Batangas Healthy Vegetables
Batangas province has ample choices of healthy vegetables for its travelers. The different towns boast of rich fertile land suitable to grow hearty greens. And for an active and fit travel, don't worry; the province has a good supply of produce especially for veggie lovers.
In San Sebastian, Lipa City, there is a vegetable farm that specializes in growing high-end lettuce and other vegetables. The farm uses state-of-the-art environment friendly organic method, which guarantees its freshness. So as farms in Payapa Ibaba in Lemery and in Guinhawa, Tuy where farms that are in intensive cultivation of greens.
Resort and hotel chefs should take note of this advantage, for they have a close proximity to the said farms. An added advantage for them to serve fresh and crisp salads to health conscious traveling customers.
So, why is it important to have greens in your diet?
Veggies have loads of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and photochemicals. Healthy vegetables are also low in calories, plus rich in dietary fiber. Which helps in protecting our body from harmful free radicals.
Greens should be added in every meal. Study shows that people who take a lot of vegetables have a lower risk of chronic disease, like heart disease, high blood pressure and cancers.
The following are some of the vegetables found in the fertile agricultural lands of Batangas.
Ampalaya (Bitter Melon) is a well-known vegetable for its medicinal value that was found helpful with liver problems and diabetes. It is rich in vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, C, calcium, fiber, iron, magnesium and potassium. Study shows that ampalaya is also used in treatment of skin diseases.
Kangkong (swamp cabbage) is an abundant vegetable that grows in any place. The green is a good source of calcium, iron, vitamin B and C. Study shows that the plant has memory enhancing and an anti-diabetic properties.
Labong (bamboo shoots) commonly made into pickles or used as an ingredients in lumpia (vegetable rolls). The healthy vegetable is recommended to heart patients because of its high dietary fiber and low fat content, which help maintain normal blood pressure and a steady heart rate. It helps control cholesterol level and studies show that it can help prevent colon cancer.
Okra or gumbo is a good source of calcium, fiber, folic acid, iron, vitamin A, B6 and C. It is low in calories and has nutrients like soluble fiber that helps to lower serum cholesterol, which reduces heart ailments. The veggie also helps the intestinal tract healthy, thus reducing the risk of having colon-rectal cancer.
Petsay or sometimes spelled as pechay (Chinese cabbage). The most savored vegetables all over the Philippines. The green is often used in stews, stir-fried dishes, and as an ingredient in pancit (noodles). The vegetable is a good source of calcium, iron, fiber, phosphorus, potassium, Vitamin A and C. It was also found that consuming petsay lowers the risk of breast and colon cancer.
Malunggay is a small tree with fern-like foliage, which is the one used as a vegetable. The malunggay leaves is an excellent source of protein, iron, fiber, thiamin, riboflavin and niacin. It was once known as a poor man's vegetable, but with the recent study by scientist and health care workers it now referred as a “miracle tree.” The leafy green is loaded with vitamins and minerals that were found to be an effective remedy for a number of ailments.
Repolyo (cabbage) is rich in minerals like iron, magnesium potassium, phosphorous and zinc. Its is also a excellent source of vitamin A, B6, B12, C and E. Consuming the green reduces the risk of cancer and helps strengthen the nervous system. It is said to heal ulcers and reduces heart ailments.
Singkamas (yam bean) usually eaten raw with salt and white vinegar and an ingredient in lumpia (vegetable rolls). A good source of calcium, fiber, iron, potassium and vitamin C. Another good thing it has zero calories or fat.
There are more healthy vegetables that can be found in markets and farms all over Batangas. Other veggies not mentioned are kibal (string beans) which I think can only be found in Batangas. Toge (bean sprouts), labanos (white raddish), gabi (edible tuber or taro) well it might bore you if I list them all.
Just a simple reminder for travelers, a diet rich in vegetables can lower the risk of a breakdown. And traveling with unhealthy diet might put you into a big health problem.
