Tuesday, October 16, 2007

DOST-7: Malunggay is very rich antioxidant

Cebu City (10 October) -- Malunggay dubbed as a poor man's vegetable frequently being used in making soup is a medicinal plant and a very rich antioxidant, according to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-7).

DOST-7's Josie Elli urged the public not only to use the malunggay leaves but the seeds as well as these can also be eaten. Its nutritional and medicinal properties are extensive, it is learned.

Malunggay is called Horseradish in English under the scientific name of Moringa oleifera.

Elli bared malunggay is extremely rich in Vitamin A and possesses Vitamin C and E properties as well while putting the three compounds together makes this vegetable a very rich antioxidant.

Antioxidants can help stave off cellular damage and help our cells live longer boosting our immune system and preventing susceptibility to diseases. It has also an anti-aging effect, according to Elli.

To transform malunggay leaves into a capsulated form, one may air-dry the leaves and pulverize it after. The powder form can then be placed inside a capsule to be taken as a vitamin supplement.

In making a healthy juice drink, the leaves can be put in a blender which can then be added with water and sugar to taste. Although Elli clarified that all vegetables can be used as a juice drink after being placed in a blender.

As a medicinal element, Elli claimed that the leaves can be pounded and placed on the affected area which hastens wound healing.

Though the malunggay leaves when cooked will lose some of its nutritional properties due to heat, she advised that the leaves should only be placed last and subjected to heat for a very short time. Overcooked vegetables means losing more nutritional properties so it is better that the malunggay or any vegetables for that matter should not be overcooked, Elli ended. (PIA-Cebu/FCR)

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