Merdeka.com – Water spinach is one type of green vegetable that is very popular among Indonesians. The best-known preparations for this vegetable are stir-fried or chopped kale, and lately kale is even made into chips.
Kale is basically a herbaceous aquatic or semi-aquatic perennial plant found in tropical and subtropical regions. Generally there are two varieties of kale namely ‘Ching Quat’ which has green stems, narrow leaves and white flowers and ‘Pak Quat’ which has arrow-shaped leaves and pink flowers.
Although all parts of the plant are edible, the soft shoot tips and younger leaves are the most consumed parts of kale. Just like other dark green leafy vegetables, kale is a great source of nutrients beneficial to the body as well as the skin and brain.
Water spinach contains lots of water, iron, vitamin C, vitamin A and other nutrients. The following are some of the benefits of kale that you must know.
1. Reduce Cholesterol
The first benefit of kale is that it can help reduce cholesterol. Vegetable kale is an excellent choice for people who want to lose weight and reduce cholesterol naturally, reports from stylecraze.com.
A study conducted on animals has proven that consumption of kale has lowered cholesterol and triglycoside levels. Thus, these vegetables have a major role in lowering cholesterol levels.
2. Treat Jaundice and Liver Problems
The second benefit of kale is to help treat jaundice and liver problems. Kale has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat jaundice and liver problems.
A study has proven that this plant extract can provide protection against chemical-induced liver damage due to its modulation of detoxification enzymes; antioxidant and free radical scavenger properties.
3. Treat Anemia
The third benefit of kale is that it can help treat anemia. Rich in iron, young kale leaves are very beneficial for people with anemia and pregnant women who need iron in their diet. Iron is an essential mineral that is needed by the body, especially by red blood cells for the formation of hemoglobin.
4. Treat Indigestion and Constipation
The fourth benefit of kale is that it can treat indigestion and constipation. Kale is rich in fiber and hence it is able to facilitate digestion, providing relief for the body from various digestive disorders naturally.
Its mild laxative properties are also beneficial for people suffering from indigestion and constipation. Water spinach juice can relieve constipation. This vegetable is also used in the treatment of intestinal worm infestations. Kale contains latex which is used as a laxative agent.
5. Protect the Body from Heart Disease
The fifth benefit of kale is to help protect the body from heart disease. Kale has certain important nutrients such as vitamins A and C as well as high concentrations of beta-carotene.
These nutrients act as antioxidants to reduce free radicals in the body, thereby preventing cholesterol from being oxidized. Oxidized cholesterol sticks to the walls of blood vessels, causing clogged arteries, heart attack or stroke.
In addition, the folate in kale helps convert a dangerous chemical called homocysteine, which in high levels can cause heart attacks or strokes. Magnesium is a mineral that lowers blood pressure and provides protection against heart disease as well.
6. Maintain Eye Health
The sixth benefit of kale is to help maintain eye health. Kale contains high carotenoids, vitamin A and lutein. These nutrients are important for eye health. Kale also increases glutathione levels, which plays an important role in preventing cataracts.
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Illustration of water spinach. © Tantri Setyorini