Health Benefits of Sigarilyas

Rose May Pimentel in Health

Mar 31, 2023 • 3 min Read

One of the vegetables in ‘Bahay Kubo’, Winged bean, or sigarilyas in Tagalog is rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is liked for its versatility, crunch, and crisp texture. It’s one of the vital, underutilized, multipurpose tropical legumes.

Sigarilyas is versatile in the kitchen. It can be eaten raw, steamed, sautéed, or boiled, and is a great addition to stir-fries, salads, and soups. Its unique taste and texture make it a perfect ingredient for a variety of dishes.

Here are some of the amazing benefits of sigarilyas, from Health Benefits Times:

1. Helps Prevent Premature Aging

Sigarilyas consists of a considerable amount of copper which is a strong antioxidant that works to safeguard the cell membranes from free radicals that attack different organ systems but is specifically well-researched on their effect on aging; wrinkles, age spots, and susceptibility to various types of cancer, macular degeneration, and kidney malfunctions. Having sufficient copper in your daily diet can keep you looking younger.  Sigarilyas consists of 5.242 mg of copper which is 582.44% of the daily recommended value.

2. Reduces Headaches and Migraines

Research has discovered that tryptophan reduction deteriorates pain related to tension headaches and migraines, plus may cause serious nausea and sleep problems experienced by many migraine victims. Increased brain synthesis of serotonin offers natural relief for headaches and migraine symptoms, like sensitivity to light, indigestion, pain, and more. Research conducted discovered that five to eight hours after consuming a drink of 19 different amino acids, including tryptophan, symptoms of migraines were reduced.

3. Ensures a Healthy Pregnancy

Normally doctors recommend pregnant women increase their intake of iron from food sources or supplements. Prenatal supplementation of iron helps lower the risk of low birth weight and avoids maternal anemia during pregnancy. Pregnant women must take 27 milligrams of iron a day. Sigarilyas consists of 24.46 mg of iron which is 305.75% of the daily recommended value.

4. Helps Prevent Vision Problems

Research has proven that thiamine can help defend against vision problems like cataracts and glaucoma. Sigarilyas is one of the best sources of vitamin b1 since it has 1.875 mg of vitamin B1 which is 156.25% of the daily recommended value.

5. Weight loss

Apart from aiding digestion and preventing constipation, fiber helps add bulk to your diet, a key factor for both losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight. Adding bulk help you feel full sooner. Since fiber remains in the stomach longer than other foods, that feeling of fullness will stay with you much longer, helping you eat less. High-fiber foods tend to be low in calories, so by including them in your diet, it’s easier to cut calories.

6. Muscle Weakness

Sigarilyas consists of an ample amount of phosphorus that can remove minor health problems like muscle weakness, numbness, fatigue, and other similar disorders.

7. Can Help Prevent Diabetes

Vitamin D and calcium when consumed together may be beneficial in optimizing glucose metabolism and helping to prevent diabetes, according to research. Sigarilyas consists of 801 mg of calcium which is 80.10% of the daily recommended value.

8. Increases Immunity and Fights Colds

Zinc-rich foods like sigarilyas are frequently taken as a natural over-the-counter remedy for fighting colds and symptoms of illnesses. When taken for at least five months, zinc reduces your risk of becoming sick with the common cold, plus supplementing once you already feel sick can speed up the healing process.

Sigarilyas is considered a superfood, a good addition to a well-balanced and budget-friendly diet.

Stay healthy and safe!