Gynura procumbens
is a perennial plant of the Asteraceae family, that may grow to 100 cm
high.It is an evergreen shrub found in Southeast Asia, especially
Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, which is of considerable medicinal
value. It has found its way around the world and is widely used as an
accepted medicinal plant. The fleshy leaves are bright green that are
rather smooth to touch. The shape of leaves can vary depending on the
growing conditions and they can range from roundish to ovate in shape
but are all shallowly toothed at the margins.
Gynura is believed by the Chinese to be one that possesses the
ability to lower blood pressure and sugar levels. Usually will recommend
to eat 3 – 7 leaves daily in the raw form, 5-8 leaves per meal is
enough. This is advisable to consume by patients with heart problems and
with diabetes.
Gynura is best served raw to preserve its natural enzymes keeping its
nutrients intact as compared to the ones that passed thru any form of
heat because it may reduce the nutrients stocked in the leaf. In other
places like in Singapore, they would prefer the gynura leaves to be
blanched with hot water before serving. Most people would consume the
leaf as it is without cooking and is often mixed with lettuce salad to
enhance its taste.
This plant grows easily from stem-cuttings. Seeds are not available.
It is best grown in well-draining, fertile soil that is kept moist at
all times. Semi-shade is preferred by this plant although it can be
slowly adapted to grow in full sun, provided the plant does not dry out
at the roots. Initial planting under direct sunshine will result in
burnt leaves and stunting in growth. Growth should resume once the plant
has acclimatised to its new growing conditions.
Ingredients
- Philippine ripe mango cut into cubes
- 2 hard boiled eggs halves
- 4 tablespoon of mayonaise
- 1/2 cup of fresh gynura leaves
- cherry tomatoes
- iceberg lettuce
Directions
In a bowl, whisk together all ingredients: mango, eggs, gynura leaves, lettuce, tomatoes and mayonaise. Serve chilled and enjoy.
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