28Jun
Kangkong [Scientific Name: Ipomoea aquatica Forsk., also Ipomoea reptans Poir]
Whether it is from the pond or from the garden, kangkong is a commonly used food plant in Asia. Folkloric data indicate that the plant is a general tonic for neuralgia and other nervous diseases and can be used as poultice for skin ulcers. We enjoy this vegetable in our “sinigang†or just stir-fried with garlic and tofu, as with any other vegetable that we consume, kangkong should be washed thoroughly before cooking.
This vegetable is rich in iron and is also relatively rich in S-methyl methionine (so-called Vitamin U – this is pseudovitamin) and is used traditionally to treat gastric and intestinal disorders. S-methyl methionine is a substance that strengthens the cell membrane and overall immune system. It was also reported that S-methyl methionine can act as a hypolipidemic agent or lowers our cholesterol/fat in our blood. Kangkong has also been found to have insulin-like properties, acting as an anti-hyperglycaemic agent.
28Jun
If you’re in for lossing weight by eating less but is afraid that you will likely go hypoglycemic, try natural fruit juice or fruit and vegetable mix to replace 1 meal, try not to skip the two regular meals. Blend your own juice and strain the fiber and keep in a cold thermos if you’re working. It would be good to take this fruit meal in the evening instead and have it really fresh and ready for a good night rest. You could blend or extract juice from fruits that are on season. If you buy watermelon, do not extract the juice and blend it with other fruit extracts, watermelon is best eaten as is or as a fruit salad/cocktail.
Your base fruit and vege juice can be pineapple-carrot, then add cucumber and maybe malunggay (IF YOU ARE IN FOR A MORE HEALTHY STUFF!). As you take this kind of juice on a daily basis, with or without the fasting, as a supplement, you can vary the third component, i.e., cucumber, and replace it with, say celery. Try to experiment with how it taste with other vege known to be rich in anti-oxidants.
28Jun
Okra [ Scientific Name: Abelmoschus esculentus; Hibiscus esculentus]
Okra is a vegetable that has been cultivated for more than 800 years originating somewhere in present day Ethiopia. It was introduced by Africa to America and has been an important part of the South American diet in the form of stews and gumbos (thick stews). In the Philippines, okra is used in the traditional “pinakbet†and “sinigang†and to some extent a plain roasted vege; some would eat it raw. It is a significant source of dietary fiber, Vitamin A, and potassium and Vitamin C. The seeds of okra can be dried, roasted, ground and brewed as a substitute for coffee. The ripe seeds can also yield edible oils. The leaves are used as medicinal remedy to reduce swelling and inflammation. This vegetable is rich in dietary fibers that help stabilize blood sugar. Okra can also help reduce cholesterol by binding along with bile acids which usually carry the toxins which the body should eliminate. The mucilaginous material in the fruit also facilitates the binding. This property is comparable to taking statins. As we know statins are the drugs that doctors prescribe in cases of high cholesterol or high dangerous fat in the blood. This however works in our intestines and virtually eliminating the source of high fat that is already attached with bile salts.
Furthermore, the bulk formed by okra in the stool promotes the growth of good bacteria. This property is similar to probiotics. So why take expensive anti-hyperlipedimic (high fat in blood) drugs when you can eat okra. Among ulcer suffering people, okra can be beneficial as anti-ulcer, comparable to a standard drug misoprotol with good results. The alkaline pH of okra could also contribute to its effect in gastro-intestinal ulcers by neutralizing the digestive acids.
So eat okra, it’s great for our health and digestion!
26Jun
Luyang Dilaw (Turmeric) [Scientific name: Curcuma longa Linn.]
Turmeric is a traditional spice. It is closely associated with Mediterranean and Indian cuisine. However we have paid little attention to this plant which is now stirring great interest in modern medical research. The rhizome of the plant is used as tea as well as pigment for dyes and as a food preservative. Folkloric medicine data indicate that the plant rhizome is used for dyspepsia, flatulence, abdominal pain, fever and as tincture for wounds. It is also believed that it can lower cholesterol and has antioxidants. The renewed interest in turmeric seemed to have started in the 1970s when it was believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Curcumin (diferuloylmethane), a polyphenolic plant pigment, gives the distinct yellow color and is the primary substance of interest. The juice can be applied topically to ulcers and even eczematous lesions of the skin to reduce inflammation and as antiseptic. The anti-inflammatory property may be compared to that of hydrocortisone. The rhizome also contains volatile oils.
Because of the various tests in animals and the wide possibilities on the use of turmeric, the interest in the plant has grown to involve very specific trials in the US. Research is focused on the medicinal effect against Human Papilloma Virus which can cause cervical cancer as well as reseach on breast cancer. It was reported that India will be embarking on a huge trial on turmeric because this plant is part of the armamentarium of Ayurvedic medicine.
The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric is now being investigated on the colon and even multiple sclerosis. If you take pain killer drugs on a regular basis such that you are likely to be less productive without pain relievers for joint pains of arthritis or even of muscular origin or what we call rheumatism, try turmeric tea. The traditional “Salabat†can be a combination of the usual ginger and turmeric. “Luyang dilaw†or turmeric can be bought from your local market. Discover your freedom from pain as well as protection of your liver with natural products such as “Luyang Dilaw.”
25Jun
Banaba [ Scientific name: Lagerstroemia speciosa]
Banaba has been a popular medicinal plant in the Philippines for the treatment of urinary tract infections. Most of our grandparents would acknowledge that banaba has been used for over 50 years. It is a tree commonly found in the provinces; its beautiful blue-violet colored flowers make the banaba tree an ornamental tree used also as shades for parking lots and roadside landscaping. You will find several of these in the South Luzon Express Way and at the Alabang Town Center parking lot.
Banaba is also a famous medicinal plant in ayurvedic medicine mainly to lower blood sugar and reducing weight agent. The Philippine banaba has become popular with respect to its anti-diabetic properties. Banaba tea is famous as a health drink in Japan and in the U.S. Technically, the active principle is considered to be corosolic acid, a triterpenoid compound, which promotes glucose transport or utilization in the body cells. The current thinking is that banaba can lower glucose independent of pancreatic insulin. This makes the active principle of banaba a natural form of insulin from plants.
With the reduction of blood glucose is the concomitant reduction in body weight, apparently due to the better control of carbohydrate. The weight reduction was seen even without dietary restrictions.
The leaves are generally used to make a concoction or tea, but the bark, flowers and fruits can be used as well. If you want to prepare your own banaba tea, get mature green leaves and chop them. The ratio is 1 part chop banaba leaves to 3 parts water boiled for about 15 minutes (low heat). You can drink this tea 3 or 4 times a day. If you want some twist in the flavor with added value of herbs, you can add “tanglad” or lemon grass with local citrus such as “kalamansi.”
There are no known side effects or toxic reactions of banaba. In fact, it has been reported that banaba can help detoxify the body and protect the liver. Banaba tea can be considered a health drink.
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