Jute Leaves (Saluyot) Fights Cancer

Saluyot originated from Egypt which was wildly believed as the source of health and beauty among Egyptian royalties, including the famous Cleopatra. Cleopatra ate lots of jute as one of sources of her youth and beauty. Saluyot, also known as jute, is a green leafy vegetable that is rich in calcium, phosphorus, iron and potassium. It has also been determined that 100 grams of saluyot contains an ample amount of Vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, ascorbic acid, and is also rich in fiber. It is safe to be eaten even by those which are medically considered to be in a weak state.

Saluyot can be found basically everywhere. From warm, tropical countries like the Philippines to tropical deserts and wet forest zones, saluyot is abundant. Jute Leaves or saluyot, is one of the most nutritious vegetables in the Philippines, according to a recent study conducted by the Department of Science and Technology. Saluyot is the secret behind the long life, good health and youthful looks among Ilokanos or Ilokanas in Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte in the Philippines.

Dried saluyot leaves can be made into a tea believed to cure headaches, dysentery, stomach aches and ulcers. This vegetable also assures safety of intake even for pregnant mothers.

Interestingly, saluyot is known to for its anti-aging benefits. Saluyot contains high antioxidant property, primarily in the form of Vitamin E. These anti-oxidant substances that have been associated with protection from chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, and kidney ailments as well as other medical condition. Studies have also shown that saluyot can be used for anti-inflammatory treatment. It is to be noted that saluyot has been used traditionally to address concerns related to inflammation and pain, and the results of recent studies confirmed the validity of such traditional practice. In the same manner, saluyot has also been connected with curing the chronic inflammation of the urinary bladder. To prepare its medical decoction, an individual is advised to eat dishes and soups that contain saluyot.

Saluyot contains Vitamin A which aids in repairing the body’s cells and improves eyesight. It also contains Vitamin C or ascorbic acid which improves circulation and helps lower the risk of cataracts and other eye disorders.

Saluyot contains a high percentage of calcium which contributes to strong teeth, bones, and a healthy count of red blood cells.

Jute Leaves (Saluyot) Nutrition Facts

• Moisture (%) – 80.4 – 84.1
• Food energy (cal.) – 43 – 58
• Protein (g) – 4.5 – 5.6
• Fiber (g) -1.7 – 2.0
• Total Carbohydrates (g) – 7.6 – 12.4
• Ash (g) – 2.4
• Calcium (mg) – 266 – 366
• Phosphorus (mg) – 97 – 122
• Iron (mg) – 11.6
• Sodium (mg) – 12
• Potassium (mg) – 444
• Vit. A (I.U.) – 6,390
• Thiamine (mg) – 15
• Riboflavin (mg) – 28
• Niacin
  

  Jute Leaves/Saluyot Preparation

  Saluyot is easy to prepare and can be incorporated to various dishes that would allow individuals to benefit from its vitamins and mineral content. Since it can be found easily, there are a lot of local viands and/or dishes that use saluyot as an ingredient. For instance,the Ilocanos use saluyot in their preparation of dinengdeng and bulangbulang. Fried saluyot are also mixed with sautéed bamboo shoots and dried beans. Other dishes include, but are not limited to chicken viands, wherein saluyot are mixed in either sautéed or pureed form. It is also integrated in mongo dishes, and in soups.

  The Philippine Department of Health advises the public to increase their intake of this particular vegetable, to include malunggay and banana as well, in order to build resistance against the threat of swine flu. The DOH encourages this because its vitamins and mineral content, would fortify one’s defenses against communicable diseases, which includes the widespread and dreaded disease.

  Jute Leaves/Saluyot Research Links

  Jute leaves is their high antioxidant property, primarily in the form of Vitamin E.
  http://www.cebu-philippines.net/natural-jute.html

  Studies have also shown that saluyot can be used for anti-inflammatory treatment.
  http://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/saluyot.htm