The Health Benefits of Malunggay: A Miracle Plant for Your Family

Malunggay, or moringa, is a fast-growing tree that can be found in many tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It has been called the “miracle tree” or the “tree of life” because of its amazing properties and benefits for human health. In this blog post, we will explore some of the health benefits of malunggay and how you can incorporate it into your family’s diet.

What is Malunggay?

Its Scientific Name is Moringa Oleifera, is a plant that belongs to the family Moringaceae. It has slender branches and feathery green leaves that are composed of small leaflets. It also produces long pods that contain seeds and white flesh. Malunggay leaves, pods, seeds, flowers, and roots are all edible and have various uses in cooking and medicine.

Malunggay is native to parts of South Asia, such as India and the Philippines, where it has been cultivated and consumed for thousands of years. It is also widely grown and used in other countries, such as Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. Malunggay is a hardy plant that can thrive in different soil and climate conditions, making it a valuable crop for food security and sustainability.

What are the Nutritional Benefits of Malunggay?

Malunggay is a highly nutritious plant that contains a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. According to Sustainable Agriculture, here is an approximate nutritional breakdown of malunggay leaves (per 100 grams):

 Calories: ~37 kcal

Carbohydrates: ~6.7 g

Dietary Fiber: ~3.2 g

Sugars: ~1.5 g

Protein: ~2.9 g

Fat: ~0.2 g

Vitamin A: ~6,780 IU (135% of the Daily Recommended Intake)

Vitamin C: ~51.7 mg (86% of the Daily Recommended Intake)

Calcium: ~185 mg (18% of the Daily Recommended Intake)

Iron: ~3.1 mg (17% of the Daily Recommended Intake)

Potassium: ~259 mg

Magnesium: ~147 mg (37% of the Daily Recommended Intake)

 

As you can see, malunggay is a great source of vitamin A and C, which are essential for immune function, vision, and skin health. It also provides significant amounts of calcium, iron, and magnesium, which are important for bone, blood, and muscle health. Moreover, malunggay has a high protein content, which is rare for a plant-based food. Protein is vital for growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues.

In addition to these macronutrients and micronutrients, malunggay also contains phytochemicals, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and glucosinolates, that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidants help protect the body from oxidative stress, which can cause damage to the cells and organs. Anti-inflammatory compounds help reduce inflammation, which is associated with many chronic diseases, such as diabetes, arthritis, and cancer. 

What are the Health Benefits of Malunggay?

Malunggay has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various ailments and improve overall health. Modern research has also confirmed some of the health benefits of malunggay, such as:

Lowering blood sugar levels: Malunggay contains compounds called isothiocyanates that can reduce blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity and secretion. This can help prevent or manage diabetes and its complications. The Asian Parent reports that studies have found that adding even just 50g of malunggay to every meal can have a positive effect on a person’s blood sugar levels.

Lowering blood pressure: Malunggay also contains compounds that can lower blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels and preventing the buildup of plaque. This can help prevent or treat hypertension and its complications, such as stroke and heart attack. ECHOstore states that malunggay normalizes blood pressure levels and improves blood circulation.

Boosting milk supply for lactating mothers: Malunggay is a well-known galactagogue, or a substance that stimulates milk production in nursing mothers. It does so by providing essential nutrients and hormones that support lactation. Smart Parenting notes that malunggay helps lactating mothers produce more milk and improve the quality and quantity of breast milk.

Combating malnutrition: Malunggay is a cheap and accessible source of nutrition for people who suffer from malnutrition, especially children and pregnant women. It can provide them with the calories, protein, and micronutrients they need to prevent or treat deficiencies and infections. Pangbenta mentions that malunggay is used by humanitarian organizations to fight malnutrition in developing countries.

Strengthening the immune system: Malunggay can also enhance the immune system by providing antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help fight off infections and diseases. It can also modulate the immune response and prevent excessive inflammation. Hello Doctor states that malunggay boosts the immune system, especially against coughs and colds.

Improving digestion: Malunggay can also improve digestion by promoting intestinal motility and bowel movement. It can also prevent or relieve constipation, diarrhea, ulcers, and gastritis. ECHOstore claims that malunggay helps improve digestion and prevent stomach upset.

Improving skin and hair health: Malunggay can also benefit the skin and hair by providing vitamin A, C, and E, which are essential for collagen synthesis, wound healing, and protection from UV damage. It can also moisturize, nourish, and repair the skin and hair. Smart Parenting adds that malunggay is good for the skin and hair, as it can prevent acne, wrinkles, dandruff, and hair loss.

How to Use Malunggay in Your Diet?

Malunggay is a versatile plant that can be used in various ways in your diet. You can eat the fresh or dried leaves, pods, seeds, flowers, and roots, or use them as ingredients in cooking and baking. You can also make malunggay tea, juice, oil, or powder, or take them as supplements. 

Here are some examples of how you can use malunggay in your diet:

Add malunggay leaves to soups, stews, curries, salads, or stir-fries. You can also make malunggay pesto, hummus, or dip.

Cook malunggay pods like green beans, or roast them and eat them as a snack. You can also extract the seeds and eat them raw or roasted, or press them to make oil. 

Brew malunggay leaves or flowers to make tea, or blend them with water, lemon, and honey to make juice. You can also add malunggay powder to smoothies, shakes, or milk.

Bake malunggay leaves or powder into bread, muffins, cookies, or cakes. You can also sprinkle malunggay powder on oatmeal, cereal, or yogurt.

Take malunggay capsules, tablets, or drops as a dietary supplement, or apply malunggay oil or cream to your skin and hair.

Conclusion

Malunggay is a miracle plant that has many health benefits for you and your family. It is a superfood that can provide you with essential nutrients and antioxidants, as well as prevent or treat various diseases and conditions. It is also easy to grow and use in your diet, as it has many culinary and medicinal uses. Try adding malunggay to your daily routine and see the difference it can make for your health and wellness.