Growing up, the only thing I remember mum used WATERLEAF for, was to add it to the 4 different kinds of vegetables she used in preparing vegetable soup. Until recently, I never knew how life-saving waterleaf is.
WATERLEAF "talinum triangulare" an edible leafy vegetable that belongs to the Portulacea family. As the name implies, this green vegetable is referred to as waterleaf due to its high moisture contents of about 90.8g per 100gm of the leaf. The leaf is sticky when cut and it's sticky nature is attributed to its high pectin content that supplies the dietary fiber.
Waterleaf is a rich source of Vitamin C, E, Omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, magnesium, soluble fibres(pectin), potassium, b-carotene, proteins and dietary fiber. Waterleaf is also a rich source of crude-protein, crude-fibre and ash according to Enete (2010).
Waterleaf also contains flavonoid, alkaloids, saponins, iron, calcium.
1. Waterleaf is highly nutritious, refreshing and tasty and as such used in the preparation of several foods e.g Vegetable soup,stew, waterleaf sauce,added in "ofe ede"as leaves etc. It is also prepared and used in eating yam,plantains or potatoes,roasted or baked. Just do not overcook the veggies in other not to lose its Vitamin and minerals content.
2. Heals wound faster:
Vitamin C inside the leaf restores tissue damage which help in healing wounds faster. If old wounds does not heal,it shows that the body lacks Vitamin. So, WATERLEAF works to increase skin elasticity and help to create scar tissue and ligaments to quicken wound recovery.
3. Antioxidant Properties:
It helps prevent and minimize the reactive effects of free radicals.
4. Supports the liver:
It dies so by lowering the concentration of the enzymes that cause liver disease in the blood. WATERLEAF is a rich source of bioactive compounds.
5. Prevents Skin discoloration:
WATERLEAF can protect DNA from phytochemical reactions which can cause discoloration of the skin,tumor and some types of skin cancer.
6. Recommended for Pregnant women:
It's recommended that WATERLEAF should be part of pregnant women's diet as the vegetable helps to prevent anaemia as well as boost the blood level.
7. Enhances cerebral function
8. Aids easy digestion:
High content of fiber in this leaf is recommended on a daily basis to aid easy digestion of food. Proper digestion helps prevent gastrointestinal disorders such as indigestion, constipation, flatulence and irritable bowel syndrome (IbS).
9. Regulates Cholesterol levels
10. Prevents Cancer
11. Regulates the blood sugar level
12. Laxative effects: WATERLEAF is packed with essential antioxidants and soluble fibres that acts as a mild Laxative. So, to treat any irregularities in your body and restore your body to normalcy,eat enough WATERLEAF.
13. Helps body to cope with stress.
14. Maintains akin health:
Vitamin C in the leaf is helpful in producing hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine,which will bind molecule-producing collagen in the body. It helps maintain skin firmness.
15. Maximizes brain function
16. Helps prevent stroke and heart disease:
This plant have the potency to reduce the attack of most heart related diseases or abnormality in blood pressure.
17. Helps with weight loss:
It has low calorie content and also low on fibre. It's a good vegetable that can be inculcated into food and at
same time it will not make you accumulate fat. This vegetable will help keep you fresh,young,healthy and at same time you shed weight.
18. For Diabetic patients:
Consumption of this vegetable helps regulate blood sugar level of your body.
19. Makes bones and teeth stronger.
20. Prevents Osteoporosis:
This is a disease in which bones become porous suffered due to lack of calcium. Adequate consumption of WATERLEAF which contain calcium will help bones become healthier and stronger.
21. Prevents bladder stones.
22. Maintains eye health.
23. Prevents cataract.
24. Reduces hypertension.
25. Increases immune system.
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