Moringa, or commonly called Malunggay in Philippines, has been discovered to possess significant nutritious value as a bio-food. But recently, its seed was also recognized to be a most promising alternative source of bio-fuel. In Philippines, the Moringa plant is normally found in backyards and vegetable gardens of houses, particularly in the rural and countryside areas. The Moringa leaves are usually seen as garnish to ”tinola” and ”sinabawang isda” and a main component of “law-uy”, a viand which mainly consists of assorted vegetables. The latter viand is believed to be ideal for breastfeeding mothers, for the elderly and for malnourished children because it provides several helpful micronutrients.

The Moringa oleifera is a tree, with a gnarly trunk and tousled head of foliage that makes it appear like a cypress that just rolled out of bed.  It is a plant that commonly grows either in barren or fertile lands. It produces leaves, pods, seeds and flowers that contribute numerous benefits individually.

Recently, the department of science and technology introduce Moringa as an excellent source of nutrition and a potent energy booster. Research shows that its miracle leaves contain four times the calcium and twice the protein of milk, seven times the vitamin C of oranges, four times the vitamin A (beta-carotene) of carrots, thrice the potassium in bananas, three times the iron content in spinach, with a full complement of minerals and all the amino acids of meat. Three spoonfuls of moringa leaf powder contains 272 percent of all a typical toddler’s daily vitamin A requirement; along with 42 percent of the protein, 125 percent of the calcium, 71 percent of the iron and 22 percent of the vitamin C he/she needs.

Furthermore, the leaves are also effective in treating headaches, wounds, insect bites, bacterial or fungal skin problems, gastric ulcers and diarrhea. The pods are also useful in the treatment of worm, liver and spleen problems, joint pains and they also have the uncanny ability to rebuild weak bones. The Moringa also helps to reduce blood pressure and assure a good night’s sleep.