The Poor Man’s Vegetable

by Rolando B. Acejo Jr.

 
 “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” a famous line we have heard frequently, says that eating apple makes you healthy and keeps you away
from illnesses because of its nutritional content. But, an apple a day is such an expensive fruit not anybody can afford to buy. Good thing that
there is an alternative way of being well which is naturally seen in the backyard.
 
The Miracle Tree
 
            Malunggay (Moringa Oleifera Lamk is the scientific name) was once considered the “poor man’s vegetable” and lately known as “the
miracle tree”. Others called it as a “nature’s medicine cabinet”. This was named by the scientists and health workers from all around the globe.
Studies show that this vegetable is full of vitamins and minerals that are advantageous. This plant was already known and used in traditional
societies across the world. Malunggay grows in tropical countries like Philippines. This tree is requires a little to no care. It has more nutrients
than the other usual foods from which with similar health content. This includes: Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid which fights a host of sicknesses
including colds and flu. It is present in certain fruits (particularly citrus fruits) and vegetables; Vitamin A which acts as a shield against eye
diseases, heart ailments, diarrhea, etc. Its role is to regulate tissues and membranes; Calcium which builds strong bones and teeth and helps
prevent osteoporosis; Iron that is the main component of blood which carries out a vital function in the circulating of oxygen to different parts
of the body; Potassium that is essential for of the brain and nerve functions; and, Protein, the basic blocks of our body. It contains argenine and
histidine, two important amino acids especially for infants. The study made in India, states that malunggay has compounds (phytochemicals)
that help cease the growth of cancer cells. It is said to be effective in treating ovarian cancer, among the host of other diseases like arthritis,
anemia, heart complications, kidney problems, scurvy, asthma, and digestive disorder (ulcer, diarrhea, colitis, dysentery).
 
A Productive Plant
 
            All parts of malunggay have valuable benefits for nutritional and therapeutic purposes. The leaves are commonly added in soups. The
roots are used to make tea. And, the trunk, after its residue was extracted to its juice may used to clean wounds. Breastfeeding mothers are fed
with malunggay broth to make nourishing milk for their babies. This vegetable helps in restoring skin condition, controlling blood pressure,
and relieving headaches and migraines, aids to weight loss, reduces phlegm, facilitate relaxation and promotes sound sleep, and strengthens
the immune system. Malunggay is now mixed with various products in the market which are best-selling.
 
In comparison to other vegetable, the malunggay contains profitable nutrient rather than the others may offer. An ounce of malunggay leaves
have the same Vitamin C content as seven oranges. It has four times the Vitamin A of carrots, three times the iron of spinach, the calcium of
four glasses of milk and the potassium of three bananas.
 
Government’s Plead
 
A more than two decades ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) promoted this plant as a low-cost health enhancer in poor countries
because of the cheap cost but various nutrients it provides. In fact, on a press release last July 21, 2010, former Senator Loren Legarda, under
the advised Senate Bill No. 1349 (an act to promote the production, processing, marketing and distribution of malunggay mandating the
creation of the framework for development plan, providing plans and other purposes, the Department of Agriculture (DA), in conference with
the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), farmer’s groups, local government
units, and the private sector), will be assigned to make a five-year Framework for Development converging on developing malunggay for food,
medicinal, health, and commercial needs. According to Legarda, the scheme may benefit our agricultural and industrial production as well. The
agriculture department deems malunggay as “the next big thing” in Philippine agriculture. The former DA’s Biotechnology Program Director
Alice Ilaga clarified that malunggay can save lives, increase incomes, generate millions of job, utilize vast tracts of idle agricultural lands, make
our country globally competitive, impact local and international market, and help reach socioeconomic equity.
 
The most significant thing that we must not compromise is our health. Proper exercise, balance diet and eating healthy foods are relevant and
an effective way to be in the good shape. For this manner, people need not to have or intake expensive vitamins and medicinal drugs because
one can be well with the health advantages given by this green leaf. So, people can gain immediate health without budget concern.
 
784 words
Sources:
http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2010/0721_legarda1.asp
http://alternativeremedies.wordpress.com/2009/09/04/malunggay-the-miracle-vegetable/
http://earthnews.pinaymom.org/2008/07/nutritional-value-of-malunggay-part-ii/
http://www.pinoysphere.com/tag/different-malunggay-products-in-the-philippines/