Water spinach, or morning glory, is a popular vegetable, especially during the summer months. It is versatile and can be stir-fried, boiled, or made into a delicious salad. However, not everyone should consume this vegetable. According to nutritionists and traditional medicine practitioners, there are seven groups of people who should avoid eating water spinach to prevent potential health risks.
People with Open Wounds or Post-Surgery
Water spinach has blood-activating properties and promotes cell regeneration and rapid skin healing. However, for those with open wounds or recovering from surgery, consuming water spinach may lead to keloid formation. It is best to avoid this vegetable until the wound has completely healed to prevent any aesthetic concerns.
Individuals with Gout
Water spinach contains high levels of purines, which, when consumed, are converted into uric acid. This is a primary trigger for the painful flare-ups associated with gout. Therefore, individuals suffering from gout should steer clear of water spinach to prevent exacerbating their condition.
People with Kidney Stones
Water spinach contains oxalate, a compound that can combine with calcium to form oxalate stones in the kidneys. Thus, it is not suitable for individuals with kidney stones or a history of kidney stones. Consuming large amounts of water spinach can accelerate stone growth or lead to recurrence. Additionally, oxalate reduces calcium absorption in the intestines, resulting in calcium deficiency. Kidney stone patients should refrain from eating water spinach, especially raw or boiled water spinach water.
Individuals Taking Traditional Eastern Medicine
In traditional Eastern medicine, water spinach is considered cooling and may interact with certain herbal medicines. Consuming water spinach while taking Eastern medications can reduce their effectiveness and even cause side effects, such as digestive disorders, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Therefore, it is advisable to refrain from eating water spinach entirely during Eastern medicine treatment.
People with Chronic Bone and Joint Diseases
For individuals with bone and joint problems, regularly consuming water spinach may worsen joint inflammation. Water spinach stimulates immune activity and increases the body’s inflammatory response. Hence, the elderly and those with long-term bone and joint diseases should limit their intake of water spinach in their daily diet.
People with Diarrhea and Digestive Disorders
Water spinach has cooling properties, and consuming large amounts during diarrhea or digestive disorders can aggravate these conditions and cause severe abdominal pain. Eating raw water spinach increases the risk of parasitic and bacterial infections, leading to diarrhea. Therefore, individuals with weak digestive systems should refrain from consuming this vegetable altogether.
Pregnant Women with Allergies or Weak Stomachs
Pregnant women should avoid consuming raw water spinach, water spinach salads, and other similar dishes. Water spinach may be contaminated with parasites and worms, especially water spinach grown in water. Ingesting these contaminants can have dangerous consequences for both mother and child.
