Alugbati also known as Malabar spinach or basella, this leafy green vegetable
packs a hefty nutritional punch. With just 19 calories per serving, it
fills you up quickly without adding inches to your waist. It's quite
similar to spinach, offering a mix of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron,
calcium and antioxidants. Depending on your preferences, you can add it
to salads, smoothies, vegetable dishes, soups and other
homemade meals.
Nutritional Value
This
perennial vine grows in Africa and Asia. It has thick heart-shaped
leaves and stems that emit a strong scent when crushed. Like spinach and
other leafy greens, it's rich in vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and
phytochemicals.
One serving (100
grams) provides over 267 percent of the RDA of vitamin A, 170 percent of
the RDA of vitamin C, 35 percent of the RDA of folate and 23 percent of
the RDA of manganese. Alugbati also boasts large amounts of calcium,
magnesium, zinc, iron and B-complex vitamins. It's an excellent source
of phytonutrients that scavenge oxidative damage and promote overall
health.
Its
fresh leaves are rich in potent antioxidants like zeaxanthin, lutein
and beta carotene. These compounds protect against free radicals and
slow the aging process. The leaves also contain mucilage and fiber,
leading to better digestion. Its roots can be applied topically to
reduce swelling.
Fights Oxidative Stress
With
its antioxidant levels, alugbati neutralizes free radical damage, which
is a major contributing factor to chronic diseases. Free radicals are
everywhere around you, including in the air and in water and soil. Food,
cosmetics, household cleaners and cigarette smoking are common sources
too. Additionally, your body produces free radicals on a daily basis.
Antioxidants
offset the harmful effects of oxidative stress. For example, beta
carotene – a powerful antioxidant in alugbati – protects your cells from
free radicals and boosts immune function. Studies have linked beta
carotene supplementation to a lower risk of cognitive decline, lung
disease and cancer.
Supports Eye Health
Basella
is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids that may help improve
eye health. These antioxidants block blue light from reaching the deep
layers of the retina and protect against macular degeneration. Commonly
referred to as the "eye" vitamin, lutein may reduce your risk of
cataracts and protect against age-related blue-light damage.
In
animal studies, these carotenoids have been shown to counteract the
damaging effects of oxidative stress on eye health. Over time, they may
help prevent retinal detachment, uveitis, diabetic retinopathy and
vision loss. Furthermore, they protect your skin from UV radiation and
also slow aging.
Improves Digestion
This
vegetable boasts large amounts of fiber, increasing satiety. Dietary
fiber enhances digestive health and keeps you regular. Additionally, it
slows sugar absorption in the bloodstream, which may lower your risk of
insulin resistance, diabetes and metabolic disorders.
Fiber
is particularly beneficial for those struggling with constipation,
bloating and indigestion. This nutrient helps normalize bowel movements
and supports colon health. It may also help reduce bad cholesterol and
increase good cholesterol levels, keeping your heart functioning at its
peak. Plus, it suppresses appetite and fills you up quickly, making it
ideal for dieters.
Keeps Your Brain Sharp
Rich
in folate and other B-complex vitamins, alugbati supports mental
function and keeps your brain sharp. Thiamine, biotin, folic acid and
other B vitamins play a key role in mental health.
Vitamin
B-12 deficiency, for instance, has been linked to a higher risk of
depression, fatigue, anemia and paranoia. Eating leafy greens, such as
basella, may help prevent these issues and boost brain function.
These
are just a few of the many benefits of alugbati. Despite its low
calorie content, this vegetable exhibits an exceptional nutritional
profile. When consumed regularly, it can help balance your blood sugar
levels, prevent osteoporosis and stimulate red blood cell production. It
also supports immune function and aids in weight management.