Why is Bathua considered so healthy? 8 easy dishes that are super delicious

With the onset of the winter season, we have all the reasons to enjoy fresh leafy greens. And one such underrated greens to be enjoyed in this season is bathua, also known as Chenopodium album or pigweed. As per Ayurveda, these leaves are known for their tridosha-balancing properties, as they help pacify vata and kapha doshas, improve digestion (agni), and naturally detoxify the body. Scroll down to learn about the benefits of these leaves and eight easy dishes that are super delicious too.

Bathua leaves are rich in fiber, which promotes healthy digestion, relieves constipation, and keeps the gut clean. And it is stated in the study that the oil made from the plant has been employed for paralyzing or killing intestinal worms. Additionally, the plant has historical use for analgesic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and sedative activity. The plant is used as a blood purifier in folk medicine too. According to a study titled Chenopodium album Linn: review of nutritive value and biological properties, the plant has been traditionally used as a blood purifier, diuretic, sedative, hepatoprotective, antiscorbutic laxative and as an anthelmintic against round and hookworms. Pharmacological studies have revealed that the plant possesses anthelmintic, sperm immobilizing and contraceptive properties. It is also claimed to be antipruritic and antinociceptive in action. The high protein content and a balanced spectrum of amino acids makes these leaves highly nutritious. The chief phytochemical compounds reported in the plant belong to the class of alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, and saponins. In addition to the above, the oil obtained by hydro-distillation of leaves has been found to contain p-cymene and the anthelmintic compound ascaridole and all these are good for the human body. The leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals that improve skin texture and support hair growth by nourishing from within. It is mentioned in the study that juice of leaves of bathua are used for the treatment of burns, while the powdered leaves are often dusted on the irritating skin surface.
And in Ayurveda, bathua is known to cleanse the liver and purify the blood, helping eliminate toxins naturally. And the study states that the methanolic extract of C. album has been reported to protect the liver against ethanol-induced liver damage. The liver protection potential of the plant is extended to CCl4-induced liver damage. The extracts of powdered plant material were found to alleviate the CCl4-induced elevated levels of ALT, AST, bilirubin, and total cholesterol.

It is one of the most famous dishes, where bathua along with mustard leaves, spinach, and spices are slowly cooked in a tadka and is served with makki ki roti and a dollop of ghee for a wholesome Punjabi-style winter meal.

To make this, mix finely chopped or pureed bathua leaves into wheat flour dough with spices like ajwain and green chili. Roll and roast with ghee for a nourishing breakfast.

Add chopped bathua leaves to your favorite dal (especially moong or masoor) and top it with a tadka. It enhances flavor while adding a boost of minerals and fiber.

For this soup, blend sautéed bathua leaves with garlic, pepper, and vegetable stock for a warm, earthy, detoxifying soup, which is perfect for chilly evenings.

For this, boil, cool, and blend bathua leaves with curd, roasted cumin powder, and a pinch of black salt. It is a cooling, iron-rich side dish for your meals.

This deep-fried delight is made with blanched and pureed leaves, kneaded with flour, salt, and carom seeds to make a soft dough, rolled into pooris and then fried to perfection.

To make this Gujarati dish, simply replace methi leaves with finely chopped bathua leaves in the dough and enjoy theplas with tangy chutney or pickle.

It is a seasonal twist to classic kadhi, where you can add sauteed bathua leaves to your regular kadhi and enjoy it with steamed rice and gajar mooli achar on the side.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is meant for general knowledge only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always talk to your doctor before starting any new routine.