Coffee is a much-loved beverage all over the world. Although more than 2 billion cups of coffee are taken daily all over the world, health experts are now advising people to avoid highly-sugared and caffeinated beverages in favor of those made using healthier ingredients.
For many people suffering from chronic ailments such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart ailments, that means staying away from coffee and energy drinks that contain caffeine.
Where do we get a beverage that can provide us with the much-needed energy we require to get through the day without harming our health? Coffee substitutes are the answer.
These alternatives to coffee are made of ingredients such as wheat starch, dates, chicory, and molasses.
Among the most interesting coffee substitutes on the market is Malunggay coffee. It is a nutritious caffeine-free substitute that the whole family can consume.
If you haven’t heard of Malunnggay coffee, here is some interesting information.
What is Malunggay Coffee?
Malunggay coffee is a beverage made from the leaves of the Moringa Oleifera plant, also known as the horseradish tree. It is widely grown in places like the Philippines, where the Moringa tree is referred to as the Malunnggay tree.
The leaves of the Malunnggay /Moringa plant are used for medicinal and nutritional purposes. The powerful plant is considered a superfood and a complete protein that can energize you just like coffee and help you to reduce or stop consuming caffeine.
You may have only seen Malunnggay as tea, but now it is also available as coffee. It gives beverages a pleasant radish flavor that many people enjoy.
Malunnggay coffee is very popular. It is packed with nutritious vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, and vitamins A, B & C.
The coffee is also full of polyphenols and flavonoids, which are excellent antioxidants that aid in detoxifying the body.
Caffeine is no longer a stimulant for everyone. People now require an energizing drink made using ingredients that do not cause health issues or discomfort, like the caffeine in coffee.
Malunnggay coffee can be taken at any hour of the day without causing fatigue or insomnia. It provides the body with clean and consistent energy that gets them through the day and along with some much-needed nutrition.
Although Malunggay coffee is excellent for almost everyone, some people benefit from it more than others. These are;
- Lactating mothers: To increase milk supply during breastfeeding.
- Fitness enthusiasts: To aid in muscle formation due to its protein content.
- Vegetarians: To supplement any nutrition they lack from not eating meat.
- People suffering from chronic ailments: To reduce the effects of these diseases on their bodies by lowering inflammation.
- Post-menopausal women: To manage the effects of menopause, such as sleep disturbances and hot flashes.
Benefits of Malunnggay Coffee
You can take Malunggay coffee for its antioxidants which provide the body with anti-aging properties and keep chronic ailments at bay. It is also suitable for anyone dealing with heart ailments and cholesterol issues.
Anyone who has Diabetes and High Blood Pressure can take Malunnggay coffee as a healthy coffee substitute.
People on a diet can take Malunnggay coffee to balance their metabolism and improve mental alertness. It also treats digestive disorders and eliminates parasites such as E.Coli, H. Pylori, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, and Candida.
Malunggay coffee also strengthens and soothes nerve tissue in people with nerve problems, especially in the brain. It is also used as an aid in lowering depression.
You can also take Malunnggay coffee to lower inflammation and relieve problems associated with Arthritis.
How to use Malunnggay Coffee
Malunggay coffee is made by substituting Moringa powder for coffee. 1tsp is enough to give you a great-tasting coffee substitute.
You can make Malunnggay coffee using powdered Malunnggay leaves or Malunnggay coffee sachets. Malunnggay coffee sachets are available online and in grocery stores.
Malunnggay is added to smoothies, milkshakes, and health shots. Blending it into these beverages increases their nutritional content giving you a super-healthy drink.
It is also vital to further preserve the vitamins and minerals in Malunnggay coffee by preparing it carefully.
You should not boil Malunnggay coffee leaves as you would coffee grounds. That will destroy their vitamins and minerals.
The best way to prepare coffee made using Malunnggay powder is to steep it in hot water. Adding sugar, or honey to it will further preserve the vitamins and minerals in Malunnggay coffee.
Avoid using Malunnggay coffee excessively because it can have a laxative effect. And although it is a coffee substitute, it is not recommended for pregnant women as it can trigger a miscarriage.
Some people find Malunggay coffee a bit earthy for their taste. If you’ve experienced such an issue, prepare a frothy milky, creamy cup of Malunnggay using full-fat coconut milk, to give it a pleasant nutty flavor. You can also use other milk alternatives, such as oat milk or almond milk, depending on your preference.
If you choose to use Malunnggay powder, remember its shelf-life and flavor can decrease if it is improperly stored. It’s best to keep it in an airtight glass container and store it in a cool, dark, dry place to prevent moisture damage and oxidation.
Here are two simple recipes to follow when brewing plain Malunnggay coffee or a Malunnggay Latte.
Malunnggay Coffee Recipe
Ingredients
A cup of hot water
1 Tsp of Malunnggay powder
Sweetener / honey ( optional)
Procedure
- Scoop a teaspoon of Malunnggay coffee powder into a coffee mug.
- Pour hot water over the leaves and stir.
- Let the Malunnggay powder steep in hot water for 1 or 2 minutes, and sieve your beverage.
- Add sweetener or honey if you prefer.
Malunnggay Latte Coffee Recipe
Ingredients
1 cup of full-fat coconut/ whole milk
1/2 a cup of hot water
1 tsp of Malunnggay coffee
1 tsp of honey
Procedure
- Steam coconut milk in a saucepan on medium to low heat until bubbles form on the surface.
- Combine coconut milk, hot water, Malunnggay coffee, and honey.
- Pour the mixture into a blender and blend it for 1 – 2 minutes or until you get a frothy textured beverage.
- Serve the Malunnggay coffee in a tall glass with some shavings of chocolate on top, or sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on it.
- You may also add some ice cubes to make a refreshingly cold Malunnggay iced coffee.
Conclusion
That’s some information on how to make Malunnggay coffee. If you’ve been looking for a coffee substitute to try, Malunnggay coffee is one of the healthiest options. It is also a great energizer.
You can have Malunnggay coffee at any time and in any kind of weather. And you only need a small quantity of it to create a great-tasting brew. Once you start taking Malunggay coffee, you’ll never have to worry about dealing with caffeine sensitivity issues. It will make a great difference in your life.
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