Pasalai Keerai Health Benefits:
Pasalai keerai or Malabar spinach is
scientifically named as, Basella Alba or Basella Rubra. It is also
known as Vine spinach in many Asian countries. It is a popular
backyard garden plant that grows in tropical weather. The stems and leaves of this plant are known to have medicinal properties.
Pasalai Keerai leaves are rich in iron, calcium, Vitamin C and Vitamin A in particular. Pasalai Keerai leaves are the most consumed part of this plant. You can find two varities of Pasalai Keerai, one is in red color and another one is in green color. Pasalai Keerai contains 1.8 g protien per 100 g. It also has the following nutrients.
- Vitamin A
- Thiamine (B1)
- Riboflavin (B2)
- Niacin (B3)
- Vitamin B6
- Folate (B9)
- Vitamin C
- Minerals
- Calcium
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Zinc
Pasalai Keerai is
also known for its rich mineral content, abundant ascorbic acid and
flavonoid content which give this leaves anti-oxidant properties. Fresh
leaves are light in calories but rich in proteins, electrolytes and
minerals which help fight age-related disorders.
Pasalai Keerai in different Indian Languages:
Bengali - pui shak
Gujarati - poi ni bhaji
Kannada - basale soppu
Konkani - valchi bhaji or daento or vauchi bhaj
Malayalam - vallicheera
Marathi - mayalu
Odia - poi saaga
Tamil - kodip pasalai
Telugu - bachhali
Tulu - basale
Common Names of Pasalai Keerai:
- Red vine spinach
- Malabar Spinach Vine spinach
- Climbing spinach
- Buffalo spinach
- Creeping spinach
- Ceylon spinach
What does Malabar spinach contain?
This plant has been studied and reported to consist of, compounds like betalin, basellasaponins, kaempherol, etc. This plant exhibits anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, androgenic and antifungal properties. Being rich in iron it is primarily suggested as a cure for anemia.
The roots of pasalai keerai have astringent properties. The leaves are anticancer, antipyretic, demulcent, diuretic, laxative, mucilaginous in nature, which is used as a cure for various ailments.
Listed below are few benefits of growing and using pasalai keerai plant.
Pasalai Keerai Benefits:
Anti Inflammatory Properties of Pasalai keerai:
A study has concluded that extract of Pasalai Keerai showed a significant anti inflammatory activity.Study title - INVESTIGATION ON ANTI INFLAMMATORY PROPERTY OF BASELLA ALBA LINN LEAF EXTRACT
Antibacterial Activity of Pasalai Keerai:
A study has concluded that extract of Pasalai Keerai has good activity against antibacterial strains namely Salmonella paratyphi and Vibrio Cholera and antifungal strain namely Aspergillus fumigates.Study by Vimala J.R., Keerthana S., “Preliminary phytochemical screening and antibacterial activity on basella alba l”, Int. J. Res. Dev. Pharm. L. Sci., 2014, 3(6), pp. 1295-1299.
Antimicrobial activity of Pasalai Keerai:
A study has confirmed the potential antimicrobial activity of the extract Basella alba.Study by ReshmiSK, AravindhanKMand DeviPS: Antimicrobial activity of Basella albaFruit.Int J Pharm Sci Res. 3(12); 4757-4761.
Pasalai Keerai for skin care:
The leaf pulp or mucilage is used for treating skin ailments such as ring worms, skin irritations, and bruises. The polysaccharides and mucilage present in this plant and its leaves help heal ulcers, scalds, and burns. The gel prepared from the leaves of pasalai keerai is popular for cosmetic use besides treating skin disorders. To soothe burns and scalds, fresh leaf juice is applied along with butter. This plant is also useful in the treatment of freckles and acne appearing on the skin.
Pasalai Keerai for treating constipation, gonorrhea, and urticaria:
Leaves of Pasalai Keerai with its laxative property provide relief from constipation. It is also known for its anti-inflammatory property which helps in treating pelvic inflammatory diseases. Its anti-fungal and anti-infective property helps in providing relief, in a person suffering from conditions such as Gonorrhea and Urticaria.
Pasalai Keerai for Swelling and Rheumatic pains:
The roots of Malabar spinach is useful in relieving symptoms of rheumatism. The swelling and inflammation are treated with a paste made from the roots of Malabar spinach.
Pasalai Keerai for dysentery:
The demulcent property of juice extracted from pasalai keerai leaves helps provide relief from symptoms of dysentery.Anticancer property:
The Ayurveda uses the stem and leaf extract to treat various diseases such as oral cancer, melanoma, and leukemia. The leaf and stems are known to possess the ability to fight cancer. It is also popularly used for treating various conditions such as hemorrhages, ulcers, skin diseases and sexual weakness, in Ayurveda.
Pasalai Keerai for Common cold, and cough:
Consuming the stem and leaf in the regular diet helps overcome the common cold, cough, infections caused due to cold and anemia.
Pasalai Keerai for treating headache:
The mucilaginous fluid or gel, extracted from tender stalks and leaves is known to relieve a headache, when applied topically.
Pasalai Keerai for nursing mothers:
Nursing mothers are recommended consumption of regular iron and calcium supplements. Pasalai keerai with its abundant Calcium and Iron contents is an ideal diet to include for nursing mothers. The roots and leaf extract are known to relieve stomach pains in a nursing mother. It is also recommended for enhancing milk production.
How to eat Pasalai Keerai?
Pasalai Keerai can be eaten in different ways. It can be easily included in our diet by trying new Pasalai Keerai recipes. Few of the Pasalai Keerai recipes and dishes we can make with Pasalai Keerai.
- Curries
- Kootu
- Poriyal
- Gravies
- Soup
- Bhaji
- Stir fry
Reference:
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