Health Benefits of Malunggay

Moringa Oleifera

Many regarded this plant as a “miracle tree” because all part of the plants has its corresponding health benefits of malunggay and its medicinal uses. Read on to discover the medicinal and health benefits of Malunggay. Malunggay is known in different names such as horse radish tree, ben oil or moringa. The tree grows to as high as 9 meters in height. It can easily grow in tropical climate by sowing its seeds or planting its matured stem into the ground.  

Malunggay Nutritional Facts

Malunggay is commonly found in the Philippine market at a price of PhP 15.00 per bunch and then retailed at PhP5.00 each for small bunch. Fresh Malunggay leaves are a source of calcium and iron. It is a good source of several inflammatory properties, antioxidants and amount of substantial nutrients; that is why it is called the “miracle tree”. Include malunggay in your daily diet plan to achieve its full nutritional benefits which is also good for nursing infant and breastfeeding moms. This miracle tree contains a handful of nutritional content as well as vitamins and minerals. From its pods, leaves and flower, malunggay offers a good source of complete vitamins and minerals. 

Malunggay contains four times more Vitamin A found in carrots. It is rich in Vitamin C more than the vitamin C found in oranges. A 100g serving of malunggay leaves gives calcium four times as much as those found in milk and provides iron three times as much as those contained in spinach. 

Health Benefits of Malunggay

Medicinal and Health Benefits of Malunggay

The health benefits of malunggay are incomparably amazing. All of the plants part has corresponding medicinal uses. Malunggay is affordable here in the Philippines and it does not provide barriers as to economic status. Ordinary household can have this vegetable everyday on account of its affordability and accessibility.  The nutritional value of 100g malunggay leaves and pods is briefly illustrated as follows:

Malunggay pods Provides 141 to 235 percent of  the daily required Vitamin C. Malunggay leaves Provides 51.7 mcg of Vitamin C or 86% of the daily intake requirement. Fresh leaves provide 7,564 IU of Vitamin A or 252 % of the recommended daily intake.   Fresh raw leaves are a source of 9.8 g of protein or 17.5 % of the recommended daily intake.

The medicinal benefit of malunggay is vast and amazingly comprehensive. Its seeds contain anti-inflammatory property for the quick healing of wounds, burns, bruises, cuts and minor injuries. Daily consumption of this vegetable frees the body against free radicals and carcinogenic substance.  Malunggay seeds can be used also as water purifier. Not all have known this one essential use of malunggay seeds. Just simply put malunggay seeds in water to remove impurities and make water suitable for drinking. Malunggay is also used as diuretic to improve urination as well as a good purgative substance for children. Other medicinal uses of Malunggay are the following:

·         Improves metabolism

·         Treatment for diarrhea

·         Treatment for Urinary disorders

Malunggay may also be used for beauty regimen and even a good ingredient for beauty and sanitary products. Those who want to achieve a good looking skin should start using malunggay. It is also used to treat skin diseases including acne. Perfume manufacturer sees the refreshing aroma of malunggay useful in their products especially those that provides therapeutic treatment.

The Philippines is blessed to have a good tropical climate where many Philippine fruit and vegetable provides worldwide interest. Malunggay gives the ordinary citizen extra income because of the introduction of commercial products out of the Malunggay found in their backyards. Malunggay is available in the market in the form of powder, oil or a mixture ingredient in pastries, cakes and breads. Some beauty products including shampoo, lotions, creams and soaps also contain the antioxidant component of Malunggay.     

Safety Precautions and Recommended Daily Intake

Consumption of malunggay as food is safe. A conservative study said that eating raw the fresh leaves may have an abortive effect. However, Dr. Lowell Fuglie, an expert about malunggay or moringa said that there has no established negative effect of the vegetable even when used or consumed daily.    

Sources: www.medicalhealthguide.com; www.PhilippineHerbs.com; A Review of the Medical Evidence for Its Nutritional, Therapeutic, and Prophylactic Properties. Part 1. Jed W. Fahey, Sc.D. Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Lewis B. and Dorothy Cullman Cancer Chemoprotection Center, 725 N. Wolfe Street, 406 WBSB, Baltimore, Maryland, USA 21205-2185.

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