Technology And Investment Profile Of Malunggay Products
In the Philippines, the variety of undernourished individuals reported in 2003 was 5.2 million, 18% of the total population at that time, and the number has grown ever since. The food intake studies conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute in 2013 and 2015 revealed that across population groups, the double burden of poor nutrition prevailed amongst children, as the trend of chronic poor nutrition was observed to be increasing.
A substantial boost in the prevalence of underweight (21.5%) and stunting (33.4%) was observed in 2015 relative to 2013 (20% and 30.3%, respectively). Study results also revealed that inadequate consumption of healthy foods such as green leafy and yellow vegetables, Vitamin C abundant foods, milk, eggs, dried beans, fats, and oils resulted to the inadequacy of the majority of the necessary nutrients.
Micronutrients like iron, vitamin A, and iodine are frequently lacking in the diet of Filipino children. Intake of malunggay (Moringa oleifera) has been promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an affordable health enhancer in poor nations around the world. It is recognized as a food source that can assist ease micronutrient deficiency. It contains around 20 types of amino acids, 46 antioxidants, 36 anti-inflammatory compounds, and more than 90 nutrients, which make it among the best dietary supplements.
It is an exceptional source of minerals (e.g., iron, calcium, potassium) and vitamins (i.e., A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, and E), as well as macro minerals, trace minerals, and phytonutrients. The leaves of malunggay are the most nutritious part of the plant, being a significant source of vitamin B6, vitamin C, provitamin A as beta-carotene, magnesium and protein, to name a few nutrients reported. Compared to equivalent amounts (in weight) of other foods, the leaves of malunggay include seven times the vitamin C in oranges, 4 times the calcium in milk, 3 times the potassium in bananas, four times the vitamin A in carrots, and 2 times the protein in milk.
Malunggay is a great source of quality protein and dietary fiber. Regular intake of malunggay can therefore significantly help in preventing micronutrient deficiency specifically amongst kids, a condition that is still common in lots of parts of the nation.
