Leafy greens are considered to be the best sources of nutrients that help in the growth and development of the human body. Hence it is normally given a prime place in the list of foods that are considered mandatory for maintaining better health. One of the popular leafy greens, which are normally grown in the backyard gardens is Basella or Vine spinach, which belongs to the Basellaceae family. Including it in our daily diet does give a lot of health benefits that are unknown to most of us.
Basella has stems that are purple and have leaves that are dark green. It is found in the Malabar coastal region of India as well as in Sri Lanka. The common names of Basella in Asian countries are Ceylon spinach, Remayong in Malay, Pui Saag in Bengali, Mong Toi in Vietnamese, Saan Choy in China and Alugbati in the Philippines.
The color of this spinach is completely different from English Spinach called Spinacia Oleracea, as it is vine spinach and it is a vine that creeps. The leaves are broad, dark green, bright and thick. Even though it is a popular vegetable used in many South Asian countries, it is gaining popularity in countries like Australia, The US, and Europe.
This is a perennial vine that can be grown as an annual crop or as a pot herb at backyards. All it needs is a humid and hot climate with soil that is very much fertile, moist and that can be well-drained. While planting stem cuttings with 25 cm are planted, basella grows well and quickly. Since it is a vine, it grows really fast. According to the species, the vine bears white or pink-tinted small flowers and black or purple berries.
The leaves of Basella Alba are thick and fleshy. They are broad and have heart shapes, with purple or pink stems. The leaves have pink color veins on them. One and a half months after they are planted, the leaves can be harvested.
Some of the health benefits of Vine Spinach
- With a lot of phytonutrients in them, Basella leaves have gained a lot of popularity in the Asian countries.
- Basella leaves are low in fats and calories; moreover, it has a lot of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to make you stay healthy and energetic all through the day.
- Basella leaves, which are thick and a bit fleshy, contain a polysaccharide that is not starchy, named mucilage. The fiber found in it is mainly in its leaves and stem. Digestion can be maintained in a very smooth manner due to the leaves that are mucilage. Thus it helps in reducing the absorption of cholesterol to the bloodstream and also helps to prevent constipation and other bowel issues.
- It has more amount of Vitamin C content than found in English spinach. Vitamin C is very essential for our day to day activities. Moreover, as it is a powerful antioxidant, it is good in helping the body resist against a lot of infections and also helps in getting rid of harmful oxygen-free radicals.
- It is a good source of folate, Vitamin B6 and more.
Selecting and storing
Fresh basella leaves are available in any season. But it is found in only particular stores in the European markets. And they are found mainly in Asian stores selling herbs and vegetables. Pick shiny thick leaves with firm stems. Do not pick dry ones or bruised ones. Store the leaves in a zip lock pouch in the vegetable wrack in the refrigerator for storing for 3-4 days.
Include basella leaves to your daily diet and make a lot of difference to your health and wellness. Eating greens can surely give you a healthy body and also a good skin tone. You can also help your hair grow luxuriously if you include greens in your daily diet.
