Health benefits of water spinach

Water spinach is a medicinal plant. Water spinach is an herbaceous aquatic or semi-aquatic perennial plant of the tropics or subtropics. The water spinach plant features smooth, hollow stems similar to watercress, and therefore, is called as hollow stemmed vegetable. Leaves are flat, and vary in shape depending on variety, from heart-shaped to long, narrow and arrow-shaped. Its gently sweet, mucilaginous, succulent leaves and stems are very much sought-after in the salads, braised and stir-fries.

Water spinach is a powerhouse of nutrients that benefit human body as well as skin and brain. It contains abundant quantities of water, iron, vitamin C, vitamin A and other nutrients and can be eaten cooked or raw.

Fresh water-spinach leaves carry abundant levels of phenolic antioxidants such as carotene-β, lutein, xanthin, and cryptoxanthin.

Water spinach high antioxidant, dietary fiber, and protein content may help treat several ailments. It may reduce cholesterol levels, help treat jaundice and liver problems, support anemia treatment, and aid in digestion.

The deficiency of iron is most often experienced by those who are having anemia or those who are pregnant. In this case, water spinach/ kangkong can be of great help since it could provide enough iron that the body needs.

In addition, regular consumption of this leafy veggie may help rejuvenate skin and improve hair texture. It is also found to prevent osteoporosis, vitamin-A deficiency; and further believed to protect against cardiovascular diseases, colon, and prostate cancers.
Health benefits of water spinach