Tacloban City (November 9) -- Saluyot or jute mallow or Jew's mallow or simply Jute in English, ever-present in the dining tables of the Ilocanos and the Tagalogs in Northern Luzon and other Luzon provinces, appears not to be known by people of Eastern Visayas.

Jute mallow, jew's mallow or jute is famous for its sturdy natural fiber but there are cultivars that are cultivated as a leafy vegetable. The leaves are used fresh or dried. They can be stored after drying and used later on during periods of scarcity. The leaves become mucilaginous when cooked, a trait of this crop, which is highly appreciated.

One of the best vegetables that health experts recommend to be part of dietary foods is Saluyot which can commonly be found at the backyard of the Filipinos in the Philippines.

Saluyot is one of the 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.

History reveals that Saluyot originated from Egypt which was wildly believed as the source of health and beauty among Egyptian royalties, including the famous Cleopatra.

The leaves of saluyot are rich source of iron, protein, calcium, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, phosphorous, potassium, Vitamin A, and folate.

Eating saluyot regularly helps control blood pressure & cholesterol, and lowers the risk of asthma, cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Dried saluyot leaves can be made into a tea believed to cure headaches, dysentery, stomach aches and ulcers.

Saluyot can be added to any soup one makes, chicken, beans, pumpkin and so on. It could also be stir-fried and eaten with rice or noodles. The longer it is boiled or fried, the stickier it gets, so the advice is not to let it stew for too long.

Interestingly, saluyot is known to for its anti-aging benefits. Jute leaves contain almost all of the nutrients needed by humans but the most important benefit of the leaves is their high antioxidant property, primarily in the form of Vitamin E.

These antioxidants combine with free radicals that cause problems like arthritis, hardening of arteries, heart and kidney ailments.

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 also contains Vitamin E which slows down the aches and pains associated with aging, hold infertility at bay, and increase the stamina. It also contains a high percentage of calcium which contributes to strong teeth and bones.