Why Malunggay? Health Benefits of Moringa

Moringa Oleifera

When I went to the Department of Agriculture Palawan to meet the OIC, Ms. Librada, I mentioned my interest in the moringa / malunggay leaves and seeds, not only because the lowly moringa / malunggay is easy to grow, but also because of the many health benefits that the moringa leaves, seeds, flowers, and even the roots and trunk can provide for our body, for animals, as well as for the environment.

As you can see, all parts of the malunggay tree is valuable. The moringa leaves are edible. They can be eaten raw or added to soups, meat, fish, or chicken dishes. You can mix them with rice, in porridge, or in bread. You can extract oil from the moringa / malunggay seeds which is now being used in many industrial applications.

Here is a list of some of moringa / malunggay leaves health benefits:

1. Moringa / Malunggay leaves are a rich source of essential amino acids. It is an excellent substitute for meat because of its protein content. If you are a vegetarian, or just prefer to eat more veggies than meat, you can be sure to get your protein fix from your moringa / malunggay leaves.

2. Moringa / Malunggay leaves contain antioxidants, and is a great source of vitamins and minerals. One serving of moringa / malunggay leaves contains 7 times more vitamin C than oranges, 4 times more vitamin A than carrots, 4 times more calcium and 2 times more protein than milk, 3 times more potassium than bananas, 3 times more vitamin E than spinach, and 3 times more iron than almonds. My sister, who breastfeeds her 1 year old son, drinks moringa / malunggay leaf capsules, and swears that her son seems to have a stronger immune system and rarely catches a cold. Who wouldn't want to eat that?

3. Moringa / Malunggay leaves can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol and prevent other cardiovascular diseases. Several research and scientific studies have proven that consuming moringa leaves in either dried or raw form can help reduce cholesterol levels in the blood and can help treat cardiovascular disorders.

4. Moringa / Malunggay leaves helps regulate blood sugar levels. My husband who has a higher than normal blood sugar level, has been drinking moringa capsules for 2 months twice a day, once in the morning and once after dinner at night. He has recently tested his blood sugar levels and says that there are times when it's lower than the readings last month.

There are many more health benefits that the moringa / malunggay tree can offer. No wonder it is called "The Miracle Tree" or "The Tree of Life." It is the most nutritious plant on earth.