Duckweed greens, also known as wolfberries or water spinach, are low in calories but rich in essential nutrients such as vitamin A, C, K, magnesium, and iron. Among them, phytochemicals have anticancer effects.
Therefore, duckweed greens are one of the recommended foods to eat regularly.
Prevent Cancer
According to the Clinical Nutrition Center of K Central Hospital (Hanoi), phytochemicals in duckweed greens consist of 3 main groups:
- Carotenoid group containing beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin: Prevent the formation of free radicals, thereby limiting DNA damage in the body.
- Flavonoid group containing lutein: Inhibit the development of blood vessels in tumors, promote the apoptosis of abnormal cells.
- Flavonoid group containing quercetin: Reduce inflammation, enhance DNA repair, promote apoptosis.
With the above chemical composition, many studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of duckweed greens on various diseases, including cancer.
Studies on patients with oral, esophageal, and bladder cancer have shown similar results. However, because these studies are mainly observational and experimental, the effects of plant chemicals in duckweed greens have not yet reached a final conclusion.
Reduce the Risk of Breast, Lung, and Digestive Tract Cancer
For breast cancer, studies have shown that women with high levels of carotenoids in their blood have a 15-20% lower risk of breast cancer than women with lower levels.
For lung cancer, consuming foods rich in quercetin, lutein, and zeaxanthin can reduce the risk of developing lung cancer.
Regarding digestive tract cancer, people who consume foods rich in lutein have a reduced risk of developing colorectal cancer, stomach cancer, and esophageal cancer.
Effective in Preventing Prostate Cancer
According to Health Shots, various components in duckweed greens such as folate, tocopherol, and chlorophyllin are useful in treating and protecting cancer patients, including bladder cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer, and lung cancer.
In addition, duckweed greens contain substances that inhibit tumor activity and the growth of cancer cells in the body.
Recent studies have shown that duckweed greens are highly effective in preventing prostate cancer. This is related to epoxyxanthophylls, a special carotenoid, along with neoxanthin and violaxanthin that directly reduce tumor activity and the spread of cancer cells throughout the body.
Reduce the Risk of Ovarian Cancer
A study by Harvard University (USA) published in the Journal of Cancer showed that women who consume adequate amounts of kaempferol flavonoid, found in duckweed juice and other foods, reduce their risk of ovarian cancer by 40% compared to women who consume less.
In addition, duckweed greens are rich in vitamin K. 100g of duckweed greens contain 4 times the daily requirement of vitamin K.
Aside from its effects on cancer, duckweed greens have many other health benefits:
Detoxify the Body
According to Health Shots, duckweed greens are rich in antioxidants, which protect the body from oxidative stress and eliminate harmful toxins. By supporting liver function and the detoxification process, duckweed greens contribute to overall digestive health.
Control Blood Pressure
Duckweed greens are rich in nitrate, a natural chemical that expands or dilates blood vessels. This improves blood circulation and reduces pressure on the heart.
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition in 2016 found that using duckweed greens in meals significantly helps in controlling blood pressure.
Beneficial for Eye Health
Duckweed greens contain various vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, C, and K, as well as lutein and zeaxanthin. These substances are known to be beneficial for eye health.
Vitamin A, especially in the form of beta-carotene, is important for maintaining bright, healthy eyes and can help prevent issues caused by vitamin A deficiency.
Improve Bone Health
Vitamin K, magnesium, potassium, and calcium in duckweed greens help strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis. Note that calcium in duckweed greens is slightly less absorbable, so it is important to supplement with dairy products to protect your bones.
Reduce the Risk of Asthma
The rate of asthma in people who consume foods rich in beta-carotene is lower than in others, and beta-carotene can be found in duckweed greens. Using this vegetable in your meals can also help control the symptoms of chronic asthma.
Combat Anemia
Although not as rich in iron as beef liver, duckweed greens have the ability to prevent anemia. If you have low red blood cell count or anemia, it is advisable to eat duckweed greens regularly.
Improve Diabetes
The antioxidants in duckweed greens help reduce blood sugar levels and enhance insulin activity in diabetic patients.
Benefit Skin and Hair
If you want shiny hair and healthy skin, include duckweed greens in your diet. Vitamin A in duckweed greens supports sebum production and cell regeneration.
Support Cardiovascular Health
Potassium in duckweed greens helps reduce the risk of chest pain, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular diseases. Vitamin K also prevents blood clotting.
Eye Support
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