Malungay (moringa)

Elevated Blood Pressure Blood pressure tends to rise with age. Following a healthy lifestyle helps some people delay or prevent this rise in blood pressure. High blood pressure increases your chance (or risk) for getting heart disease and/or kidney disease, and for having a stroke. It is especially dangerous since it often has no warning signs or symptoms. Regardless of race, age, or gender, anyone can develop high blood pressure. It is estimated that one in every four American adults has high blood pressure. Once high blood pressure develops, it usually lasts a lifetime. High blood pressure can eventually cause blood vessels in the eye to burst or bleed. Vision may become blurred or otherwise impaired and can result in blindness. As people get older, arteries throughout the body “harden,” especially those in the heart, brain, and kidneys. High blood pressure is associated with these “stiffer” arteries. This, in turn, causes the heart and kidneys to work harder. The kidneys act as filters to rid the body of wastes. Over time, high blood pressure can narrow and thicken the blood vessels of the kidneys. The kidneys filter less fluid, and waste builds up in the blood. The kidneys may fail altogether. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart attack. The arteries bring oxygen-carrying blood to the heart muscle. If the heart cannot get enough oxygen, chest pain, also known as “angina,” can occur. If the flow of blood is blocked, a heart attack results. High blood pressure is the number one risk factor for congestive heart failure (CHF). CHF is a serious condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to supply the body’s needs. The important nutrients needed by a person suffering from high blood pressure are Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Zinc, and Vitamin E. Moringa contains these entire nutrient in it. Moringa contains Vitamin C helps support the body’s production of nitric oxide, which is critical to normal functioning of blood vessels. The better your blood vessels work, the lower your risk of hypertension. Calcium is needed for smooth muscle relaxation and contraction; increased consumption can have a direct effect on blood vessels. It’s best to get your calcium from your diet; studies have found that compared with supplements, dietary calcium has twice the benefits for blood pressure. Potassium content of the Moringa is 15 times more compared to Banana. Potassium acts by increasing sodium excretion in the urine, which helps blood vessels dilate, and changing the interactions of hormones that affect blood pressure. Diet high in magnesium benefits those with hypertension, most likely by contributing to the relaxation of the smooth muscles of the blood vessels. Moringa also contains magnesium along with zinc and vitamin E which takes part in decreasing the blood pressure along with other nutrients.

Diabetes Diabetes is a metabolic disorder where the human body does not produce or properly uses insulin, a hormone that is required to convert sugar, starches, and other food into energy. Diabetes mellitus is characterized by constant high levels of blood glucose (sugar). Human body has to maintain the blood glucose level at a very narrow range, which is done with insulin and glucagons. The abnormally high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) resulting from insufficient levels of the hormone insulin which is characteristic symptoms polyuria, polydipsia, glucoseuria, unexplained weight loss, and lethargy. There are two types of diabetes: Type I diabetes known as insulin dependent diabetes and Type II diabetes refer to insulin non dependent diabetes. It is possible for us to treat diabetes II through proper dieting, medication and regular exercise. Untreated diabetes will lead to complications such as retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy, cardiovascular problems etc., researchers recently reported that vitamin D is essential for the islet cells in the pancreas to be able to secrete insulin properly. The studies have shown that individuals with low vitamin D levels experienced the worst blood sugar-handling problems and had a greater risk of developing diabetes. Moringa as a rich source of ascorbic acid helps in insulin secretion. It is interesting to note that certain nutrients like vitamins B1, B2, B12, pantothenic acid, vitamin C, protein and potassium – along with small frequent meals containing some carbohydrate – can actually stimulate production of insulin within the body. Vitamin A as an antioxidant helps convert beta-carotene efficiently, which reduces the risk of blindness in diabetics. Vitamin B 12 is effective in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. High dose supplements of vitamin C have been shown to prevent sorbitol accumulation and glycosylation of proteins, both of which are important factors in the development of diabetic complications such as cataracts. Studies have shown that a low vitamin-E concentration was associated with a 3.9 times greater risk of developing diabetes. Vitamin E reduces oxidative stress, thus improving membrane physical characteristics and related activities in glucose transport. This antioxidant promotes healing of diabetes-related lesions. Magnesium helps in the metabolism of glycogen, Mg works closely with vitamin B 6 to help the metabolic process with in the cell. Moringa has all these nutrients and helps the diabetic patient control their blood glucose level.

Children and Young Adults Lack of consumption of balanced nutrients or feeding the wrong kind of food leads to an accumulation of toxins within the body, resulting in chronic diseases. Since no single food group can nourish the body with all the vital ingredients it requires, it is important that we consume a variety of healthy foods to derive the nutrition our body needs. Children are the vulnerable groups, they need complete nutrition for their growth, physical and mental fitness. Moringa is a very good natural supplement needed by every child for their well being. Calcium is particularly important in building strong bones and teeth. Calcium, the most abundant mineral in the body, gets particular attention for its role in keeping bones strong. Moringa contains 17 times the calcium content in milk. Fractures reported among children and young adults are on the rise due to calcium deficiency. It is also a key mineral needed for muscular contractions, wound healing and proper function of hormones and neurotransmitters in the brain. Calcium in the blood helps maintain heart rhythm, and promotes proper blood clotting and muscular function. Magnesium is important to 300 bodily functions, including the muscles, nerves and heart. It boosts your immune system and strengthens bones. Iron is an oxygen-carrying component of the blood. Children need iron for expanding blood volume which is accompanied during periods of rapid growth. Iron content of Moringa is 25 times of iron in spinach. When children do not eat enough fruits and vegetables they run the risk of having low intakes of vitamins A and C. B Complex Vitamins (thiamin, niacin, riboflavin and other B vitamins) come from a variety of foods, including grain products, meat and meat substitutes and dairy products. Most of the children are not consuming the healthy foods instead they are attracted towards the mal-nutrient snack foods. When appetites slow down and children do not seem to be eating nutritiously, concerned parents consider using a vitamin-mineral supplement. Moringa plant is one of the richest sources of Vitamins. Moringa has Vitamin A (Beta Carotene), Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B6 Pyrodixine), Vitamin B7 (Biotin), Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol), Vitamin E (Tocopherol) and Vitamin K, Calcium, Copper, Iron, Potassium, Magnesium, Manganese and Zinc. Moringa has 17 times more Calcium than that of milk, Moringa, with 25 times more Iron than that of Spinach, 15 times the potassium in banana assists in the regulation of the acid-base and water balance in the blood and the body tissues. It assists in protein synthesis of amino acids and in carbohydrate metabolism. Vitamins and other nutrients are critically important for the proper physical, cognitive and even emotional development of young children. Vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients help create the neurotransmitters that relay signals between these brain Children who do not get adequate nutrition in their first few years of life are more likely to have problems throughout life. This includes lower IQ, slower language and motor development, and poor school performance.

Anti-Aging Aging affects our social environment. Symptoms of old age includes wrinkles and liver spots on the skin, hair loss , lessened hearing , poor eyesight , slower reaction times and agility , reduced ability to think clearly , difficulty recalling memories , greater susceptibility to bone diseases such as osteoarthritis. Elderly people tend to have lower body temperatures and infections that would cause fever. Elderly pneumonia sufferers may present symptoms such as rapid breathing, reduced appetite and reduced functioning. Elderly urinary tract infection sufferers may present symptoms such as incontinence, confusion and may suffer from falls. Malunggay is rich in vitamin to the extent that it is one of the richest plant source of Vitamins. Moringa has Vitamin A (Beta Carotene), Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B6 Pyrodixine), Vitamin B7 (Biotin), Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol), Vitamin E (Tocopherol) and Vitamin K. Vitamin A is needed to prevent night blindness, promotes healthy skin, and fights infections. Vitamin C is needed to maintain healthy gums, assists in healing wounds, and helps the body use iron. Vitamin E will protect your body against free radical damage to cells. Calcium and Vitamin D are essential to maintain strong bones and teeth. The list of Minerals present in Malunggay is abundant and few of the main minerals include Calcium, Copper, Iron, Potassium, Magnesium, Manganese and Zinc. Calcium is one of the most important minerals for the growth, maintenance, and reproduction of the human body. Blood coagulation, transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction and relaxation, normal heart beat, stimulation of hormone secretion, activation of enzyme reactions, as well as other functions, all require small amounts of calcium. After age 50, more calcium or 1,200 milligrams are needed to prevent a disease called osteoporosis. As you age, minerals in your bones are lost and bones may get thinner. Malunggay contains all the essential minerals needed for maintaining strong bones. Good nutrition can help lessen the effects of diseases prevalent among elderly population and improve their quality of life. Malunggay is the richest source of Calcium. Malunggay has 17 times more Calcium than that of milk, helps to avoid the occurrence of osteoporosis during old age and strengthen the bones of the young and middle age people. Malunggay, with 25 times more Iron than that of Spinach, helps in the formation of hemoglobin and myoglobin, which carry the oxygen in the blood and the muscle. Iron also makes up part of many proteins and enzymes in the body, deficiency of which leads to the weakening of the immune system, helps in improving the mental ability as the oxygen supply to the brain increases. Malunggay with 15 times the potassium in Banana assists in the regulation of the acid-base and water balance in the blood and the body tissues. Body proteins are constantly being made and used during your lifetime to maintain cell and organ functions. Adequate protein intake and protein reserves are important for older adults, especially during periods of emotional and physical stresses. Protein helps to prevent muscle loss. As the richest source of Calcium and Potassium it helps in the reducing the blood pressure. It assists in protein synthesis from amino acids and in carbohydrate metabolism. Malunggay capsules are the best natural supplement which provides all the necessary nutrients needed by the body. The bioavailability of the nutrients in Malunggay more compared to other supplement as Malunggay is 100% natural.

Lactating Mothers A new born baby has only three demands. They warmth in the arms of its mother, food from her breast and security in the knowledge of her presence. Breast feeding satisfies all the three. Breast milk is the natural and complete food for infants. It is safe, inexpensive and provides all nutrients most babies need for the first 6 months of life. Researches have shown that breastfed babies are less likely to suffer eczema, food allergy and respiratory illness than formula-fed babies. In the Philippines, 85 % of mothers initiated breast feeding soon after delivery but only 22% of these mothers are still exclusively feeding by one month old. Most mothers after initiating expression of breast milk on the first few days postpartum complain of insufficient volume of breast milk. This has prompted mothers to shift their children to bottle feeding and stop breast feeding. Galactagogues are herbs that promote and establish the flow of mother’s milk. Malunggay is one of the most studied herbs in the Philippines. As a galactogogue, several studies confirm its efficacy. However, it is usually promoted to be given 3 days postpartum or after delivery to induce lactation. The lactation enhancing effects of malunggay leaves as evidenced by a greater increase in maternal serum prolactin levels. Prolactin is the most important hormone in the initiation of laction. Malunggay capsules are effective galactagogues if given prior to delivery with onset of adequate amount.

Antioxidant Properties To Boost Your Immune System If you want to stay healthy, you need to feed your body properly. Although it is recommended to eat several servings of fruits and vegetables, the food pyramid is considered by many to be inadequate for individuals who are trying to maintain their optimum health. So we need supplements which will provide the entire essential nutrients needed by our body. Moringa is recommended as nutrient supplement because it helps digest the food by supplying the minerals for effective digestion. This will help your body to totally absorb all the food nutrients. The Moringa plant provides a rich and rare combination of zeatin, quercetin, β-sitosterol, caffeoylquinic acid and kaempferol. Moringa Oleifera is very important for its medicinal value. Various parts of this plant such as the leaves, roots, seed, bark, fruit, flowers and immature pods act as cardiac and circulatory stimulants, possess antitumor, antipyretic, antiepileptic, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, antispasmodic, diuretic, antihypertensive, cholesterol lowering, antioxidant, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Oxidative by-products of normal metabolism cause extensive damage to DNA, protein, and lipid. This damage (the same as that produced by radiation) is a major contributor to aging and to degenerative diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, immune-system decline, brain dysfunction and cataracts. Research is increasingly showing that those who eat antioxidant-rich foods reap health benefits. Moringa supplements can boost antioxidant levels, Moringa contains 46 antioxidants that helps the cells neutralize the free radicals due to oxidative stress. Antioxidants are also involved in the prevention of cellular damage — the common pathway for cancer, aging, and a variety of diseases. Athletes have a keen interest because of health concerns and the prospect of enhanced performance and/or recovery from exercise. Increased intake of vitamin E is a protection against exercise induced oxidative damage. Moringa contains Vitamin E that neutralizes these damaging conditions.

Athletes and Active Life Styles Constant practice is the key to the success of athletes and sportsmen. But the real secret behind is proper nutrition. Moringa provides people with active lifestyle all the essential vitamins, minerals and protein and helps them in various ways and mainly to improve their strength. Moringa provides the body with 100% natural Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Calcium Iron and many other nutrients. These nutrients are readily bio-available and helps to boost energy instantly. In contrast to caffeine, Moringa not only adds energy but also supplies essential nutrients for the body.

Improves Endurance Moringa, with its high Vitamin A and Vitamin C contents, combined with its extraordinary Iron content. Helps to improve the hemoglobin content of the blood. This in turn helps the blood to deliver more oxygen to the muscles during aerobic and endurance exercises. The increased Oxygen carried by the blood also helps to increase the metabolic rate and assists in burning unwanted fat deposited in the body.

Moringa Oil for Young Looking Skin Moringa Oil or Ben oil is obtained by pressing the seeds of Moringa Oilefera Tree. Moringa oil is the most stable oil in nature and it does not go rancid. Moringa oil has numerous applications in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industry. The Moringa seeds yield 38–40% edible oil (called ben oil, from the high concentration of behenic acid contained in the oil) that can be used in cooking and cosmetics. Its nutrient-rich leaves and seeds can be eaten, and the oil pressed from its seeds is chock-full of radiance-boosting fatty acids and vitamins A and C. Beauty companies around the world are now bringing the oil’s skin-smoothing de-puffing benefits to you in brand-new moisturizers. Moringa oil possesses exceptional oxidative stability which may explain why the Egyptians placed vases of Moringa oil in their tombs. The healing properties of Moringa oil, also known as behen oil, were documented by ancient cultures. It has tremendous cosmetic value and is used in body and hair care as a moisturizer and skin conditioner. Moringa oil has been used in skin preparations and ointments since Egyptian times. This is very long lasting oil with a shelf life of up to 5 years. Applications of Moringa Oil is highly valued in the cosmetic industry for its unique property. Moringa oil is light and spreads easily on the skin. It is best for massage and aromatherapy applications. The antioxidants and the nutrients present in the Moringa oil help to curb the activity of free radicals on the skin. The free radicals are the agents that cause damage to the skin tissues and pave way for skin wrinkles. Antioxidants rich Moringa Oil, curbs the activities of free radicals and hence finds a place in the anti-ageing creams. Moringa seed oil contains antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help heal minor skin complaints such as cuts, bruises, burns, insect bites, rashes and scrapes quickly The addition of Moringa seed oil produces a rich and creamy lather and, unlike any other plant-based oil, actually increases the cleansing ability. It clears pimples and prevents recurrence, if used regularly; it removes wrinkles and will prevent; sagging of facial muscles; helps clears black heads and spots; makes face glow and helps to tighten the skin pores. Skin moisturizing benefits are derived from the fact that moringa seed oil is high in vitamins A and C and unsaturated fatty acids. Moringa seed oil contains antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help heal minor skin complaints such as cuts, bruises, burns, insect bites, rashes and scrapes quickly. Moringa oil is also helpful for purposes of tanning or maintaining a tan. This oil is rich in copper and calcium, which are important nutrients for the skin. Moringa oil is a very stable carrier which is highly nutritious to the skin and similar in composition to olive oil but much lighter. It is a powerful natural antioxidant with excellent skin smoothing properties.

Food Industy This oil is known as the most stable natural oil, which is a good source of behenic acid and is used as a preservative in food industries. It is an excellent salad oil. The Moringa oil is odorless to mild nutty flavor. It is also used as vegetable cooking oil. Due to its high quantities of Oleic Acids (Mono-Unsaturated Fatty Acid) is good for sautéing and deep frying. The bright yellow oil with a pleasant taste has been compared in quality with olive oil. It can also be used in dressings. The Moringa oil is clear, sweet and odorless, never becoming rancid.