Did you know that malunggay was once called the “poor man’s tree”? Hard to believe, considering the many benefits of malunggay!
5 Unheard of Benefits of Malunggay
1. Fights off Bacteria and Fungi
Malunggay leaves are packed with nutrients such as iron, thiamine, calcium, beta-carotene, phosphorous, vitamin A, B, C and lipoprotein. The miracle tree is both anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, and this may be due to specific elements within the leaves including isothiocyanate compounds. To add, the anti-microbial pterygospermin component may also be found in malunggay leaves.
2. Restores Skin Condition
Thanks to its Vitamin A and C content, malunggay is able to improve skin elasticity and to keep it supple. Eating fresh malunggay leaves can reduce skin irritation or reddened skin.
3. Helps You Relax
The benefits of malunggay also include a good night sleep. A unique natural compound known as Nebedaye sets your body up for a peaceful and sound sleep, this includes: lowering your blood sugar levels, soothing your digestive system, acting as a muscle relaxant and producing a depressive effect for the central nervous system.
Malunggay’s muscle relaxant role should come in handy for athletes or people suffering from muscle pains and spasms.
4. Cleans or Purifies Water
The Barangay Water Project, a research initiative headed by De La Salle University in partnership with a Canada-based Filipino educator in May of 2015, used malunggay seeds mixed with absorbents such as sand, carbonized rice husk or activated carbon. Read more of the project here: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/693297/malunggay-studied-as-water-filter
Malunggay leaves make for a good water filtration tool because of proteins responsible for its antimicrobial and coagulant properties that remove the turbidity or the haziness in water.
5. Boosts Milk Supply for Breastfeeding Moms
Malunggay is rich in iron which is good for pregnant and lactating women. It increases milk supply for breastfeeding mothers, and provides more nutrition for both mothers and babies.