Malabar spinach contains high levels of vitamin C, vitamin E, provitamin A, along with many minerals and polyphenol compounds such as quercetin and kaempferol. These are all substances with antioxidant activity.
Malabar spinach is considered a multi-nutrient vegetable because it contains a rich amount of vitamins and minerals compared to some common green leafy vegetables.
In particular, the vitamin C content in Malabar spinach is considered outstanding, contributing to supporting the immune system and protecting cells from the effects of free radicals.
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, playing an important role in collagen synthesis, supporting the skin, blood vessels, bones and immune system.
This is also an important antioxidant that helps the body fight oxidative stress - a condition that tends to increase when the body is exposed to high temperatures, environmental pollution, or an unhealthy diet.
WHO emphasizes that supplementing with a variety of green vegetables is an effective way to ensure the body's essential vitamin and mineral needs.
Summer is often accompanied by excessive sweating, causing the body to lose water and micronutrients.
Malabar spinach not only provides vitamin C but also contains a significant amount of water, fiber and many beneficial plant compounds. When processed into Malabar spinach soup, this dish helps replenish water, creating a cool and easy-to-digest feeling.
In addition to vitamin C, water spinach also contains flavonoids and polyphenols - compounds that have been recognized in many studies as having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These substances help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, while supporting cardiovascular health and metabolism.
Nutrition experts believe that choosing sweet vegetables in the summer menu also helps diversify micronutrient sources instead of just focusing on fruits rich in vitamin C such as oranges, grapefruits or kiwis.
Combining sweet potato leaves with other foods such as lean meat, shrimp or field crabs can help the meal be more balanced in nutrition.
However, you should maintain a diverse diet with many different types of green vegetables and fruits instead of relying on a single food to meet the body's nutritional needs.
