Malunggay: The Miracle Plant

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Moringa Oleifera, is popularly known as malunggay in the Philippines. It is a popular backyard vegetable and a border plant, specially in the provinces. It is easily grown by seeds or stem cuttings. But unknown to many, malunggay is a miracle plant. Why? Its properties include antiinflammatory, anifungal, antibiotic, antihyperthyroid, antitumor, antooxidant, anti-aging, anti-ulcer, etc. I cup of cooked malunggay leaves contain protein, fiber, calcium, phosphorous, iron, beta-carotene, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin c. Gram for gram it contains 7 times the vitamin c in oranges, 4 times the calcium and twice the protein in milk, 4 times the vitamin a in carrots, and 3 times the potassium in bananas. It is popularly used by breastfeeding mothers to increase breast milk. Moringa Oil which is extracted from the seeds of the malunggay plant is a main source of biodiesel. Because of its so many uses, it is no wonder malunggay is called a miracle plant.