Related videos:
The moringa was publicly advocated as a superior food by the University of Oriente in Santiago de Cuba, which highlighted its numerous nutritional properties in a recent publication.
The academic center shared an extensive explanation about the benefits of the plant, popularly known as "the tree of life," on its Facebook profile this Saturday. While this food has beneficial properties, such claims contrast with the current food crisis faced by the population.
The institution compared its contributions to everyday food items and stated that it contains more protein than yogurt, more calcium than milk, and more iron than spinach, assertions that evoke the enthusiasm of dictator Fidel Castro when he used to speak about the wonderful plant in the past.
According to the publication, moringa also contains more vitamin C than orange, more vitamin A than carrot, and more potassium than banana, as well as antioxidants, fiber, magnesium, and zinc.
These values, they added, make it a "superfood" recommended for health and disease prevention.
The university explained that the plant can be consumed in powder form, as infusions, or fresh in salads, and regularly to take full advantage of its nutritional potential.
With this statement, the University of Oriente joined the official defense of moringa as an alternative food resource in the country, promoted at various stages by the regime.
The official push for moringa as a food alternative has been present in various state initiatives. An investment of 27 million pesos was allocated to the construction of the first plant to process moringa in Cuba, aimed at diversifying the diet amid the shortage of basic products such as milk.
A few weeks later, it was announced that cookies made with moringa powder would be included among the products derived from the crop, a measure that reflected the intent to make this plant a regular component of Cuban cuisine.
Later on, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero inaugurated a moringa processing plant in Pinar del Río, thus solidifying the government's strategy to position this plant as a substitute for traditional foods. These actions have been presented by the authorities as advancements in food matters, although they have faced criticism for being disconnected from the actual nutritional needs of the population.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Use of Moringa in Cuba
Why does the University of Oriente advocate for moringa as a superfood?
The University of Oriente defends moringa due to its superior nutritional properties, assuring that it contains more protein than yogurt, more calcium than milk, and more iron than spinach. The institution promotes it as an alternative food resource in the country, in a context of food crisis.
What nutritional benefits does moringa offer compared to other foods?
Moringa is noted for having more vitamin C than oranges, more vitamin A than carrots, and more potassium than bananas, in addition to containing antioxidants, fiber, magnesium, and zinc. This makes it a "superfood" recommended for health and disease prevention.
How can moringa be consumed to take advantage of its benefits?
Moringa can be consumed in various forms: powder, infusions, or fresh in salads. Regular consumption is recommended to fully benefit from its nutritional potential.
What is the food situation in Cuban universities according to the presented context?
The context indicates that food conditions in Cuban universities are precarious, with insufficient and low-nutrition menus. This contrasts with the promotion of moringa as a dietary alternative, highlighting a disconnect between the rhetoric and the reality faced by students.
Filed under: