Moringa Oleifera

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"Malunggay, known as horse-radish tree or Ben oil tree in English and whose scientific name is Moringa oleifera is indeed a very useful plant." In 2018, one of the country's broadsheets Manila Bulletin published an article about the plant. Nutrient-rich and edible, the leaves, flowers and pods of the malunggay are prepared as vegetables in many delicious coconut milk dishes. I learned recently that the plant also serves as a filter the aids in clearing up turbid water. It can easily be grown in the backyard and resists drought. Oil can also be extracted from the plant, which has medicinal properties. "Research study conducted by Dr. Lydia Marero of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) of the Philippines revealed that one hundred grams or one cup of cooked malunggay leaves contain 3.1g protein, 0.6 g fiber, 96mg calcium, 29mg phosphorus, 1.7 mg iron, 2,820 mg beta-carotene, 0.07 mg thiamin, 0.14 mg riboflavin, 1.1 mg niacin and 53 mg ascorbic acid (Vit. C). Compared to equivalent amounts (in weight) of other foods, malunggay has seven times more Vitamin C than oranges, four times more calcium and two more times more protein than milk, four times more vitamin A than carrots and three times more potassium than bananas." (Manila Bulletin, 2018) This morning, I went to the market to buy some malunggay leaves for my chicken soup. In the Philippines, people are trying to incorporate malunggay into all sorts of food products like bread, noodles and juices. "Malunggay pods when eaten are reported effective against intestinal parasites. Decoction of boiled malunggay roots when used as gargle evidently alleviates hoarseness and sore throat;when used to wash sores and ulcers, it helps dry these lesions because it has antibacterial properties. Malunggay seeds are apparently good for gout, asthma, and hiccups, and rheumatic pains. The juice of the roots when infused into the ears relieves otalgia or earache, while eating the leaves and fruits relieves constipation. The flowers when boiled with soy milk act as aphrodisiac. Malunggay has also been reported to be of help in controlling diabetes and high blood pressure." (Manila Bulletin, Health and Science 2018) I better get on with my moringa oleifera. Time to cook that chicken soup! PS. I've tried using the moringa soap from The Body Shop, it smelled really, really nice. ((photo inline-cto))