Water Dropwort: A Nutritious and Easy-to-Grow Vegetable
In the lush rural gardens or even in the small city gardens, it is not difficult to find a type of vegetable that is easy to cultivate, care for, and extremely nutritious. That vegetable is water dropwort, a resilient plant rich in vitamin C, 10 times more than oranges and lemons, offering a plethora of health benefits.
Characteristics of Water Dropwort
Water dropwort is a common and popular vegetable in Vietnamese cuisine. It is easy to grow, resilient, and can be propagated by stem. Due to its adaptability, water dropwort is often grown in gardens, around ponds, along fences, and pathways, mainly to make use of the available land.
Water dropwort grows rapidly and is particularly resistant to pests and diseases, eliminating the need for pesticides. This makes it a safe and wholesome addition to meals. The leaves are commonly cooked in soups with meat, bones, shrimp, or clams, providing a delicious and nutritious family meal, perfect for cooling down during the summer heat. However, those with a cold constitution should avoid it or add a few slices of ginger when consuming.
Health Benefits of Water Dropwort
Water dropwort belongs to the group of dark green leafy vegetables, packed with nutrients and vitamins A and C. It is widely grown across Vietnam due to its nutritional profile, which includes protein, iron, and manganese. In 100g of water dropwort, you’ll find 6.5g of protein, 0.08g of fat, 9g of sugar, 503g of potassium, 185mg of vitamin C, 0.033mg of vitamin B1, and 0.88mg of B2. Notably, it contains an exceptionally high level of beta-carotene (pro-vitamin A) at 23,300 UI.
Additionally, this vegetable is a good source of minerals such as copper and phosphorus. The high content of phenylalatin, threonine, leucin, lysin, and tryptophan helps slow down the aging process and prevents chronic diseases related to cardiovascular health, diabetes, and cancer.
Water dropwort boasts a significantly higher vitamin C content compared to grapefruit, lemons, and oranges. This essential vitamin boosts immunity, regulates cholesterol levels, and aids in wound healing. The vitamin A present in water dropwort also possesses antimicrobial properties and is beneficial for eyesight.
Thus, this vegetable is ideal for individuals with chronic illnesses, metabolic disorders, diabetes, and those aiming to lose weight. It is also beneficial for postpartum women, helping reduce inflammation and promoting lactation.
When preparing this vegetable, avoid crushing or bruising it to prevent the loss of vitamins. Water dropwort is often heavily sprayed with growth stimulants by farmers, so ensure you choose produce from a reliable source and avoid wilted or bruised leaves.