Ceylon Spinach is rich in antioxidants, particularly beta carotene and lutein - naturally occurring chemicals that help keep your cells from aging. The purple variety seems to be slightly higher in antioxidants, most likely anthocyanins due to the colour.
Food
What nutrient-rich food to grow in urban context..
Ulam Raja is a medicinal herb and has been used for centuries for numerous metabolic disorders. These uses have been authenticated over the last couple of decades as the plant has been found in laboratory research to reduce blood pressure and bone loss.
This climber was introduced to America in the 19th century as an ornamental plant. It flowers profusely and has beautiful purple or green pods. It is cultivated widely in North Africa and Asia for its edible pods, since 1700BC.
Also known as "Poor Man's Spinach", it belongs to the family of Amaranthaceae which is known as leaf vegetable rich in iron and other minerals. It is a perennial, prefers shade and can even be grown as a ground cover..
Eaten in India as "Gongura", the edible leaves of the "Whitten" strand have up to 34% Protein. The seeds can be ground into a gluten free flour for baking. It is a fast growing plant (faster than weeds), requires little water and can sequester 8x more carbon than evergreen trees
With a ranking of 1000 on the ANDI Food Scores, Watercress is a super food similar to Kale and Mustard Greens. It is easy to grow in soil or water under full sun or partial shade..
Grows at up to 1 metre per week, Madiera Vine has been declared an invasive species in many western countries. However, the Japanese value it as "OkawaKame" or Land Seaweed.
Also known as the "herb of longevity", Gotu Kola has been used in Ayurvedic, Chinese and Indonesian medicine. Reputed to be able to boost brain power, heal skin issues, promote liver and kidney health..
Moringa, the "miracle tree", is now staple in community gardens. The challenge is to grow it as a shrub along your corridor or in your balcony
Katuk leaves have the highest protein content, up to 49% and has been used by lactating mothers in Indonesia for generations.