I was browsing one of my favorite publications a few years ago and came across an entry about a unique little plant with some pretty amazing health claims.

The Baker’s Creek Heirloom Seed Company puts out a visually stunning yearly seed magazine. For anyone that knows me, outside of the Bible, this is one of my favorite pieces reading. In a past issue, I discovered a brief blurb about Longevity Spinach. Reading that was enough to get me to order two live plants and begin my Longevity Spinach journey. Here are some facts about it.

What Is It?

Scientific name: Gynura procumbens. A warm weather-loving vegetable native to Africa, Southeast Asia, and China with a mild green flavor. Best eaten raw in salads to avoid destroying the host of medicinal and beneficial compounds. When cooked, it can be used to thicken sauces and soups. Gynura can also be dried and used as a tea or ground into powder. Much more nutrient dense than conventional spinach.

Gynura procumbens (Diabetes plant)

Benefits

• lowers cholesterol
• lowers blood sugar in diabetics
• reduces blood pressure
• regulates blood flows and reduces blood clots
• reduces inflammation
• slows and stops cancer cell growth
• fights a host of diseases and ailments
• packed with copious amounts of vitamins and protein in every bite
• and more!

Growth

This vegetable can survive outdoors as a perennial in zones 9-11. Colder zones can grow it as an annual outdoors and overwinter it indoors with appropriate accommodations (a really sunny window or grow lights). 
It has a climbing/bushing habit and be propagated as easily as breaking off a stem and inserting it into the soil or placing in water and waiting for roots! 

Where Can You Get It?

Baker’s Creek Heirloom Seeds seems to be sold out at the moment.

One Green World Nursery has some in stock at the time this article is being written.

Amazon or Etsy may also have young plants, but use buyers caution and read the reviews from any potential sellers. Also be aware of the seller’s location as that will impact shipping.

Are you as excited as I am about Longevity Spinach? In this time of GMOs and nutrient-deficient foods, we can always use a little natural vitamin boost from the Most High! If you want to read more, here are the articles I referenced.

Shalawam!

Sources

https://www.gardensall.com/longevity-spinach/

https://www.nourishdoc.com/Food/Longevity-Spinach-Health-Benefits-acne-cancer-care