Because it’s one of the healthiest vegetables that grow everywhere, we often use the leaves of malunggay or moringa in almost every dish we cook. Lately, too, malunggay leaves are dried then boiled to consume as tea or a healthy drink. We are so focused on the leaves that we totally overlook its fruit which is also rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that are good for the body.
Loaded with nutritious properties our body needs, malunggay fruit is a staple in the dishes of the people of the north in Ilocos, such as pakbet, a mix of veggies boiled in bagoong isda; diningdeng, ang sinigang. Although it’s a bit tedious to prepare malunggay fruit for cooking, it’s worth it given the nutritional properties your body gets from eating it.
For one, it helps maintain your blood sugar level, especially if you are suffering from diabetes. It is also good for your digestive system in helping regulate your bowel movement. Malunggay fruit is high in calcium that is good for the bones and teeth. It also helps cleanse your blood to promote good circulation. Its high vitamin C content helps manage the respiratory system to help prevent coughs and colds. Not to mention it helps strengthen the immune system address skin problems.
Amazing malunggay fruit. It won’t hurt including it in your menu the next time you cook.
