As kids, all we ever wanted  was to eat fast food and chichirya all day. Alright: until now. Back then, we would only eat vegetables because we had to.

But today, it’s all about green living and organic everything, so we might as well rethink how we think about veggies. Here are 8 types of vegetables we’ve always tried to avoid eating, but should probably reconsider:

Ampalaya

It’s probably the first gulay that comes to mind when talking about our least favorite! If you’re a rare breed who actually, sincerely, like how it tastes, then good for you! Because most Pinoys don’t like the ampalaya (also called “bitter melon”) because of its incredibly bitter taste.

But the ampalaya can actually be a good source of vitamins and nutrients that help treat diabetes and control our blood sugar levels.

Okra

It’s the thick, hairy outer layer and gooey, ma-laway consistency inside that gives us the shivers when biting into an okra. Others dislike it so much they get goose bumps when they eat one!

Like the ampalaya, the okra is also helpful in managing diabetes. The veggie also has high fiber content that can help with digestion. It has anti-stress effects, too.

Saluyot

Saluyot leaves are like an ampalaya and okra combo. It tastes bitter, and when cooked as a stew, it’s slimy like an okra. The saluyot is abundant in the Philippines and can be grown practically everywhere!

Also called Cleopatra’s anti-aging secret, it has a lot of antioxidants that can give you youthful skin and fewer wrinkles.

Carrots

Carrots are generally bearable for most people, especially when it is finely chopped and served as a side salad. However, when put into cake or bread it can be a terrible surprise for some.

But aside from promoting good eyesight, carrots also contain a lot of fiber that helps with your detox regimen. It’s good for youthful skin and has anti-aging benefits!

Kalabasa

Squash tastes generally fine, but it’s probably the texture that makes it feel yucky to some. It seems as though we’re eating mush!

The kalabasa is known to boost immunity, improve lung health, and more. It has Vitamins A, C, E, and B6.

Patola

The bland taste of patola makes it generally okay for most, it’s just that usually, patola is cooked in a stew, so there’s a risk of overcooking it. Then, it feels like your eating mush.

Also called the “luffa fruit”, the patola does a lot for our health, too, including the prevention of muscle pain, migraines, and arthritis.

Baguio Beans

It’s crunchy when you bite into it and you’ll even feel the seeds in your mouth. Sometimes, it feels too raw to be eaten. But when cooked with bagoong or marinated, it can actually taste better!

Baguio beans contain a lot of protein and have a lot of fiber content. It helps lower the risk of heart disease and colon cancer.

Talong

The talong is one of the more bearable veggies on this list. It really all depends on how it’s prepared or cooked. You might want to try it ihaw-ihaw or make it into a torta and eat it with ketchup.

The talong is known to improve digestion, help promote weight loss, and improve your overall cardiovascular health.

Which of these are your favorites? Tell us about it below!