“Malunggay and Spinach Powder”

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The study aimed to introduce the combination of Malunggay and Spinach powder in order to make a natural, nutritious and practical supplement for all especially to those health-conscious individuals.

 Nevertheless, this study wouldn’t be possible without the everlasting

love, care and assistance from the researcher’s family, who supported her in the procurement of the much needed logistics and references, cultivated and propagated the Malunggay and Spinach plants for the study, and uplifted the researcher emotionally when she is taken aback with discouragement.

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 whole course of the research and gave words of encouragement.

 Furthermore, the researcher would like to thank her classmates for the

shared information during casual talk and discussions.   Most of all, to God our Father, the source of all strength and wisdom.

For without His unfaltering love and guidance this study would never be realized.

DEDICATION 

This labor of love is dedicated to our beloved and supportive Dad and Mom. To our patient and hardworking teachers, Miss Fairy Rose T. Ramirez and Mr. Glenn Q. Ocaña. Above all, to our maker, God Almighty.

 - Name

CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE Rationale 

“He gives us that vast goodness of nature and vegetation is among those. As man propagates for abundance; he deserves to harbor tremendous benefits from it.”

  Man inhabited earth with all its richness laid before him. With his gladness,

ingenuity and constant search for knowledge he discovered numerous ways to enrich his mind of endless ideas, body for health and longevity and spirit to fulfill his close relation with his maker and humanity. Thus, man discovers infinite ways and makes use of accessible 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 food supplements. It is scientifically proven that numerous of vitamins and minerals are found in herbal plants that can supply the needs of living things, specifically humans. These vitamins and minerals help supply energy within a person’s body, which is needed for everyday 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 it is loaded with vitamins and minerals that can be an effective remedy against many kinds of ailments such as arthritis, anemia, ovarian cancer, heart complications, kidney problems, asthma and digestive disorders. This plant thrives in tropical countries, mainly in Southeast Asia, Central and South America 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 of Amaranthaceae 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 atherosclerosis or thickening and hardening of arteries and it aids in the formation of the blood substance required for blood clotting.

 The combination of both herbs can surely make a nutritious

supplement for all ages. This study presents the result of the beneficial mix of Malunggay and Spinach known as “Malunggay and Spinach powder.” A power duo, a product of nature, harness within reach and concocted with simplicity.

Statement of the Problem

The study aspired primarily, to search for alternative ways of utilizing the common backyard plants Malunggay and Spinach so that it won’t be placed into waste. Secondarily, make a different and simple preparation of it right in one’s 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 nutritional needs?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 investor’s 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 “Nature’s medicine cabinet” contains a wide variety of nutrients in high amounts and Spinach, known as “Powerhouse of Nutrients” fill in essential Potassium, Phosphorus and Niacin that Malunggay does not have. This potent combination in powder form add nutrition to our deficient diet due to modern farming methods, nutrient-deficient soils, high levels of pollution 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 personal consumption. 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 of Malunggay, 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, the Malunggay and Spinach leaves and conscientiously observed the proper storage and maintanance of suitable room temperature. It took two (2) months and a half to get the final result of the research work using the method of experimentation. As Malunggay was readily cultivated in the backyard on the contrary, Spinach was a hard find. It started from a given tiny seedling from mountainous Busay and was replanted. The Spinach was tediously 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 was followed closely to yield the desired result.

Moreover, the study has its pitfalls as the targeted yield of the Malunggay and Spinach Powder was 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 2REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

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 mindset 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 processes and 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 replace vitamins 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 functions 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, 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 100 grams: Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Potassium, Vitamin B2 Riboflavin, Niacin, Iron, Calcium, Phosphorus, Carbohydrates, Protein, and Calories.

  It is stated in http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/benefits-of-spinach-1370.html

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 in http://hubpages.com/hub/Health_Benefits_of_Spinach that

Spinach contains choline and inositol, the substances that help to prevent atherosclerosis or thickening 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. Take ½ cup 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 in http://healthsupplementsnutritionalguide.com/health-supplements.html that in reports published in the June 19 2002 edition of JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association), they concluded that the modern American diet is enough to prevent deficiency diseases, but not enough to support optimal health.

According to http://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 seven oranges and the potassium of three bananas.

  In http://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 labeled as Nature’s 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

The following definitions are used to further understand the study: Anemia is the reduction of the oxygen-carrying pigment hemoglobin in the blood. Anti-oxidant is a substance capable of neutralizing oxygen free radicals, the highly

active and damaging atoms and chemical groups produced by various disease processes, and by poisons, radiation, smoking, and other agencies.

 Arthritis is an inflammation of one or more joints, characterized by swelling,

warmth, redness of overlying skin, pain, and restriction of motion. Asthma is a condition characterized by wide-spread narrowing of the bronchial

airways that leads to cough, wheezing, and difficulty in breathing. Atherosclerosis is a disease of the arteries in which fatty plaques develop on their

inner walls, with the eventual obstruction of blood flow. Diabetes is any disorder of metabolism causing excessive thirst and the production

of large volumes of urine.

Essential amino acids are the simplest forms of protein; are those that the body cannot synthesize but must be provided in the diet.

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 replace vitamin and minerals removed by food processing.

 Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the

absence of disease or infirmity.  Herb is a plant or plant part valued for its medicinal, savory, or aromatic qualities. Minerals are inorganic elements essential to the body as catalyst in biochemical

reactions. Classified as macrominerals when the daily requirement is 100 mg. or more and microminerals or trace elements when less than 100 mg. is needed daily e.g. Selenium which has antioxidant property.

  Malunggay; Scientific Name: Moringa Oleifera; considered “poor man’s veggie, all-

around miracle tree, and nature’s medicine cabinet.” It thrive in

countries that have hot and dry climates. Its leaves can actually be eaten raw but best added in meals as a special ingredient or diet supplement. Moringa dried leaf powder contains Protein, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Phosphorus, Copper, Iron, Selenium, Vitamin A-B carotene, Vitamin B Choline, Vitamin B1 Thiamine, Vitamin B2 Riboflavin, Vitamin B3 Nicotinic Acid, Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin E Tocopherol Acetate, Calories, Moisture, Oxalic Acid, Essential Amino Acids; Arginine, Histidine, Lysine Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine,Threonine, Tryptophan, Nonessential Amino Acids: Alanine, Aspartic Acid,Glutamic Acid, Cystine, Glycine, Proline, Serine and Tyrosine.

 Nonessential amino acids are the simplest forms of protein; are those that can be

synthesize in the body. Nutrients are the elements necessary for body processes and function. Energy needs

are met from six (6) categories of nutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, water, vitamins, and minerals.

 Powder is a medicinal preparation consisting of a mixture of two or more drugs in the

form of fine particles. 

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, 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 100 grams: Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Potassium, Vitamin B2 Riboflavin, Niacin, Iron, Calcium, Phosphorus, Carbohydrates, Protein, and Calories.

 Wellness is the quality or state of being in good health especially as an

actively sought goal. 

CHAPTER 3METHODOLOGY

In acquiring the study of Malunggay and Spinach powder, constant research was done. Facts were gained from books and computer resources. The abundance of the said vegetables which most of the time left out wilted aroused a curious mind thus the research drew its concept. The accessibility and availability of both vegetables inspired the research where an actual and continuous propagation was made to ensure freshness of harvest during the several process of experimentation. A series of trial and error process was made wherein an exact time of harvest must be observed and storage in a well-ventilated room must be followed. Three rooms in the house were carefully chosen in which a room at the basement was ample to suit the experiment need. Both vegetables compliment each other in terms voluminous vitamins and minerals that supplement the everyday nutrient needs of people in order to fulfill their daily activities.

  The preparation of Malunggay and Spinach powder are as follows: Harvest Malunggay and Spinach leaves early morning just when the dew has dried up.

Bundle Malunggay and Spinach leaves and hang upside down in a well-ventilated room. Don’t expose to sunlight. Use brown paper bag to catch falling leaves. Use clothes’ pin to secure the brown paper bag to where you hang both leaves. Allow leaves to fall in the paper bag. Grind, pound or blend when the leaves dried up. Seal in a container.

  Varied usage of this powder as: Tea, combine in vegetable meal, soup, bread, cookies, cakes, desserts, shakes, juices,

sandwiches and ice cream.

CHAPTER 4

RESULTS AND FINDINGS Number of

Experimentation Process

Outcome

Trial 1 Harvested Malunggay and Spinach leaves at noontime. Bundled the leaves and hanged in a well-ventilated room. Pounded after leaves fell off. Sealed in a container.

Gathered leaves were of crisper and rough quality. Fell off faster exactly three (3) days time from the storage room. Yielded a brownish colored powder.

Trial 2 Harvested Malunggay and Spinach leaves early morning, just when the dew has dried up. Bundled the leaves and hanged outside with moderate exposure to sunlight. Pounded after leaves fell off. Sealed in a

container.

Gathered freshly green leaves. Fell off from stalks within five (5) days. Yielded a brownish colored powder.

Trial 3 Harvested Malunggay and Spinach leaves early morning, just when the dew has dried up. Bundled the leaves and hanged in a well-ventilated room. Pounded after leaves fell off. Sealed in a container.

Gathered freshly green leaves. Fell off completely from stalks seven (7) days. Yielded a dark green powder.

The study showed that the specifics: time of harvest specifically early morning – just the morning dew has dried up and room temperature for storage- where air freely circulates are significant factors in the result and success of the experimentation.

CHAPTER 5

SUMMARY OF RESULTS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Results  

The research yielded consistent data that the Malunggay and Spinach leaves dry up well when stored in a well-ventilated room without the direct exposure of sunlight and is easier to pound in order to be made as an all-natural food powder. Before achieving the wanted result of the study, recommended procedures have to be done. The researcher gathered the Malunggay and Spinach leaves and hung it upside down with a clothe’s pin in a well-ventilated room. A brown paper bag is used in catching the falling leaves. In a week, the leaves of both plant stalks fell down. A mortar and pestle were used in pulverizing the leaves to make it into a healthy food powder. And lastly, the end product was sealed in a clean container ready for consumption.

 Conclusions 

From the research done, the researcher found out that time must be a primary consideration in harvesting and picking of Malunggay and Spinach leaves. The importance of the environment – appropriate circulating air as a room for storage perfected the drying and falling of leaves, which is possible within a week. The complete falling and natural air -drying the leaves helps in

easy pounding of the leaves thus, come up with an assured quality for consumption. However, the current climatic change as evidenced by high temperature affected the growth of Spinach plant. The scarcity of the Spinach leaves deterred the researcher to produce the targeted 200 gram yield – an equal proportion of 100 gram from Malunggay and Spinach leaves respectively.

 Recommendations 

Based in the researcher’s observation, it was found out that the harvest made past noontime gathered a crispier and rough quality of leaves and felled off faster – exactly 3 days from the same storage room. During the pulverizing process it resulted to a brownish colored powder compared from an early morning pick which is dark green. The researcher recommends picking or harvesting the Malunggay and Spinach leaves after the morning dew has dried – an assurance of leaves at its freshest state. Hanging them in a well-ventilated room is advisable so that it would not get very dry. Direct exposure to sunlight is not recommended because it results to withered leaves affecting the quality of leaves for future processing. The storage for the finished product is three (3) to five (5) days because if overly stored will attract molds growth as it was meant all natural, no preservative added. An alternative gadget aside from mortar and pestle in pounding the leaves, one can use a grinder to make one’s job easier, faster and come up with a uniform and fine consistency.

Appendices

REFERENCES

 A. BooksPotter, Patricia A. et al (2002). Fundamentals of Nursing 5th edition. St.

Louis, Missouri. Mosby, Inc., Volume 2. Wolff, LuVerne et al. (1983). Fundamentals of Nursing 7th edition. J.B.

Lippincott Co., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  B. EncyclopediasEncylopedia Americana International Edition,(2006) Volume 20

“NUTRITION”,p. 567-574. Encyclopedia Americana International Edition, (2006) Volume 25

“SPINACH”,p. 502. 

D. Websiteshttp://lifestyle.iloveindex.com/lounges/benefits-of-spinach-1370.html. http://www.drlera.com/MINERALS/SULFUR.HTM http://healthsupplementsnutritionalguide.com/recommended-daily-

allowances.html#INFANTShttp://hubpages.com/hub/Health_Benefits_of_Spinach http://healthsupplementsnutritionalguide.com/health-supplements.html http://malunggayherbtea,multiply,com.journal/item/2 http://www.malunggay.com/therapeutics.htm 

Thank you!