What is this food?
Boiled horseradish tree leaves (dwarf), a leafy vegetable cooked by boiling.
Why it matters to health
This leafy veg is low in calories (about 48 kcal per 100 g) and helps you add volume to meals without piling on energy. It also provides dietary fiber (about 1.2 g), which supports better digestion and helps you feel full. The carbohydrates are modest (about 6.8 g) with a small amount of sugar (about 0.6 g). It’s also very low in sodium (about 5 mg) and has minimal fat (about 1 g), which makes it a good partner for rice and ulam. Since it’s boiled, it’s easier to eat as a lighter side for your usual 3 meals plus 1–2 snacks a day.
Healthier tips
- Use it as a side dish for rice and a protein ulam (fish, chicken, tofu, or eggs) to balance your plate.
- Start with about 1/2 to 1 cup per serving (roughly 50–100 g) and adjust based on your appetite and activity.
- Keep the flavor without over-salting: go easy on bagoong, patis, or extra soy sauce; add garlic, onion, or a squeeze of calamansi instead.
- If you’re eating it with soup, watch the broth’s salt—choose lighter seasoning to keep sodium low.
- For variety, rotate with other leafy greens so you get different nutrients across the week.
Common Filipino dishes
Pinakbet, Ginisang kangkong, Sinigang (with leafy greens), Laing, Tinola (with greens)