Malunggay – Simply One Of Nature’s Finest Trees
Going by the scientific name Moringa Oleifera, this super
versatile tree is more commonly known as moringa in English. In the Philippines, it is
popularly known as malunggay, and is very common in many households as an ingredient in many
dishes and used for a variety of medicinal applications as well. While it may be true that
regular consumption of apples can keep the doctors away, for many Filipinos, malunggay is
what keeps them healthy and strong. Even the legendary boxing champ himself, Manny Pacquiao,
has revealed that one of the secrets to his uncanny strength lies within this miracle tree.
It’s not unusual to see malunggay trees growing in a common
residential backyard. The leaves are a common ingredient in many soups, as well as many
poultry and seafood dishes. When it comes to nutritional value, this vegetable is on the top
of the A-list, power-packed with Vitamins A, B and C, as well as essential amino acids and
minerals such as calcium, potassium and iron. In fact, the nutritional content of malunggay
leaves is more than what other food sources have to offer – it has four times more calcium
than milk, seven times the Vitamin of oranges, and three times the potassium in bananas.
The malunggay tree is one of the most versatile trees nature has
to offer. Virtually every part has some form of significant use – whether for food,
medicine, cosmetics or industrial use. While the leaves may be considered the most
nutritious part of the tree, the pods, flowers and seeds are also eaten as well and also
contain significant nutrients or therapeutic properties. The leaves may also be used as
animal forage or as a domestic cleaning agent. This tree is also one of the easiest to
cultivate because of its low-maintenance attribute, high resistance to drought, and its
ability to thrive in almost any kind of soil.
The seeds of the malunggay tree can be extracted to yield what
is known as ben oil. Containing a high concentration of behenic acid, this oil is comparable
to sunflower oil and olive oil, and is characterized by its exceptionally long shelf-life,
clear texture and pleasant taste which make it perfect for salads and other dishes. And
because it burns clean without producing any smoke, it makes an excellent alternative fuel
or as lubricant for machines. After the seeds have undergone extraction, the seed cake left
can be used as fertilizer or a medium in water purification through a process called
flocculation.
The malunggay tree is a treasure chest of medicinal and
therapeutic goodies. For breastfeeding women, the leaves can be used to make tea in order to
increase volume of breast milk, and it can also provide them with a significant amount of
iron, calcium, Vitamin D and Folic Acid. The leaves also have antibacterial and
anti-inflammatory properties which can help treat minor wounds or insect bites. Consumption
of malunggay may also help strengthen the immune system, manage blood pressure, relieve
headaches/migraines, promote better sleep, treat gastric ulcers, and help stabilize blood
sugar levels.
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