‘Malunggay’ as a ‘superfood’
FROM LEFT: Gragasin, Bernadette Arellano and Van Tooren.
“MALUNGGAY” is considered a “superfood.” Its tiny leaves contain calcium, magnesium, protein, potassium, chlorophyl, polyphenol, vitamins C, A, B and B2, and the amino acids, arginine and histidine.
Speakers at a recent Bulong Pulungan forum at Sofitel announced that the first international symposium on it, “Moringa: A Decade of Advances in Research and Development,” will be held on Nov. 15-18 at the Crowne Plaza Manila.
Bing Van Tooren, president of the Moringaling Philippine Foundation, said that the upcoming Natural Products Expo Manila is also something to look forward to. Cristina Gragasin of the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization lectured on malunggay’s other nutritional, medicinal and health benefits:
Its leaves increase breast milk production in lactating mothers. Tea that is made from its flowers is a powerful cold remedy. When eaten raw, the pods are useful in the treatment of joint pains and worm, liver and spleen problems.
Oil extracted from it is used to alleviate gout, acute rheumatism, prostate and bladder problems. It’s also useful as a tonic and purgative. Call 0917 527-6897, or e-mail [email protected].
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