The Characteristics of Malunggay and Spinach

“ Malunggay and Spinach Powder” ACKNOWLEDGMENTSThe study aimed to introduce the combination of Malunggay and Spinach powder inorder to make a natural, nutritious and practical supplement for all especially to thosehealth-conscious individuals.Nevertheless, this study wouldnt be possible without the everlasting love, care andassistance from the researchers family, who supported her in the procurement of the muchneeded logistics and references, cultivated and propagated the Malunggay and Spinachplants for the study, and uplifted the researcher emotionally when she is taken aback withdiscouragement.

The researcher would never forget to acknowledge Miss Fairy T.

Ramirez and Mr.Glenn Q. Ocaña, who extended their invaluable time, patience in explaining the wholecourse of the research and gave words of encouragementFurthermore, the researcher would like to thank her classmates for the sharedinformation during casual talk and discussions.Most of all, to God our Father, the source of all strength and wisdom. For withoutHis unfaltering love and guidance this study would never be realized. DEDICATION

This labor of love is dedicated to ourbeloved and supportive Dad and Mom.

Thus, man discovers infinite ways and makes use ofaccessible resources to satisfy his longings for health and wellness.

The discovery of herbal plants made the possible existence of modern medicine.Modern medicine makes use of these plants in making capsulated herbal medicine or foodsupplements. It is scientifically proven that numerous of vitamins and minerals are foundin herbal plants that can supply the needs of living things, specifically humans.Thesevitaminandminerals help supply energy within a persons body, which is needed foreveryday activities in order for them to perform well. Herbal plants nowadays are not just made as medicinal purposes but also as food ingredients so that it may add a unique and healthier flavor to foods.

Malunggay or Horse radish (Moringa oelifera) was once considered a “poor man’s vegetable” but now it is known as a “miracle tree” or “nature’s medicine cabinet” by scientists and health care workers from around the world because itis loaded with vitamins and minerals that can be an effective remedy againstmany kinds of ailments such as arthritis, anemia, ovarian cancer, heartcomplications, kidney problems, asthma and digestive disorders.

Thisplantthrives in tropical countries, mainly in Southeast Asia, Central and SouthAmerica and Africa. It is indeed widely cultivated. It grows up to ten (10)meters tall and its leaflets are ovate to elliptic and are two (2) centimeters long.Each ounce of Malunggay contains seven times the Vitamin C found in oranges, four times the Vitamin A of carrots, three times the iron of spinach, four times as much calcium as milk and three times the potassium of bananas. It is said that that these plants require little maintenance, which makes it easy for cash-strapped people to gain health without thinking of budget concerns.

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is an edible flowering plant in the family ofAmaranthaceae which originated from Central and Southwestern Asia and is now widely cultivated throughout the world. It grows to a height of up to thirty(30) centimeters and its leaves are simple, alternate, ovate to triangular-based and varies in size from two (2) to three (3) centimeters long and one to fifteen(15) centimeters broad.

Besides of it being considered as an herb rich in Iron, it is also a rich source of Carbohydrates, Dietary fiber, Fat, Protein, Vitamin A, Beta-carotene, Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Folate, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K and Calcium. It is well-known in stabilizing the blood sugar among diabetics, it serves as an anti-oxidant, an anti-cancer agent, it prevents from atherosclerosisor thickening and hardening of arteries and it aids in the formation of the blood substance required for bloodclotting.The combination of both herbs can surely make a nutritious supplement for all ages. This study presents the result of the beneficial mix of Malunggayand Spinach known asMalunggay and Spinach powder. A power duo, product of nature, harness within reach and concocted with simplicity.

Statement of the Problem

The study aspired primarily, to search foralternative ways of utilizing the commonbackyard plants Malunggay and Spinach so that it won’t be placed into waste. Secondarily, make a different and simple preparation of it right in ones home aside from the usual capsule and tablet forms, which currently dominate in the market. Lastly, to disseminate the information on how to augment a nutritional need within in reach and friendly to the pocket. The study addressed the following specific questions:

1.) What are the procedures in preparing the Malunggay and Spinach powder?2.) Is there a specific expiration for this product?3.) Are there different processes of drying each kind of leaves?4.) How long can the end product be stored?5.) Is it advisable to dry the Malunggay and Spinach leaves under direct sunlight?6.) What are the uses of the Malunggay and Spinach powder as an additive?7.) What specific amounts of Malunggay and Spinach to be prepared to meet our nutritionalneeds?8.) What are the nutritional values from the combination of Malunggay and Spinach?9.) Can this research work possibly be pursued in the future? Significance of the Study

Health awareness is the prime investment, ingenuity is the investors joining effort and wellness is the net gain. Most people think that adapting a healthy and well-conditioned life is expensive and difficult to achieve. The significance is just how one resourcefully utilizes the cheap, the natural abundance of nature, and the untiring quest to alternatives and remedies. Malunggay and Spinach are kind of vegetables that are rich with vitamins, minerals and amino acids that are needed for optimum health.

The purposeful cahoots will serve as a supplement Malunggay, touted as All- around miracle tree or Natures medicine cabinet contains awidevarietyofnutrientsinhighamountsandSpinach,knownasPowerhouse of Nutrients fill in essential Potassium, Phosphorus and Niacin thatMalunggay does not have. This potent combination in powder form add nutrition to ourdeficient diet due to modern farming methods, nutrient-deficient soils, high levels ofpollution that places more stress, and busy lifestyles that make it hard to prepare healthy balanced diet. It acts as an inexpensive insurance against nutritional deficiencies.

This study will promote awareness on the relevance of serving of vegetable meals, soup, bread, dessert, shakes, juices and mixes with Malunggay and Spinach powder. It encourage households to plant Malunggay and Spinach in backyards for personalconsumption. Furthermore, it supports the Department of Agriculture on their program of propagating vegetable garden e.g. Malunggay and Spinach as a Revenue-generating industry under its biotechnology program where it currently enjoys wide array ofMalunggay, Spinach and other vegetable based products manufactured in the Philippines and being sold in local and international markets. Finally, it inspires people to study and search for benefits on vegetables and other agricultural produce Scope and Limitations of the Study

The study focused on the specifications of how to procure the major quality ingredients, theMalunggay and Spinach leaves and conscientiously observed the proper storage andmaintanance of suitable room temperature. It took two (2) months and a half to get the finalresult of the research work using the method of experimentation. As Malunggay wasreadily cultivated in the backyard on the contrary, Spinach was a hard find. It started froma given tiny seedling from mountainous Busay and was replanted. The Spinach wastediously tended since it was never been spared from the affectation of long drought as brought by,El Niño ´phenomenon and propagated until such time ready for harvest.

The study had undergone three (3) repeated experimentations to come up with reliable and factual results. Firstly, the outcome of the Malunggay and Spinach leaves harvested at noontime when the sun is intense. Secondly, the two (2) primary ingredients were hanged outside with moderate exposure to sunlight. And lastly, the recommended procedure wasfollowed closely to yield the desired result. Moreover, the study has its pitfalls as the targeted yield of the Malunggay and Spinach Powderwas 200 grams but the finished product yielded only 60 grams with an approximate proportion: 30 grams of Malunggay and 30 grams of Spinach leaves respectively due to limited produce of Spinach leaves.

CHAPTER 2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITER ATUR E

The review of the study focuses on the health benefits given by the combination of the malunggay and spinach powder supplement and its preparation, which can contribute in the attainment of health and wellness by making use of our local produce. With the pollution and lifestyle changes, people need to equip themselves with health-conscious mind set by going natural to counteract the radical effect of modern day living. Facts were gathered from books and Internet as references in order to get the needed information for the study. Potter, Patricia stated that nutrients are the elements necessary for body processesand function. Energy needs are met from six categories of nutrients: carbohydrates,proteins, fats, water, vitamins and minerals. Essential amino acids are the simplest forms of protein; are those that the body cannot synthesize but must be provided in the diet.

Nonessential amino acids are the simplest forms of protein; are those that can be synthesize in the body.Wolff, LuVerne implied that food supplements are preparations containing vitamins, minerals, or proteins, or combination of these, and other nutrients. Their purpose is to add nutrition to the diet. Certain foods, such as cereals and breads, may be nutritionally enriched or fortified by adding supplements to replacevitamins and minerals removed by food processing. In Encyclopedia Americana, Volume 20, it is placed that the major classes of nutrients-proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and water- differ widely in their functio ns in the body. Atherosclerosis is a disease of the arteries in which fatty plaques develop on their inner walls, with the eventual obstruction of blood flow.It is stated in Encyclopedia Americana, Volume 25, that Spinach; Scientific Name:Spinacia Oleracea; An annual potherb whose leaves are popular vegetable.

Known to be a Powerhouse of Nutrient among all green leafy veggies. The leaves are alternate, simple, and ovate to triangular-based, very variable in size from about 2-30 cm. Long and 1-15 cm.Broad, with larger leaves at the base and small leaves higher on the flowering stem. The flowers are inconspicuous, yellow-green, 3-4 mm. diameter, maturing into a small hard dry lumpy fruit cluster 5-10 mm. across containing several seeds. Its Nutritional Value per 100grams: Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Potassium, Vitamin B2 Riboflavin, Niacin, Iron, Calcium, Phosphorus, Carbohydrates, Protein, and Calories that spinach is known to be a Powerhouse of Nutrients among all green leafy veggies, the spinach is one of the most beneficial and healthy vegetables.

It is filled with vitamins, proteins, anti-oxidants and essential nutrients that promote overall good health and well-being. It is placed inhttp://hubpages.com/hub/Health_Benefits_of_Spinachthat Spinachcontains choline and inositol, the substances that help to prevent atherosclerosis orthickening and hardening of arteries. Spinach and alfalfa help stabilize blood sugar among diabetics. Make a drink by getting several handful of spinach, add 3 cups of water. Place over low heat for one hour. Then strain. Take½cup twice a day. Spinach and alfalfa may be served as part of the meal. Spinach is loaded with flavonoid that function as antioxidant and anti-cancer agent.

Spinach contains carotenoid that help fights cancer. Spinach is a rich source of Vitamins C and A Spinach is an anti-aging vegetable. Spinach is a good source of Vitamin K, which aids in the formation of the blood substance required for clotting of blood. Spinach is helpful in the cases of; Anemia, Tumors,Constipation,Insomnia,Obesity,Neuritis (inflammation of nerves), Nerve exhaustion, High blood pressure, Bronchitis, Colon cancer, Prostate cancer, Breast cancer, Osteoporosis, Dyspepsia (chronic indigestion),Also helps ailment of the kidneys, bladder and liver.it is stated inhttp://healthsupplementsnutritionalguide.com/health-supplements.htmlthat in reports published in the June 19 2002 edition of JAMA (Journal ofthe American Medical Association), they concluded that the modern American diet isenough to prevent deficiency diseases, but not enough to support optimal health.

According tohttp://www.malunggay.com/therapeutics.htm, Malunggay can rebuild weak bones, enrich anemic blood and enable a malnourished mother to nurse her starving baby. Ounce for ounce, it has the calcium of four glasses of milk, the vitamin C of sevenoranges and the potassium of three bananas.Inhttp://www.malunggayherbtea.com/Malunggay (Moringa Oleifera) is considered an herbal plant. Malunggay has been scientifically proven to help prevent common body ailments such as: constipation, flatulence, asthma, high- and low-blood pressure, ulcer, diabetes, and lumbago.

It is also known to be a good source of nutrients for lactating mothers and helps in the production of breast milk. Malunggay is also found to be an outstanding source of vitamins A, B, C, and E, and minerals such as Iron and Calcium. It is also considered as an Antioxidant that helps prevent chronic diseases such as arthritis, heart and kidney diseases, and even cancer. Malunggay has been labelled as Natures Medicine Cabinet, Mother of all Herbs, Miracle Tree and many other names. All these names and labels a testimony to the Malunggay’s amazing ability to fight more than 300 diseases. Definition of Terms