Malabar Spinach

Malabar Spinach


Scientific Name: Basella alba (Basellaceae)


vine spinach, nderema, ceylon spinach, the red vine, saan choy, mong toi, alugbati, pui saag, malabar nightshade,




Malabar Spinach is a popular tropical leafy-green vegetable, commonly grown as backyard herb in the home gardens. The stem is purplish (shade of red) and succulent with heart shape leaves. The young leaves are popular vegetable stuff.














Plant Description


History


Mechanism of Action


Additional Information







Key Actions


Usable Parts


Directions of Preparation


Recommended Dosage


Its Active Constituents:

Malabar Spinach is excellent in Vitamin A.

Malabar Spinach is very good in Dietary Fiber, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2.

Malabar Spinach has average trace of Copper, Manganese, Vitamin C, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B6.




Health Benefits of Malabar Spinach



Anti-Aging

Anti-Aging


• Aging is a natural process, but free radicals can make it worse by damaging Skin cells that result in wrinkles and blemish Skin.

• Anti-oxidants (like Beta-Carotene, Zeaxanthin, Lutein, Vitamin A and Vitamin C) provides protection from free radicals and is required to maintain healthy Skin.




Foods & Bones

Cancer Prevention

Cancer & Tumor Prevention


• Its fresh leaves are rich sources of essential Carotenoid pigment anti-oxidants (such as Beta-Carotene, Zeaxanthin and Lutein) which neutralizes those harmful free radicals. It contain Saponins that act as Phytochemicals that can Fights Cancer.

• Its a top recommended food that provides protection from Cancer as Vitamin A and Flavonoids provide protection from lung and cavity Cancers.

Malabar Spinach high Fiber content helps to clean toxin stored in the colon and also provides protection from Colon Cancer.




Foods & Cancer

Cardiovascular System

Cardiovascular System


• Foods rich in anti-oxidants and Fiber (such as Malabar Spinach) are essential for optimum heart health as the combination is effective in protecting The Heart muscles, arteries and nerves from free radicals.

• Its Fiber is beneficial to lower the bad Cholesterol (LDL) which blocks the blood flow resulting heart diseases.

• It contain Potassium which also plays a vital role by maintaining blood Fluid level and also helps control heart rate and blood pressure.




Foods & Cardiovascular System

Circulatory System

Circulatory System


Malabar Spinach is rich in Iron which is effective in preventing Anemia as Iron are responsible for the production new blood cells. Its good amount of Vitamin C also helps to absorb Iron.




Foods & Circulatory System

Detoxification

Detoxification


Malabar Spinach leaves is Diuretic (increases production of urine) and also increases excretion of Sodium, Potassium, Chloride and bicarbonate levels.

• They also exert significant anti-urolithiatic (against stone) activity by lowering the elevated levels of oxalate, Calcium and phosphate in urine, further Calcium, creatinine, and uric acid in serum.




Foods & Detoxification

Digestive System

Digestive System


Malabar Spinach is used for the treatment of Digestive disorders.

• High Fiber Malabar Spinach content improves digestion and boost detoxification, thus helps to clean toxin stored in the colon.

• Cooked Malabar Spinach Vegetable reduces Mouth Ulcers and Constipation.




Foods & Digestive System

Eye

Eye


• Anti-oxidants like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Beta-Carotene, Zeaxanthin and Lutein provide extra protection from Eye retina damage which leads to Cataract or Eye vision loss.




Foods & Eye

Immune System

Immune System


Malabar Spinach contain Saponins that act as Phytochemicals and provide immune to the body system.

Vitamin C intake which is found in Malabar Spinach can shorten the duration of illness.




Foods & Immune System

Infections

Infections


• Its leaves are used externally in treatment sores, Urticarial and gonorrhea. The leaves poultice is applied externally on affected body areas.




Foods & Infections

Intestine

Intestine


• Its mildly Laxative (substances that loosen stools and increase bowel movements) and is recommended for those people suffering from Constipation.




Foods & Intestine

Musculoskeletal System

Musculoskeletal System


Calcium and Magnesium help to develop healthy Bone. Calcium is required for the development of Bone while Magnesium assists in the better absorption of Calcium.

• Roots are also used as poultice to reduce local swellings.




Foods & Musculoskeletal System

Oral & Dental

Oral & Dental


Malabar Spinach contain Vitamin C whose intake can shorten the duration of illness and benefit dental related problems (such as Scurvy, bleeding Gums and Gingivitis (Periodontitis)).




Foods & Dental

Pregnancy

Pregnancy


Malabar Spinach is beneficial for pregnant women as it is high in Folate which is required for the development of the foetus (especially during an early development stage of the newborn baby).

• The pregnant women who are suffering from gastric problems such as Constipation can consume the juice made from this leaves and get quick relief from it.

• A decoction of Malabar Spinach leaves has been used to alleviate labour pains in pregnant women in traditional medicine.




Foods & Pregnancy

Reproductive Health

Reproductive Health


• The Malabar Spinach leaves juice is also useful in gonorrhea and balanitis (inflammation of the end of the penis).




Foods & Reproductive Health

Respiratory System

Respiratory System


Malabar Spinach‘s high Vitamin C content is beneficial in protecting against diseases like Common Cold and Infections.

• Its leaves are also used traditionally in inflammation of Respiratory tract, cold, Cough due to Demulcent action. Demulcents are agents that form soothing layer on mucous membrane thus giving relief in pain and inflammation.

• The leaves juice with sugar is beneficial in cold, Cough and Congestion.




Foods & Respiratory System

Skin Health

Skin Health


• Roots are employed as Rubefacient (a medicine for external application that produces redness of the Skin).

• The sap has a softening or soothing effect especially to the Skin.

• The leaves are applied to Boils, ulcers and abscesses.




Foods & Skin Health

The Brain & Nervous System

The Brain & Nervous System





Foods & Nervous System

Weight Management

Weight Management


• Its extremely low in calories but is rich in nutrients, making it ideal for weight loss.




Foods & Weight Management








The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of Malabar Spinach


The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)

(per 100g) of

Malabar Spinach



Best Rated For:

Water (g) – 92.5 (-)
0.00%
Energy (2,000.21 Kcal) – 23 (Trace)
1.15%
Protein (90.56g) – 2.98 (Trace)
3.29%
Total Fat (53.27g) – 0.78 (Trace)
1.46%
Ash (g) – 1.04 (-)
0.00%
Carbohydrate (279.66g) – 2.71 (Trace)
0.97%
Total Dietary Fiber (17.1g) – 2.1 (Good)
12.28%
Total Sugars (g) –
Calcium (663mg) – 124 (Good)
18.70%
Iron (11.58mg) – 1.48 (Good)
12.78%
Magnesium (275.4mg) – 48 (Good)
17.43%
Phosphorus (1,143mg) – 36 (Trace)
3.15%
Potassium (2,499mg) – 256 (Good)
10.24%
Sodium (2,160mg) – 55 (Trace)
2.55%
Zinc (13.5mg) – 0.3 (Trace)
2.22%
Copper (2.22mg) – 0.111 (Trace)
5%
Manganese (3.51mg) – 0.255 (Trace)
7.26%
Selenium (24.90µg) – 0.9 (Trace)
3.61%
Vitamin C [Ascorbic Acid] (99mg) – 5.9 (Trace)
5.96%
Vitamin B1 [Thiamin] (0.96mg) – 0.106 (Good)
11.04%
Vitamin B2 [Riboflavin] (1.08mg) – 0.129 (Good)
11.94%
Vitamin B3 [Niacin] (10.44mg) – 0.787 (Trace)
7.54%
Vitamin B5 [Pantothenic Acid] (4.5mg) – 0.135 (Trace)
3%
Vitamin B6 [Pyridoxine] (1.59mg) – 0.086 (Trace)
5.41%
Total Folate (µg) – 114 (-)
0.00%
Vitamin B9 [Folate/Folic Acid] (240µg) – 0 (-)
0.00%
Food Folate (µg) – 114 (-)
0.00%
Dietary Folate Equivalents (µg) – 114 (-)
0.00%
Total Choline (474mg) –
Vitamin B12 [Cyanocobalamin] (2.4µg) – 0 (-)
0.00%
Vitamin A [Retinol] (2,207.79IU) – 1158 (Rich)
52.45%
Vitamin A [Retinol] (663µg RAE) – 58 (Trace)
8.75%
Vitamin A [Retinol] (663µg) – 0 (-)
0.00%
Alpha-Carotene ([estimated] 7,956µg) –
Beta-Carotene ([estimated] 3,978µg) –
Beta-Cryptoxanthin ([estimated] 7,956µg) –
Lycopene ([estimated] 19,890µg) –
Lutein + Zeaxanthin ([estimated] 22,873.5µg) –
Vitamin E [Alpha-Tocopherol] (6.6mg) –
Vitamin D [Cholecalciferol] (4.44µg) – 0 (-)
0.00%
Vitamin D [Cholecalciferol] (177.6IU) – 0 (-)
0.00%
Vitamin K [Phylloquinone] (51µg) –
Saturated Fatty Acid (7.02g) –
Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (15.6g) –
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (24.9g) –
Cholesterol (300mg) – 0 (-)
0.00%
Vitamin B8 [Biotin] (51µg) –
Chromium (30µg) –
Fluorine (3.51mg) –
Iodine (131.4µg) –
Molybdenum (50.1µg) –
Chloride (2,061mg) –
Polyunsaturated Fats [Omega-6] (g) –
Polyunsaturated Fats [Omega-3] (g) –
Boron (17.4mg) –
Nickel (0.9mg) –
Vanadium (1.02mg) –


The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)

(per 100g) of

Basella (Vine-Spinach)



Best Rated For:

Water (g) – 93.1 (-)
0.00%
Energy (2,000.21 Kcal) – 19 (Trace)
0.95%
Protein (90.56g) – 1.8 (Trace)
1.99%
Total Fat (53.27g) – 0.3 (Trace)
0.56%
Ash (g) – 1.4 (-)
0.00%
Carbohydrate (279.66g) – 3.4 (Trace)
1.22%
Total Dietary Fiber (17.1g) – 0.00 (-)
0.00%
Total Sugars (g) – 0.00 (-)
0.00%
Calcium (663mg) – 109 (Good)
16.44%
Iron (11.58mg) – 1.2 (Good)
10.36%
Magnesium (275.4mg) – 65 (Good)
23.60%
Phosphorus (1,143mg) – 52 (Trace)
4.55%
Potassium (2,499mg) – 510 (Good)
20.41%
Sodium (2,160mg) – 24 (Trace)
1.11%
Zinc (13.5mg) – 0.43 (Trace)
3.19%
Copper (2.22mg) – 0.107 (Trace)
4.82%
Manganese (3.51mg) – 0.735 (Good)
20.94%
Selenium (24.90µg) – 0.8 (Trace)
3.21%
Vitamin C [Ascorbic Acid] (99mg) – 102 (Excellent)
103.03%
Vitamin B1 [Thiamin] (0.96mg) – 0.05 (Trace)
5.21%
Vitamin B2 [Riboflavin] (1.08mg) – 0.155 (Good)
14.35%
Vitamin B3 [Niacin] (10.44mg) – 0.5 (Trace)
4.79%
Vitamin B5 [Pantothenic Acid] (4.5mg) – 0.053 (Trace)
1.18%
Vitamin B6 [Pyridoxine] (1.59mg) – 0.24 (Good)
15.09%
Total Folate (µg) – 140 (-)
0.00%
Vitamin B9 [Folate/Folic Acid] (240µg) – 0.00 (-)
0.00%
Food Folate (µg) – 140 (-)
0.00%
Dietary Folate Equivalents (µg) – 140 (-)
0.00%
Total Choline (474mg) – 0.00 (-)
0.00%
Vitamin B12 [Cyanocobalamin] (2.4µg) – 0.00 (-)
0.00%
Vitamin A [Retinol] (2,207.79IU) – 8000 (Excellent)
362.35%
Vitamin A [Retinol] (663µg RAE) – 400 (Rich)
60.33%
Vitamin A [Retinol] (663µg) – 0.00 (-)
0.00%
Alpha-Carotene ([estimated] 7,956µg) – 0.00 (-)
0.00%
Beta-Carotene ([estimated] 3,978µg) – 0.00 (-)
0.00%
Beta-Cryptoxanthin ([estimated] 7,956µg) – 0.00 (-)
0.00%
Lycopene ([estimated] 19,890µg) – 0.00 (-)
0.00%
Lutein + Zeaxanthin ([estimated] 22,873.5µg) – 0.00 (-)
0.00%
Vitamin E [Alpha-Tocopherol] (6.6mg) – 0.00 (-)
0.00%
Vitamin D [Cholecalciferol] (4.44µg) – 0.00 (-)
0.00%
Vitamin D [Cholecalciferol] (177.6IU) – 0.00 (-)
0.00%
Vitamin K [Phylloquinone] (51µg) – 0.00 (-)
0.00%
Saturated Fatty Acid (7.02g) – 0.00 (-)
0.00%
Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (15.6g) – 0.00 (-)
0.00%
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (24.9g) – 0.00 (-)
0.00%
Cholesterol (300mg) – 0.00 (-)
0.00%
Vitamin B8 [Biotin] (51µg) – 0.00 (-)
0.00%
Chromium (30µg) – 0.00 (-)
0.00%
Fluorine (3.51mg) – 0.00 (-)
0.00%
Iodine (131.4µg) – 0.00 (-)
0.00%
Molybdenum (50.1µg) – 0.00 (-)
0.00%
Chloride (2,061mg) – 0.00 (-)
0.00%
Polyunsaturated Fats [Omega-6] (g) – 0.00 (-)
0.00%
Polyunsaturated Fats [Omega-3] (g) – 0.00 (-)
0.00%
Boron (17.4mg) – 0.00 (-)
0.00%
Nickel (0.9mg) – 0.00 (-)
0.00%
Vanadium (1.02mg) – 0.00 (-)
0.00%