NH ENG _Mac2022

FOOD & Nutrition
1 Ginger
Whether you are using it as a cooking ingredient or a healing herb, ginger is an
ordinary rhizome with extraordinary ‘powers’. For starters, ginger can instantly spice
up bland-tasting dishes. Cooking aside, it is also a health-boosting plant that provides
a range of health and wellness benefits, from relieving nausea to improving skin,
hair, and nails. Ginger is also known to increase metabolism, support weight loss,
and boost immunity. A versatile herb, it is often used as a pain relief remedy. Recent
research has also found that ginger can potentially prevent colon cancer.
2 Turmeric
For centuries, turmeric has
gained a strong foothold
in traditional medicine
as an effective remedy
for relieving pain and
inflammation. Rich in iron,
manganese, potassium,
vitamins C and B6, this golden-yellow spice also contains powerful
antioxidants that can help alleviate many types of diseases like heart
issues, arthritis, and gastrointestinal problems. It is also used as a
beauty remedy to promote healthy skin and hair. Research shows that
it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on obesity as well,
making it an excellent complement to a healthy weight loss diet. In
addition, it has also been shown to improve respiratory infections,
allergies, and depression.
5 Moringa
With its fragile branches and
odd knobby appearance, the
moringa plant doesn’t look at all
impressive. However, don’t judge
a moringa by its looks because
this puny plant is incredibly rich
in nutrition thanks to a variety of
essential phytochemicals present
in its leaves, pods, and seeds.
According to scientific research,
moringa offers seven times more
vitamin C than oranges, ten times
more vitamin A than carrots,
17 times more calcium than
milk, nine times more protein
than yoghurt, 15 times more
potassium than bananas, and 25
times more iron than spinach.
Studies also show that moringa
can help heal both Type 1 and
Type 2 diabetes, protect and
improve brain function.
3 Pegaga
Pegaga, as it is commonly called in Malaysia, is a
quaint perennial plant that is often used as a culinary
vegetable as well as a medicinal herb. In other parts
of the world, it is known as Gotu kola, pennywort,
or by its scientific name, Centella Asiatica. It is
recommended by the World Health Organization
(WHO) as one of the most important medicinal
plant species to be conserved and cultivated. In
Malaysia, it is commonly consumed as a vegetable
(ulam) among Malays and used during confinement
to enhance the health of new mothers. According
to research, pegaga offers positive outcomes in the
treatment of bronchitis, asthma, excessive secretion
of gastric juices, dysentery, and kidney problems.
4 Bitter melon
Bitter melon, also known as bitter
gourd, balsam pear, or karela, is a
widely consumed vegetable in Malaysia.
While it is not all that appealing to
our tastebuds because of its bitter
flavour, it has many significant health
benefits that make it one of the most
essential superfoods to include in your
daily diet. The plant consists of three
primary substances that offer anti-diabetic properties to help lower blood glucose
levels. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat cough, skin conditions, burns,
and period pain. In a study by Saint Louis University in the US, bitter melon extract
demonstrated the ability to kill breast cancer cells and prevent them
from metastasising.
18 Natural Health * March 2022 VOL 126