Healthy greens: Other leaves Popeye would love

There’s a whole world of greens out there, packed with nutrients and available in a range of versatile flavours. Here’s a look at five leaves a desi Popeye would have liked. These are greens that were part of traditional Indian diets and are now being rediscovered. The best part, you can even grow them in large pots in your home.

Amaranth

Grows across the country, and is available in green, gold, purple and red. It is sold as chaulai in Hindi-speaking regions; cheera in Kerala; and eaten as keerai masiyal in Tamil Nadu, where it is steamed, mashed and sautéed with spices.

“Amaranth leaves are rich in antioxidants, phytonutrients, minerals and vitamins and are a good source of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber,” says nutritionist Sheela Joseph.

It boosts the metabolism and is therefore recommended for those with high LDL or bad cholesterol and those trying to lose weight. It is rich in Vitamin K, which boosts bone health.

“Amaranth leaves have three times more calcium and niacin than spinach. They help counter anaemia as they are a very rich source of iron. And the leaves are high in protein content”, says fitness expert Nawaz Modi Singhania.

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