Versatile Veggies

More reasons to love these homegrown vegetables that are healthy, healing and delicious

Not your usual glamorous produce, these five everyday vegetables are usually just ignored or prepared in ordinary ways.
But with the multitude of health benefits they offer, it would be a shame not to incorporate them into our meals on a more regular basis, whether as a spread, snack 0r even dessert.
Let us create this fanciful all-vegetable spread of delicious and healthy concoctions. ☺

Ampalaya

The mere sight of it at the dinner table gives most people goosebumps.

And when eating this tough-looking veggie, our expression sometimes grows wrinkled, crinkled, puckered and blah. (heheh) ☺

But don't be mean!

The embittered ampalaya love us ~ it's loaded with antibacterial properties with its tarty juices known to treat coughs, reduce fever, cure diarrhea and even stimulate sexual desire.

Fry it, stew it, mix it with other flavors, but definitely try it just like this lovely dish cooked with egg and shrimp ~ because this gourd that's bitter makes us better day by day! ☺

Luya
("Luy-a" in our native Ilonggo dialect)

A quick sizzle in the frying pan and this rich rhizome fills the kitchen air with an amorous aroma.

And when you boil it to make a relaxing brew, the ginger and honey tickle, titillate and soothe our very soul.

It's the perfect condiment to dishes that ask for an exotic Asian tang.

But did you know that it can also be applied to cure headaches and toothaches?

Its extract also relieves colds, coughs, gas and stomach pain.

And when pounded and heated, it can make bruised boo-boos go away.

It may be challenging to chop into uniform pieces, but the ginger is best in a whole lot of ways. ☺

Kalabasa

Not just for pinakbet or pureed baby food, nor something that will turn into Cinderella's carriage, this bright and rich yellow vegetable is used to heal boils and skin ulcers, and even contains anti-elastase to prevent skin sagging.

The seeds when pulped can be used to expel intestinal worms.

For a healthy meal, try cooking a simple vegetable dish with squash and beans.

This is full of vitamin A, calcium, iron and phosphorous. ☺

Malunggay

("Balunggay" in our native Ilonggo dialect)

Perhaps you've noticed that malunggay is everywhere ~ in salads, bread, dips, pastas and even in ice cream.
That's because it's no secret that these leafy greens work wonders.
It's great source of vitamins and nutrients.
In fact, it has seven times more vitamin C than oranges, four times more calcium and two times more protein than milk, and three times more potassium than bananas!
It can soothe swellings, relieve spasms, asthma, rheumatism, gout and stones, and it's also best for increasing breast milk production.
Dubbed as the "miracle tree," it's a great plant to have in our backyard, perfect for creating quick and delicious recipes like this simple soup with fish and fresh malunggay leaves. ☺

Kamote

Let's take this tuber to new heights with a sweet snack or dessert.

Our usual "kamote que," is always sure to delight.

As we munch on this delightful snack, let us think of all the potassium and vitamins A, B and C that we're supplying our body with

(whether it's the yellow kamote or the purple kind).

The darker the color, the more nutrients it has.

It's also an excellent source of fiber to promote healthy bowel movement. ☺