Nutritional Benefits of Malunggay

Many people around the world enjoy the nutritional benefits of malunggay at breakfast, lunch or dinner. Malunggay, also known as Moringa oleifera, is a tree that is native to India, but is now grown throughout the tropics. The leaves, pods, and seeds of the malunggay tree are all edible and have been used for centuries as a traditional medicine and food source.

This plant grows well in countries with a tropical climate. However even if you live in a temperate region, you may still be able to enjoy the health benefits of malunggay.

Malunggay Nutrition Facts

Malunggay, like many other plants that are popular in more than one country, has several names. This plant is known as the horseradish tree is some regions, while in others it is known as the drumstick tree.

Researchers have established that malunggay is a valuable source of Vitamin C. Here are some of the nutrition facts for malunggay:

High in vitamins and minerals: Malunggay leaves are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, iron, and potassium. In fact, malunggay leaves contain more vitamin C than oranges and more vitamin A than carrots.

Rich in antioxidants: Malunggay is also a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect the body against damage from harmful molecules called free radicals. The leaves contain high levels of flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acids, which all have antioxidant properties.

Contains essential amino acids: Malunggay leaves are a good source of protein and contain all nine essential amino acids that the body needs to build and repair tissues.

Low in calories: Malunggay leaves are low in calories, with just 21 calories per 100 grams of fresh leaves. This makes them a great addition to a healthy diet for those looking to manage their weight.

May have anti-inflammatory properties: Some studies have suggested that malunggay may have anti-inflammatory properties, which may be beneficial for reducing inflammation in the body.

May have anti-diabetic effects: Several studies have also found that malunggay may have anti-diabetic effects, possibly due to its ability to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.

Overall, malunggay is a highly nutritious food that can provide a range of health benefits. Whether eaten fresh, cooked, or dried and powdered, malunggay leaves are a great addition to a healthy and balanced diet.

Many people get their Vitamin C from oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, mikan and other citrus fruits.

However ounce for ounce, moringa beats even the popular oranges when it comes to Vitamin C. A pound of oranges has one seventh of the amount of Vitamin C that is present in a pound of malunggay leaves.

In the Caribbean, the horseradish tree is called moringa and the seed pods are ground and used for stomach ailments. While malunggay is utilized in many different ways now, it was not always so. As people learn more about the uses of the leaves and seeds of this plant, the demand for it rises.

Recipe for Malunggay Cookies

Malunggay cookies are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the benefits of this nutritious leafy green. Here is a simple recipe for malunggay cookies that you can try:

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup malunggay powder (dried and ground malunggay leaves)

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup white sugar

1 egg

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

pinch of salt

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the egg and mix until well combined.

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, malunggay powder, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.

Add the vanilla extract and mix until well incorporated.

Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Flatten the balls slightly with the back of a fork.

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown around the edges.

Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious malunggay cookies as a healthy snack or dessert!

Moringa Oleifera Tea Benefits

Almost everything on the horseradish tree can be used to improve health. This tree is truly miraculous and it works as a strong antibacterial. In addition to that, when you eat the leaves in salads or soup, you get four times the amount of beta-carotene that you would get from carrots.

While carrots are usually regarded as one of the best sources of Vitamin A, the moringa tree beats it. The plant is cheap to cultivate and this makes it an asset in countries where there are less resources to spend on agriculture.

Is Malunggay Safe During Pregnancy?

Some women choose to take malunggay during times when their iron levels drop. The plant supplies iron to the body and is good for people who are anemic. However, doctors advise that the tea is not safe for pregnant women and may cause miscarriages.

People who are suffering from nutritional deficiencies can use the moringa plant to get the nutrients they need. Nutritionists recommend the horseradish tree as a good, cheap source of protein for children who are suffering from Kwashiorkor.

The leaves of the plant contain iron, potassium and protein. The leaves have more protein than cow’s milk and more iron than several popular green and leafy vegetables. Moringa like this beats spinach when it comes to the iron content and gives children three times more iron.

If you get the seeds for the malunggay tree and you want to try cultivating a tree of your own, you should give it a try. It can also be grown from cuttings. If you plan to grow it in your garden, be sure to reserve a large space for it since it grows to be a very big tree. Otherwise, you can keep pruning the drumstick tree to keep it to the size that you prefer.

How Does Malunggay Benefit People with Diabetes?

People with diabetes may take malunggay. In a study done on rats, the plant was shown to have a beneficial effect on mammals with diabetes. Rats that were treated daily with extracts from the pods of the plant showed a decrease in the progression of the disease.

Source:National Library of Medicine, “Evaluation of Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Activity of Moringa Oleifera in Experimental Diabetes”, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22103446

Can Moringa Be Used as a Laxative?

Moringa can be used to ease constipation. In order to use it as a laxative, you should add a little of the powder to your food, or in breakfast cereal. If you will be home and can bear the taste, you can take it without food but be prepared for immediate results.

Some people are unaware of this effect of moringa and end up with diarrhea and vomiting because they use too much of the plant. Remember to monitor how your body responds and if you feel nauseous, speak to your doctor and cut back.

You should never use moringa if you are:

Pregnant

On blood thinning medication

Already suffering from diarrhea