Health Benefits of Bataw
Rose May Pimentel in Health
Apr 14, 2023 • 3 min Read
Bataw, also known as hyacinth bean, contains various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help to enhance overall health. It’s a vine that has edible seeds, pods, leaves, flowers, and roots.
Bataw is often used as feed for livestock because of its high nutritional value. It possesses antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, appetite suppressants, antispasmodic properties, etc. that prevent various types of ailments.
In Pinoy recipes, bataw is sautéed, used in salads, curry, and vegetable soups, and added to a reduction of coconut milk along with a favorite protein for a healthy dish called ‘bataw express.’ It is also cooked along with other veggies, such as the pinakbet dish.
Here are some of the amazing benefits of this underrated veggie, from Dr. Health Benefits site:
1. Weight lose
Bataw contains complex carbohydrates which may help in weight loss. Consuming the beans gives a full or satiated sensation to your stomach. Thus, it effectively suppresses appetite.
2. Prevents cancer
This light purple or pale green pods with seeds contain a good amount of zinc, useful to prevent cancer as it can avert cell mutation, assist cell division, and inhibit the growth of tumor cells. It also fights the free radicals from unhealthy lifestyles.
3. Promotes the immune system
The intake of zinc from bataw may reduce inflammation, infections, and oxidative stress. Bataw may promote the body’s immune system.
4. Maintains healthy digestion
It is healthy for our digestive system. Traditional Chinese medicine uses bataw as the main role in treating stomach disorders such as flatulence, vomiting, ulcer, diarrhea, and intestinal worms.
5. Reduces cholesterol and improves cardiovascular health
Consuming bataw may help reduce the level of LDL. The decreased level of LDL or bad cholesterol can prevent some diseases. It can improve and maintain cardiovascular health. The vitamin B1 in bataw may inhibit heart diseases and treat heart failure.
6. Enhances mood
Bataw contains a high level of protein that can balance the hormones, serotonin, and dopamine because it plays an essential role in enhancing mood, preventing mood swings, and keeping us calm.
7. Improves brain function
Copper is one of the essential minerals useful for our brain health. The consumption of bataw helps improve brain function by lifting our mood and improving our ability to focus. The high antioxidants in bataw can fight free radicals that may decrease brain function.
8. Treats insomnia
One of the habits which affect insomnia is the lack of high nutrition intake. Sufficient nutrients from food, especially the content of magnesium will help avoid insomnia. Magnesium in bataw help reduce stress and increase sleep quality.
10. Improves lactation
Bataw along with the leaves can be consumed as a supplement to improve lactation in new mothers.
11. Energizing
These curvy pods with their beneficial beans inside contain ample iron, a mineral with the ability to transport oxygen to the cells and make sure the whole body effectively absorbs the nutrients from food. This way, the sufficient intake of iron from bataw can prevent fatigue and enhance energy.
Being nutrient-rich, bataw certainly makes a good addition to one’s diet.
Stay healthy and safe!
Featured Photo: Credit to Hanny at Pinterest
