Water Spinach: A Nutritional Powerhouse with Numerous Health Benefits
Water spinach, scientifically known as Peperomia pellucida Kunth, is a versatile plant that thrives in various terrains. It is commonly found growing wild along the edges of ponds, lakes, and rice fields, as well as on rocky slopes, where moisture is abundant.
Once considered a mere weed, water spinach, or “rau càng cua” as it is locally known, was primarily used as fodder for livestock. However, this unassuming vegetable is not only delicious but also highly nutritious and offers a plethora of health benefits.
According to an article on the Medlatec General Hospital website, with medical advice from BSCKI. Duong Ngoc Van, water spinach boasts several health benefits for humans, including the following:
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Water spinach exhibits anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties due to the presence of synthetic prostaglandin. It is effective in treating fever, cough, headaches, colds, and arthritis. Notably, its fever-reducing capabilities are comparable to those of aspirin.
Antioxidant Activity
Water spinach possesses the ability to scavenge and neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. The presence of beta-carotene in this vegetable effectively slows down the aging process of cells, exhibiting potent antioxidant properties.
Cancer Prevention
Water spinach also plays a role in cancer prevention. Specifically, it inhibits the growth of certain cancer cells, making it a valuable dietary supplement for those looking to fortify their bodies against this deadly disease.
Reduces Uric Acid Levels
Extracts from water spinach have been shown to decrease uric acid levels in the blood by approximately 44%. Incorporating this vegetable into your diet can aid in regulating and balancing uric acid levels, thus helping to prevent gout.
Cardiovascular Benefits and Blood Pressure Regulation
Rich in fiber and packed with essential minerals like potassium and magnesium, water spinach is a boon for cardiovascular health and blood pressure management. It aids in maintaining safe blood pressure levels, stabilizing heart rhythm, reducing cholesterol levels, and preventing heart-related ailments. Additionally, its high iron content makes it beneficial for individuals suffering from anemia.
Antibacterial Properties
Water spinach exhibits strong antibacterial properties, thanks to the presence of patuloside A and axanthone glycoside. These compounds combat a wide range of disease-causing bacteria and bolster the body’s immune system.
Arthritis Prevention
When combined with Ibuprofen, extracts of water spinach help alleviate symptoms of arthritis, particularly those associated with knee joints. Additionally, it expedites the healing process of broken bones.
Emotional Disorder Suppression
Water spinach also plays a role in suppressing emotional disorders. Certain compounds found in extracts of this vegetable are beneficial in treating excessive emotional disorders. For pregnant women, including water spinach in their diet can help stabilize their emotions due to hormonal changes.
In traditional Chinese medicine, water spinach is believed to possess bitter and neutral properties. It is used to clear heat, detoxify the body, dispel wind, activate blood circulation, and resolve blood stasis. It is commonly employed to treat respiratory tract infections, sore throat, appendicitis, infectious hepatitis, gastrointestinal inflammation, poor digestion, joint pain, and malaria. Externally, it is used to treat snakebites, boils, and traumatic injuries.
Lương y Nguyễn Phước Thành, in a conversation with Sức khỏe & Đời sống, revealed that water spinach, despite being nutrient-dense, is low in energy, making it ideal for weight loss. It is also used as a medicinal herb. The vegetable is rich in iron and is particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from iron-deficiency anemia.
The potassium and magnesium content in water spinach contribute to its cardiovascular and blood pressure-regulating properties, while also aiding in the treatment of diabetes, constipation, and high blood pressure. The leaves can be crushed and applied topically to treat malaria, headaches, and abdominal pain. The crushed leaves can also be used to treat joint pain, bruises, and burns caused by fire or scalding water.
With its cooling properties, water spinach is an excellent thirst quencher. It is also highly effective in treating skin ailments, especially scabies. Simply crush the leaves, extract the juice, add a pinch of salt, and apply the mixture to the affected area for rapid healing.
However, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before using water spinach for medicinal purposes. Here are some traditional remedies that utilize water spinach:
– Sore throat: Chew or blend 50-100g of water spinach and gargle the juice daily for 3-5 days.
– Diabetes: Mix 100g of water spinach marinated in vinegar (lemon can be used) with one frog (100g), deep-fried after coating with flour. Consume this mixture 2-3 times a week.
– Anemia: Mix 100g of water spinach marinated in vinegar with 100g of beef and stir-fry with seasonings. Eat with rice once a week.
– Diuretic: Boil 150-200g of water spinach in 300ml of water and drink the infusion twice a day for 5 days.
– Back pain due to muscle cramps (heat toxins entering the kidney meridian): Drink an infusion made by boiling 50-100g of water spinach daily.
– Abscess (swelling without pus): Boil 100-150g of water spinach in 250ml of water and drink the infusion twice a day. Apply the leftover residue externally.
– Boils: Consume 150g of fresh water spinach or blend it into a juice.
– Dry and itchy skin, boils, and slow-healing wounds: Consume fresh water spinach or blend it into a juice. Alternatively, crush the leaves and apply topically.
Some believe that eating water spinach has a cooling effect on the body, reducing constipation and improving bowel movements. It is also believed to reduce heart palpitations, possibly due to its laxative properties and high vitamin C and potassium content.
Water spinach is a delicious, crunchy, and refreshing vegetable that provides a wealth of essential vitamins and minerals. However, due to its cooling nature, individuals with weak spleen and stomach functions who are experiencing diarrhea should refrain from consuming it.
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