Other benefits of the “miracle vegetable”

The malunggay is called a “miracle vegetable” by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) because researches show that it is loaded with nutrients.

Aside from vitamin C, researches revealed that an ounce of Moringa contains four times the vitamin A of carrots, three times the iron of spinach, four times as much calcium as milk, three times the potassium of bananas and has more impressive attributes than olive oil. It contains a full complement of minerals and all the amino acids of meat.

A good news for overweight individuals and vegetarians is that malunggay is also an excellent source of protein, and contains very low fat and carbohydrates.

Because of its nutritional content, malunggay strengthens the immune system, restores skin condition, controls blood pressure, relieves headaches and migraines, manages the sugar level thereby preventing diabetes, reduces inflammations and arthritis pains, restricts the growth of tumors, and heals ulcers, said Dr. Kumar Pati, an Indian doctor who is an expert in natural medicine.

It can also rebuild weak bones, enrich anemic blood and enable a malnourished mother to nurse her starving baby.

Called the “mother’s best friend,” malunggay is a good substitute to powdered milk in nutrition campaigns. Due to its high calcium content, lactating mothers are often advised to consume malunggay leaves to produce more milk for their babies.

A dash of Moringa can also make dirty water potable. Based on researches, pressed malunggay seeds can turn a tumbler of bacteria-laced river muck into clean water. And it is definitely more economical than imported chemicals.

Doctors use it to treat diabetes in West Africa and high blood pressure in India. Aside from its health benefits, malunggay also makes an excellent fuel and fertilizer.

As a tribute to its usefulness and practical benefits, its image was used as the official logo of the FNRI. Bulatlat

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