Malunggay used to be known as the poor man’s vegetable in the Philippines. Maybe it is true with respect to material wealth, but those who eat a lot of malunggay are rich in health due to the myriad of health benefits derived from this abundant and wondrous small leaf.

The malunggay tree is known as the miracle tree for good reason. The leaves, stem and even roots have properties that have some of these benefits: anti-ageing, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious, anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, increase sperm count and beauty/skin treatment among others.

Malunggay and Strawberry Smoothie:

Simply blend 2 cups of water, 6 frozen strawberries and a cup of malunggay. It is optional to add coconut or almond milk so as to have 1 cup coconut milk and 1 cup water for example. You could substitute bananas for the strawberries.

Additional:

(1) Also enjoy malunggay in your Vegetable Sheets and Tuna Lasagne;

(2) Malunggay is great in your Omelette with Tomato. Simply substitute malunggay and tomato for the kale and berries in our Primed Kale and Berries Omelette for a nutritious and inexpensive breakfast;

(3) It is also excellent in your tomato sauce and therefore even Bolognaise sauce.

(4) You can even add to your Tuna and Squash Patties for extra nutrients.

(5) Why not dry 5 branches of malunggay leaves for 4 days on a tray, bake briefly in the oven till browned and then use the leaves as a tea. Simply store in an air-tight container and add a tablespoon to hot water, allow to sit until the water absorbs the green color and nutrients of the leaves and then remove the leaves and enjoy. The nutritional value is higher in the dried leaf compared to the fresh one.

Health Facts on Malunggay:

There are many benefits of the malunggay tree, but the health benefits are the most important. Research has shown that various parts of the malunggay tree can be effective in a significant number of health concerns. Here’s a quick look at a few of them:

• Malunggay is rich in Vitamin A. It contains four times more Vitamin A or beta-carotene than carrots. Hence, it is a weapon against blindness.
• It is also a rich source of Vitamin C many times more than oranges.
• Normally milk is said to be a rich source of calcium but the amount of calcium present in Malunggay leaves is way higher than in milk.
• The Malunggay leaves are said to contain two times the protein present in milk.
• Bananas are a rich source of potassium. But Malunggay leaves contain several times more potassium than bananas.
• Along with potassium, zinc is also found in large quantities in Malunggay.
• If Malunggay leaves were to be eaten by one and all, the world will be free of anemia as it contains three times more iron than spinach.
• With all the junk food eaten these days, many people face problems of high cholesterol. Malunggay helps in balancing the cholesterol levels in the body.
• Essential Amino acids are also found in Malunggay.
• Malunggay is also said to balance sugar levels, hence it is helpful in the fight against diabetes.
• The body’s natural defense mechanism increases with the consumption of Malunggay in the daily diet pattern. Since it is an immunity-stimulant, it is prescribed for AIDS afflicted patients.
• Malunggay leaves can be consumed to stimulate metabolism.
• It is also said to have digestive powers.
• It is a nutrition booster and is known to promote a feeling of well-being in people.
• If you are looking for non-sugar based energy, then Malunggay leaves is the answer. Thus, it will also help in the weight loss process.
• The cell structure of the body is stimulated by the Malunggay leaves.
• It is especially useful for lactating mothers. The consumption of Malunggay has shown dramatic increase in the quantity of breast milk.
• It is also famous for its anti-bacterial properties.
• The paste of the Malunggay leaves is said to beautify the skin and is hence applied by women regularly.
• It protects the liver and kidneys.
• It can also be used as a water purifier.

Malunggay contains more than 90 nutrients and 46 types of antioxidants. With all the health benefits of Malunggay, it can easily be termed as the most nutritious plant on the face of the earth. There are no side-effects of Malunggay tree leaves which have been proved till date. At the same time it can be consumed by small children and adults alike. Therefore, many people have started using it in porridge, pastas, breads, etc., to reap the everlasting health benefits of the extraordinary ‘Malunggay’.

According to Dr. Monica G. Marcu, researcher and clinical pharmacologist, Malunggay is unique because, even in small amounts, it can supply daily a wide gamut of vital nutrients with few calories.

Vitamin and mineral content are just the beginning. Malunggay has 18 amino acids, including the eight essentials – the ones your body can not survive without but can not manufacture on its own; they must be supplied through diet.

Malunggay is as good a source of roughage as carrots but has quadruple the beta carotene content. It also has plenty of omega-3 oils and chlorophyll, plus 45 compounds with antioxidant properties and 36 with anti-inflammatory properties.

To the average Joe, Malunggay is a simple way to manage many health problems. It can help reduce cholesterol and triglycerides, control blood sugar, and offer anti-aging and anti-inflammatory substances, many of which have anti-cancer properties.

All content from Health Facts on Malunggay from this source: http://www.edlagman.com/moringa/moringa-health-benefits.htm

The Final Words:

Just eat it!