Malabar spinach is cultivated for its edible young shoots that are succulent which are mostly used as a vegetable or as a potherb in soup or stews. It is eaten fried in oil, boiled, or as a salad. The fruits are used in China for dyeing purposes. The juice is used as cosmetic, ink, and to color foods. Young leaves are used as laxatives, as a treatment for sores whereas the juice of red fruit is used as eye drops helps to cure conjunctivitis. They are also planted as ornamental plants. Leaves, matured fruit, young stem, and roots are the edible part of this plant. Leaves and stems are used in culinary dishes in the Southern parts of India.

Basella alba is a succulent, branched, twining herbaceous, perennial plant that is cultivated as a vegetable. This plant is also known as Malabar spinach, Indian spinach, Ceylon spinach, East-Indian spinach, Vine spinach, Climbing spinach, Chinese spinach, Cyclone spinach, and Alugbati.

MALABAR SPINACH FACTS

Malabar spinach Scientific Classification

Scientific Name: Basella alba

Health Benefits of Malabar spinach

Malabar spinach is an excellent source of iron, calcium, Vitamin C and Vitamin A. It contains high protein and a great source of phosphorus and potassium. It has a great number of antioxidants such as lutein and beta carotene.

1. Healthy heart

Folate is essential to reduce the homocysteine level which is present in the blood. Homocysteine increases the chances of strokes and heart attacks. Folate helps to convert the homocysteine into methionine which normalizes the level of homocysteine. It has a positive role in metabolizing minerals as well as antioxidant activities. Studies have shown that a high intake of folate reduces the chances of cardiovascular disease.

2. Treats depression

The intake of folate with an adequate amount of veggies as well as plant foods helps to treat depression naturally. The high intake of folate helps to lower depression significantly in depressed patients.

3. Prevent dementia

The studies show that high levels of homocysteine increase the chances of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The low amount of folate in the body leads to poor mental activities.

Folic acid decreases the level of homocysteine but it has not been proved that it improves cognitive function and forbids diseases. The addition of a diet rich in folate and nutrients helps to treat Alzheimer’s disease.

4. Treatment for cancer

The low presence of folate in the body increases the chances of colon, cervical, breast, lung, and brain cancer. The evidence has shown that a diet rich in folate protects from cancer development. One should intake the natural forms of Vitamin because the pharmaceutical form of vitamins differs from natural ones which provide protection.

5. Utilizes amino acids, iron, and vitamin B12

Anemia is also one of the causes of folate deficiency. It is a health condition where the red blood cells are formed improperly.  Folate assists in the absorption of Vitamin B12 which helps to absorb the nutrients, brain function, and provides energy.

6. Pregnancy

Folate is one of the vital vitamins which is required for a having healthy pregnancy. The deficiency of folate results in neural tube defects such as anencephaly, spina bifida, limb malformations, and heart ailments. Folate is vital for copying DNA and building new cells. Low levels of folate lead to developments issues that remain after birth as well. Leafy greens, avocados, sprouted beans, and citrus are the folate-rich foods that one should intake during pregnancy.

7. Provides energy

Anemia is the result of iron deficiency. The low amount of iron results in low hemoglobin due to which an adequate amount of oxygen could not be transported to the cells. The iron deficiency leads to poor mental function, lack of energy, and apathy. Children and pre-menopausal women are at a high chance of suffering from anemia if they do not consume the foods iron-rich foods.

10 Health Benefits of Alugbati [ Malabar Spinach, Basella Alba ]

Alugbati Benefit #1: Can prevent cancer.

The powerful antioxidant content of Alugbati fights the free radicals in one’s body. Because of this, cancer cells are less likely to grow and foster within your body. This way, there is a greater chance that you could be protected from cancer-related ailments.

Alugbati Benefit #2: Strengthens your immune system.

If your immune system is healthy, then contagious diseases could be prevented. Since Alugbati is rich in Vitamin C which aids a better immune system, it could make you spared from cold, flu, and another immune system attack.

Alugbati Benefit #3: Can prevent anemia.

Specific parts of Alugabati such as the leave has been proven to be rich in iron, and such iron is effective in maintaining a healthy and adequate hemoglobin level in your one’s body. This is why it could prevent anemia, a sickness that usually occurs when the hemoglobin decreases.

Alugbati Benefit #4: Can control your blood pressure.

The ability to manage your blood pressure is equivalent to your ability to take good care of your body from suffering from heart-related diseases. In this case, the contents of Alugbati such as manganese and potassium are all contributory factors in maintaining healthy and balanced blood pressure.

Alugbati Benefit #5: Can release the toxins from your body.

The improvement of the bowel movement is one way to ensure that toxins are removed out of your body. Thus, Alugbati is one possible way to achieve such normal and regular bowel movement as well as through urine.

Alugbati Benefit #6: Can relieve Ulcer.

In general, this vegetable is good for the digestive system because of the smooth leaves it has. This makes it ideal in looking for a possible relief for those who have specific stomach ailments such as an ulcer. Whatever stomach-related trouble you may have, this one will do the job for you.

Alugbati Benefit #7: It can prevent you from being constipated.

The bloated feeling or also called as constipation could be prevented by taking Alugabti as part of your meal. This highly fibrous vegetable will facilitate a softer and easier bowel movement. It is also recommended that you take about four glasses of water in the morning for it could also help you better get rid of constipation.

AlugbatiBenefit #8: It can help you have healthy eyesight.

The Vitamin A content of this vegetable makes it ideal for taking good care of the eyes. Because of this component, long-term problems such as macular degeneration and other eye condition could be prevented.

Alugbati Benefit #9: It can help you lose weight.

Despite its numerous vitamins and nutrients, this one is very low regarding calories! This makes it perfect for those who would like to stay fit and at the same time, get the proper nutrients and vitamins that their body needs to function normally.

Alugbati Benefit #10: It can reduce swelling.

The possible inflammation inside or outside your body could be helped through Alugbati. The leaves of it can serve as an instant relief when used as a patch on the affected skin area.

The next time you work on your grocery list, do not ever forget to include the super beneficial Alugbati on your shopping list. Good luck!

Recipe

You can use this spinach in the same way you use regular spinach — lightly steamed or cooked, raw in salads, or used in soups, stews, and stir-fries.

Below is a recipe of spinach with chickpeas:

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp Himalayan salt;
• extra virgin olive oil;
• 3 ½ cups cooked chickpeas;
• ½ cup water (125 ml);
• 6 cups spinach;
• 3 tbsp sweet paprika;
• 1 head of garlic.

Instructions

1. Cook the garlic in a saucepan with olive oil over medium heat until golden brown.
2. Add the paprika, spinach, water, Himalayan salt and cook for five minutes.
3. Add the cooked chickpeas and cook for another five minutes. Enjoy!

References

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