Malunggay

Malunggay

Malunggay, known scientifically as Moringa oleifera Lamk, is one of the world's most useful plants.  It is used as food, effective flocculant or water treatment, antibiotic, source of oil, and coagulant for turbid waters.      It is also called "mother's best friend", and "miracle vegetable" by many who know malunggay's beneficial uses.  It is cultivated in all countries of the tropics.  It is easy to plant and is available year-round.      Malunggay leaves are an excellent source of vitamin A and B, and minerals such as calcium and iron.  It is even an excellent source of protein, being higher than the amino acid pattern of Food and Agriculture Organization-reference protein, yet contains very low fat and carbohydrates.  The leaves are incomparable as a source of the sulfur-containing amino acids methionine and cystine, often the natural minerals humans lack.