18/01/2019
Guess what the secret formula is? The natives attribute their happiness, health and younger-looking faces to what they call, “The Tree of Immortality”!
This “tree of immortality” is so-called because it never dies or will somehow survive in the most difficult weather and soil conditions. And most of all, its flowers, fruits, leaves, seeds, and roots are edible.
It is said to have originally grown and cultivated in India for thousands of years, utilized as a medicinal plant in its traditional Ayurvedic medicine. But now, it is grown in a lot of places in Asia, including South America, Africa, and certain tropical states in the United States.
It is grown all over the Philippines, its leaves, seeds, and pods added to flavor soups, particularly “tinolang manok” (boiled chicken with herbs), or added to salads.
Can you guess which tree is this? Its scientific name is Moringa Oleifera or moringa, as it is popularly known in the West. But in the Philippines, it is just called our lowly “malungay”.
The “Tree of Immortality” Makes Health Miracles!
Moringa or malungay in the Tagalog language, is also called the “vegetable tree” because it is packed with vitamins, minerals, and enzymes – and so much more! In Nepal, it is called the “Tree of Immortality” because aside from providing nutrients that make you feel younger, the tree itself is a hardy tree which can grow in the most inhospitable conditions on the planet.
For most gardeners, if you’d like to plant a moringa tree the easy and quick way, just cut a branch with some leaves in it and bury in the ground. Do not water so much because the tree doesn’t like too much water. In no time at all you will notice that your one cutting will grow into several plants.
Some countries call moringa a true “superfood”. But the most complimentary statement about moringa is its other name which is “The Miracle Tree”. It is believed that moringa has the ability to treat more than 300 conditions and ailments, as it has been used for medicinal and health purposes for thousands of years.
Would you like to know some of these uses? Here goes –
Health Benefit #1: Increased energy
One serving of Moringa contains about three times the iron of spinach. As you know, iron is important in enriching the blood, carrying oxygen into our muscles, tissues and organs. Moringa gives you the caffeine-kick you need every day.
Health Benefit #2: Healthier hair, nails, and scalp
Incorporating moringa into your daily diet banishes dry, brittle hair and nails because you imbibe all the essential amino acids needed by the body. Vitamins C and E also help improve blood circulation on the scalp which is quite necessary in the absorption of nutrients in the follicles.
Health Benefit #3: Generates youthful looking and clearer skin
Rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, moringa helps reduce inflammation, and contributes to healthy cell production and regeneration. It maintains the skin’s suppleness and helps prevent fine lines and wrinkles, as well as help boost your immune system.
Health Benefit #4: Facilitates regular, healthy bowel movements
Moringa fiber and oils induce a detoxifying effect on your bowels, allowing them to excrete all toxins and waste to be able to fully absorb nutrients from the foods we eat.
Health Benefit #5: High concentrations of essential Vitamins A and C, as well as plentiful amino acids, antioxidants, and healthy fats, depending on which part of the tree you consume.
Per 100 grams of moringa leaves, you get as much Vitamin C as an orange; the pods with the seeds have three times more Vitamin C than the leaves!
Health Benefit #6: Clear vision and eye health
Moringa generates healthy eyes and clear vision because it’s high in Vitamin A and Beta Carotene.
Health Benefit #7: Seeds produce a highly versatile oil when pressed
Moringa oil, better known as “Ben” oil, is abundant in healthy saturated fats and monounsaturated fatty acids. Great to use in frying and sautéing due to its high smoke point. It is also delicious to add in salads as a salad dressing. And best thing of all – moringa oil won’t ever go rancid!
Health Benefit #8: Greatly moisturizes the hair, skin, and nails
Moringa oil is highly valued for its softening, repairing, rejuvenating, and beautifying properties. Ben oil has been used in the Ayurvedic tradition in lotions, soaps, cosmetics, conditioners, and as a base for perfumes.
Health Benefit #9: Health promoting
Moringa oil possesses important antioxidants and flavonoids that protect our bodies and blood vessels while preventing inflammation. It supplies high levels of health-promoting sterols which aim to reduce cholesterol as well as blood glucose levels.
Health Benefit #10: Healthy Snack
Eat the seeds raw or toasted for a healthy snack. Do not overeat the seeds since they do have a natural laxative effect.
Health Benefit #11: Omega-3 fatty acids benefits
As an abundant source of omega-3 fatty acids, a nutrient that our bodies direly need, moringa does the following:
– Keeps blood from excessive clotting
– Reduces the cytokines, which are involved in the inflammatory process
– Improves insulin response
– Regulates prostaglandin production
– Promotes healthy cell membranes
