Saluyot or jute plant is so common in the Philippines that it does not need to be propagated, it is just like other weeds thriving in non cultivated open fields as well as tilled farmlands. They come in green or red variety.
It grows well in warm, tropical weather. It is a green leafy vegetable that is rich in vitamins and minerals that its benefits are worth considering, than shunning the slimy characteristic of this vegetable when cooked.
Its vitamin content is good for eyesight, as the vegetable contains beta-carotene. Its iron and calcium content necessarily aids a person in maintaining strong bones and teeth, and a healthy count of red blood cells.
Saluyot has been used to reduce wrinkles, as it also contains anti-oxidant substances. 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.
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.
Though saluyot is known as poor man’s vegetable, it is one if not the most nutritious vegetable in the Philippines.
According to the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FRNI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DoST), one-half cup cooked saluyot leaves (45g) is equivalent to 20 kilocalories and it will provide the following amount of nutrients:
Protein – 1.30 grams; Calcium – 87.3 milligrams; Phosphorus – 22.5 milligrams; Iron – 1.0 milligrams; Beta carotene – 1334 micrograms; Thiamine – 0.02 milligrams; Riboflavin – 0.04 milligrams; Niacin – 0.30 milligrams; and Abscorbic acid – 10 milligrams; Fat – 0.30 grams; Carbohydrates – 3.1 gram; Fiber – 0.40 grams; Retinol Equivalent (vitamin A) – 222 micrograms
Moreover, saluyot has an antioxidant activity of 77% or α-tocopherol equivalent (vitamin E) of 48.9. In other words, saluyot contains all the important nutrients needed by the body.
