Moa – Antioxidants are becoming increasingly recognized for their important role in maintaining the health of the body. Antioxidants are compounds that neutralize free radicals in the body, which, if left unchecked, can cause cell damage and contribute to various chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Therefore, consuming foods rich in antioxidants is highly recommended to maintain overall health. Some foods known for their high antioxidant content on Moa Island include fruits, vegetables, and herbal plants such as moringa leaves. Moringa leaves contain various vitamins and minerals that are beneficial, including antioxidants that can boost immunity and combat inflammation.
Amid the growing public awareness of the importance of healthy living, Moa Island faces challenges in optimizing the use of local herbal plants as health resources. Plants such as moringa leaves, which are rich in antioxidants and nutrients, are still underutilized by the local community as a beneficial food source.
To address this challenge, Pharmacy UGM KKN-PPM students, including Abed Nego Lumban Gaol, initiated a program aimed at introducing and applying the potential of herbal plants to improve community health, named “Herba Food.” One of the outcomes of this program is the creation of a healthy pudding made from moringa leaves, which is not only delicious but also rich in antioxidants beneficial to the body. This pudding is expected to become a healthy snack alternative that is easily accepted by the community while increasing their awareness of the benefits of moringa leaves, which have not been widely utilized.
“Plants are one of the components that can support the improvement of health quality. Various plants are available in the Nyama Preparation Village area, such as moringa leaves, which are rich in antioxidant compounds. The utilization of herbal plants in the form of pudding will raise awareness in the community about the importance of antioxidants for health,” said Abed during his socialization.
As part of this program, the KKN-PPM students also provided a poster guide containing steps for making moringa leaf pudding. This poster aims to educate the local community so they can independently make the antioxidant pudding at home, continuing to enjoy its benefits.
This program is expected to not only provide a positive impact on the health of the Moa Island community but also foster awareness of the importance of utilizing local natural resources to improve their quality of life.
This activity is also aligned with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The “Herba Food” program directly contributes to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by promoting a healthy lifestyle through the consumption of antioxidant-rich foods that can prevent various chronic diseases. Additionally, this program supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by encouraging innovation in utilizing local natural resources, such as moringa leaves, to create new products beneficial to the community. The use of herbal plants also aligns with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), as it encourages more sustainable management of natural resources. The program also reflects the spirit of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), which emphasizes collaboration between students, the community, and related parties to achieve sustainability in health and quality of life improvement.
Author: Abed Nego Lumban Gaol (KKN-PPM UGM Moa Island)
