Alugbati – a tropical leafy-green vegetable with green-purple stems. Known in many names including vine, Malabar, or Ceylon spinach, saan choy for Chinese, and mong toi for viatnamese.
This plant can be easily cultivated in a backyard. Basic features are it is more fibrous than the regular spinach, alugbati is easily recognized as to be growing in a vining pattern. Botanically speaking, it is known for its wholesome phytonutrient profile.
Just as the way we wanted it to be, alugbati possess a very low amount of both calories and fats; at the same time, and this plant boasts itself with significant possession of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants such as beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin which plays a critical role when it comes to the science of both healing and aging. Together, these compounds play a healing role in aging and various disease processes.
In addition to that, here are some specific top benefits of alugbati all tailored for your health:
Promotes Good Mental and Emotional Health
Since this plant contains a sufficient amount of folic acid which is also known as vitamin B-9 which then is one of the key players in maintaining a healthy brain which furthermore is responsible for the sustenance of an individual’s mental and emotional health. Folic acid being a key player as stated is backed up by the fact that this vitamin is proven to be a help with the DNA production and even by the carbohydrates breaking down and usage for and of your body.
Strengthens Immune System
Alugbati contains an extremely high amount of vitamin A, recommended for lactating women, improves eyesight, and most importantly, beefs up the functionality of one’s immune system.
Regulates Blood Flow
Being rich in iron gives alugbati the ability to both create healthy RBCs (red blood cells) which in turn are the ones responsible for delivering oxygen all throughout your body. We all know how vital oxygen is for the different metabolic processes of our body, right?
Protection Vs. Environmental Toxins
Alugbati is an antioxidant-rich plant, which means that through adding up this plant to your dish, you are giving your body the privilege to be protected from the different possible damage triggered by various radicals and environmental toxins.
Improves Eye Health
Alugbati is also rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, two of which are extremely needed for the sustenance and development of a good eyesight. Lutein- known as the “eye” vitamin, has the ability to reduce possibilities of illnesses such as cataracts and even the (age-related) blue-light damage.
Everything that had been stated is just a few among the innumerable significant health benefits of alugbati- its indeed commendable nutritional profile already explains the reason why. With alugbati regularly consumed, it is assured that you’re not only protected but as well as, is always ready to win any fight- that of which arises within your system.
REFERENCES:
Hendricks, J. (2018). Health Benefits of Alugbati. Retrieved from https://www.livestrong.com/article/517905-health-benefits-of-alugbati/
Rudrappa, U. (2018). Basella (Malabar spinach) nutrition facts and health benefits. Retrieved from https://www.nutrition-and-you.com/basella.html
What Are the Benefits of Alugbati?. (2018). Retrieved from https://healthyeating.sfgate.com/benefits-alugbati-9863.html