Kalunggay or Malunggay
Kalunggay, scientific name Moringa oleifera of the family Moringaceae, is an exceptionally nutritious vegetable tree with a variety of potential uses. It is dubbed as "miracle vegetable" by the Department of Agriculture because of its wonders. Malunggay in Tagalog, it is known for its rich vitamin content and it is often used by breastfeeding mom to increase their milk. It is a good source for calcium and phosphorus. Nutritional analysis has shown that kalunggay leaves contain larger amounts of several important nutrients than the common foods often associated with these nutrients. These include vitamin C, which fights a host of illnesses including colds and flu; vitamin A, which acts as a shield against eye disease, skin disease, heart ailments, diarrhea, and many other diseases; calcium, which builds strong bones and teeth and helps prevent osteoporosis; potassium, which is essential for the functioning of the brain and nerves, and proteins, the basic building blocks of all our body cells.
Recent studies done in India disclosed that kalunggay is a potential source of anti-cancer compounds. It contains phytochemicals that may help foil cancer cells. It is also beneficial for women with problems in reproductive organ like epithelial ovarian cancer. Kalunggay has anti-oxidant that helps cure arthritis, kidney diseases and heart complication.
According to Mark Fritz of Los Angeles Times, gram for gram of fresh kalunggay leaves provide seven times the vitamin C of oranges, four times the calcium of milk, four times the vitamin A of carrots, three times the potassium of bananas, and two times the protein of yogurt.
Interest is growing in the use of kalunggay in addressing malnutrition in developing areas of the world. Also because of its high vitamin and mineral content, in Africa it has become popular as a locally produced nutritional supplement for individuals infected with the HIV/AIDS virus. It has been used successfully to combat malnutrition among infants and women of childbearing age. In Africa, nursing mothers have been shown to produce far more milk when kalunggay leaves have been added to their diet, while severely malnourished children have made significant weight gains when the leaves have been added to their diets. It is commonly added to porridge increase its nutritional content.
There is no doubt that the pure kalunggay leaf is the source of incredible health benefits. It is the ultimate, natural, organic, energy and endurance health supplement. India's ancient tradition of ayurveda medicine sites 300 diseases that are treated with the leaves of the Moringa tree.
Kalunggay leaf is organic and absolutely safe. There are no known side effects. It is one of the most secret performance enhancing products taken by athletes today who ingest megadoses that help them physically and mentally. It is great for people of all ages, especially oldsters who are losing their alertness.
On September 14, 2007, Philippine Senator Loren Legarda campaigned for the popularization of kalunggay, after a recent scientific report that it boosts male potency. Research at the Bureau of Plant Industry found that a steady consumption of its fruit increases sperm count: "helps to raise sperm count and mobility, which both translate to increased opportunity for the sperm to fertilize an egg ." It is also rich in high density lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol. Kalunggay also helps to purify water, a cheaper alternative to mechanical filtration. |
