A healthy morning to all steemians in Steem Healthcare. This is @hae-ra again, want to partake in this healthy contest by @shc-curator in #steemhealthcare. Thank you @ahyar92 for initiating this and the update always in the contest, I am so much grateful for this. Today I will share with you my all time favorite vegetables.

I. MALUNGGAY

It is known with it's name as "moringa oleifera" "horseradish tree" "drumstick tree" or "ben oil tree". But whatever it is, I grew up knowing it's common name as "malunggay".

Since I was young, I grew up with my parents took care of a farm, and because of that, a lot of vegetables to harvest for the meal. But this malunggay, we always prepare this every meal, like three times a day, with no other ingredients, just a pure malunggay leaves soup. Though sometimes there's another viand or dish if having some luck hehe, but malunggay were never out of the table until now. I just remember how my parents taught us to eat this kind of vegetables, since it has a little bit of bitter taste, and as a kid, sometimes we didn't like to eat it. But they told us that we have to eat this, because it has a lot of nutrients that could benefit in our health. They even telling stories if ever we won't eat the malunggay soup, ahahaha. But then, as I grew up, without knowing that my parents telling the truth, I also learned it from school how malunggay could benefit a lot to our health.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF MALUNGGAY:

👉 Moringa leaves are rich in many important nutrients, including protein, vitamin B6, vitamin C, riboflavin and iron.
👉 Rich in Antioxidant, including quercetin and chlorogenic acid. Moringa leaf powder can increase blood antioxidant levels.
👉 May Lower Blood Sugar Levels
👉 May Reduce Inflammation
👉 Can Lower Cholesterol, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease.
👉 May Protect Against Arsenic Toxicity

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Nutrients

Moringa leaves are an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals. The leaves are the most nutritious part of the plant, being a significant source of B vitamins, vitamin C, provitamin A as beta-carotene, vitamin K, manganese, and protein. When compared with common foods particularly high in certain nutrients per 100 g fresh weight, cooked moringa leaves are considerable sources of these same nutrients. It also contains calcium and phosphorous, which help keep bones healthy and strong. Along with its anti-inflammatory properties moringa extract might help to treat conditions such as arthritis and may also heal damaged bones.

The immature seed pods, called "drumsticks", are commonly prepared by parboiling, and cooked in a curry until soft. The seed pods/fruits, even when cooked by boiling, remain high in vitamin C, (which may be degraded variably by cooking), and are also a good source of dietary fiber, potassium, magnesium, and manganese.

It's mature seeds yield 38–40% edible oil called ben oil from its high concentration of behenic acid. The refined oil is clear and odorless, and resists rancidity. The seed cake remaining after oil extraction may be used as a fertilizer or as a flocculent to purify water. Moringa seed oil also has potential for use as a biofuel.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moringa_oleiferaSource

OTHER BENEFITS OF MALUNGGAY:

👉 Aside from all of that, it is also used for malnutrition relief. Moringa trees have been used to combat malnutrition, especially among infants and nursing mothers. Since moringa thrives in arid and semiarid environments, it may provide a versatile, nutritious food source and other treatments.
👉 Protecting and nourishing skin and hair. Moringa seed oil is beneficial for protecting hair against free radicals and keeps it clean and healthy. It also contains protein, which means it is helpful in protecting skin cells from damage. It also contains hydrating and detoxifying elements, which also boost the skin and hair.
It can be successful in curing skin infections and sores.
👉 Treating edema. Edema is a painful condition where fluid builds up in specific tissues in the body. The anti-inflammatory properties of moringa may be effective in preventing edema from developing.
👉 Protecting the liver. Moringa appears to protect the liver against damage caused by anti-tubercular drugs and can quicken its repair process.
👉 Preventing and treating cancer. Moringa extracts contain properties that might help prevent cancer developing. It also contains niazimicin, which is a compound that suppresses the development of cancer cells.
👉 Treating stomach complaints. Moringa extracts might help treat some stomach disorders, such as constipation, gastritis, and ulcerative colitis. The antibiotic and antibacterial properties of moringa may help inhibit the growth of various pathogens, and its high vitamin B content helps with digestion.
👉 Fighting against bacterial diseases. Due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties, moringa extracts might combat infections caused by Salmonella, Rhizopus, and E. coli.
👉 Treating mood disorders. Moringa is thought to be helpful in treating depression, anxiety, and fatigue.
👉 Protecting the cardiovascular system. The powerful antioxidants found in Moringa extract might help prevent cardiac damage and has also been shown to maintain a healthy heart.
👉 Helping wounds to heal. Extract of moringa has been shown to help wounds close as well as reduce the appearance of scars.
👉 Treating diabetes. Moringa helps to reduce the amount of glucose in the blood, as well as sugar and protein in the urine. This improved the hemoglobin levels and overall protein content in those tested.
👉 Treating asthma. Moringa may help reduce the severity of some asthma attacks and protect against bronchial constrictions. It has also been shown to assist with better lung function and breathing overall.
👉 Protecting against kidney disorders. Moringa contains high levels of antioxidants that that might aid toxicity levels in the kidneys.
👉 Reducing high blood pressure. Moringa contains isothiocyanate and niaziminin, compounds that help to stop arteries from thickening, which can cause blood pressure to rise.
👉 Improving eye health. Moringa contains eyesight-improving properties thanks to its high antioxidant levels. Moringa may stop the dilation of retinal vessels, prevent the thickening of capillary membranes, and inhibit retinal dysfunction.
👉 Treating anemia and sickle cell disease. Moringa might help a person’s body absorb more iron, therefore increasing their red blood cell count. It is thought the plant extract is very helpful in treating and preventing anemia and sickle cell disease.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319916 Source

Actually, I've been experiencing gastritis/ gastric pain, been to endoscopy due to peptic ulcer, and after that my mother used to grind malunggay leaves to let me intake the extracted juice from it. I couldn't take it's taste, but I had to.

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II. OKRA

It is really the best pair for making malunggay soup. Okra, is also known as "lady’s fingers". It has long been favored as a food for the health-conscious people.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF OKRA:

It is rich in magnesium, folate, fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, K1, and A. Okra may benefit pregnant women, heart health, and blood sugar control. It may even have anticancer properties.

👉 High In Vitamin A
👉 Aids Acid Reflux
👉 Promotes Healthy Skin
👉 High In Fiber
👉 Lowers Risk Of Cataracts
👉 Regulates Body Temperature
👉 Helps Prevent Diabetes
👉 Prevents Constipation
👉 Aids Vision
👉 Treats Soar Throat
👉 Reduces Risks Of Heart Disease
👉 Good Source Of Vitamin C
👉 Stabilizes Blood Sugar
👉 Alkalizes The Body
👉 Treats Lung Inflammation
👉 Supports Colon Health

Nutrients

Okra boasts an impressive nutrient profile. It is an excellent source of vitamins C and K1. Vitamin C is a water-soluble nutrient that contributes to your overall immune function, while vitamin K1 is a fat-soluble vitamin that’s known for its role in blood clotting. Okra is low in calories and carbs and contains some protein and fiber. Many fruits and vegetables lack protein, which makes okra somewhat unique.

Contains beneficial antioxidants

Okra is rich in antioxidants that may reduce your risk of serious diseases, prevent inflammation, and contribute to overall health. Most notably, it contains polyphenols that may contribute to heart and brain health.

May lower heart disease risk

Okra contains a thick gel-like substance called mucilage, which can bind to cholesterol during digestion, causing it to be excreted with stools rather than absorbed into your body. It’s also rich in polyphenols, which fight harmful inflammation and protect your heart.

May have anticancer properties

Okra contains a type of protein called lectin, which may inhibit the growth of human cancer cells.

Beneficial for pregnant women

Folate (vitamin B9), which you can find in okra is an important nutrient for pregnant women. It helps lower the risk of a neural tube defect, which affects the brain and spine of a developing fetus.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/okra-health-benefits Source

Malunggay and okra has been my all time favorite vegetables until now, not just because of it's health benefits, but it also has a lot of good memories from my childhood days and these are easy to add to your healthy diet, easy to prepare, and good for home remedies.

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I hope you learned something here. Thank you for reading.

NOTE:

I owned all the photos.
Device: Vivo Y1915.

Inviting my friends @jenny018, @saneunji, @mariarosa27.

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Always,
@hae-ra