or Moringa
According to Edlagman, malunggay is a powerhouse of nutritional value. For example, research have done proving the moringa leaves contain about SEVEN (7) times the vitamin C from oranges, FOUR (4) times the Calcium from milk, FOUR (4) times the vitamin A from carrots, THREE (3) times the Potassium in bananas, and TWO (2) times the protein from milk.
It is also said that malunggay leaves contain more than 90 nutrients and 46 types of antioxidants. Thus, it is effective countering health conditions even canc3r.
Other benefits
Anti-Infection, Anti-bacterial, Anti-Fungal
According to the Department of Biochemistry at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore (PLN Rao) in the late 1940’s, it has been found that the compound “pterygospermin” which has antimicrobial, anti-fungal, antibacterial properties was present in moringa.
Anti-inflammatory
In a scientific study by the Philippine DOST, it is proven that the seed extract from moringa seed reduces inflammations. Thus, it has been used to prevent and cure inflammations like arthritis, rheumatism, and joint pains.
Reproductive health
Commonly, young leaves are consumed by lactating mothers to increase the flow of milk. Also, it is believed to be an aphrodisiac.
Anti-Canc3r
Studies have shown that moringa has anti-tumor properties because of the compound called benzyl isothiocyanate which is known to have anti-canc3r and “chemoprotective properties.
Dr. Monica Marcu, a researcher and clinical pharmacologist said that moringa is unique because even in small amounts, it can supply the body of the needed nutrients. Another thing is that it contains just a few calories.
How to make Malunggay Juice
- First, remove the malunggay leaves from the stem.
- Then, place the leaves in a blender. Add 1 cup of leaves with 1 cup water proportion.
- Start blending.
- You can use a strainer to separate the juice from the leaves. Or you can leave it as is.
- Add sugar or other sweeteners to taste (e.g. honey).
- Serve and enjoy.