CHICKENLESS TINOLA (Vegetarian Stew)

Malunggay leaves are incomparable as a source of the sulfur-containing amino acids methionine and cystine, often the natural minerals humans lack. It is high in vitamins A, C, and E, which are very potent antioxidants and is a very good quencher of unstable free radicals that can react with and damage molecules that cause aging. It also prevents the onset of various chronic diseases like arthritis, cancer, and heart and kidney diseases. In addition to its antibitiotic and antifungal properties the fruit of the malunggay helps increase the sperm count of men who ate it. But the most popular benefit of the malunggay is for breastfeeding mothers. Malunggay leaves and pods can help the mother's health and pass on strength to the fetus or nursing child. One rounded soup (table) spoon of leaf powder will satisfy about 14% of the protein, 40% of the calcium, 23% of the iron and nearly all the vitamin A needs of a child aged one to three.


Six rounded spoonfuls of leaf powder will satisfy nearly all of a woman's daily iron and calcium needs during times of pregnancy and breast-feeding.


CHICKENLESS TINOLA (Stew)
1 teaspoon coconut oil

3 pcs. garlic, chopped

1 small onion, chopped

1 finger ginger, chopped

1 medium green papaya

Sili or malunggay leaves

1 sweet potato or kamote (optional)

1/2 chicken cube (optional)

2-3 cups water or rice water (hugas bigas)

rock salt to taste

Saute garlic, onion and ginger in water or oil. Add kamote and boil with water until tender. Then add the papaya, chicken cube and salt to taste. Lastly, add the malunggay or sili leaves.