WaterLeaf, also known as "Gbure" in Yoruba, "Mgbolodi" in Igbo, and "Ebe London" in Edo, is a highly nutritious and medicinal vegetable that is widely available in Nigeria. Despite being a wild plant that grows all year round, waterleaf is often underestimated and undervalued. However, this versatile vegetable can be used for a variety of culinary purposes, such as preparing waterleaf soup, stew, sauce, salad, and even smoothies or juice.
Waterleaf, with its botanical name Talinum triangulare, is rich in water, vitamins, minerals, lipids, crude protein, and crude fiber, making it highly nutritious and medicinal. Here are some of the health benefits of waterleaf:
1. Improved Digestion
Waterleaf is an excellent vegetable for aiding digestion and reducing constipation. The stem of the vegetable is also beneficial and can be consumed along with the leaves. However, excessive consumption may lead to stomach discomfort.
2. Supports Liver Function
The extract from the leaves of waterleaf has been found to be effective in treating liver diseases. This is because it can lower the concentration of enzymes in the blood.
3. Enhances Cognitive Ability
Waterleaf can improve cognitive function and cerebral blood flow due to its constituents. It can also help prevent cerebral hypoperfusion, schizophrenia, and the death of brain tissues. The presence of iron in waterleaf helps strengthen the brain muscles and tissues, which improves cognitive reasoning.
4. Promotes Weight Loss
Waterleaf can aid in weight loss due to its fiber content, which makes the stomach fuller and reduces food cravings. However, it is important to eat healthily for maximum effectiveness.
5. Repairs Body Tissues
Waterleaf is rich in vitamins A and C, which help repair body tissues, promote good eye vision, and act as an antioxidant to prevent oxidative stress caused by free radicals.
6. Promotes Eye Health
Waterleaf is an excellent source of vitamin A, which helps enhance vision in low light and improve skeletal tissue and skin health. Vitamin C in waterleaf helps maintain a healthy eye by preventing the retina from damage caused by free radicals.
7. Strengthens Bones and Teeth
Calcium in waterleaf helps maintain strong bones and teeth, improves skeletal function, and supports the body's skeletal structure. It is suitable for people with bone conditions such as osteoporosis and fractures.
8. Fights Infections and Diseases
Waterleaf has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties that help suppress the growth of bacteria, fungi, and inflammatory diseases in the body. It has been locally used to treat and prevent atherosclerosis, a health condition that narrows the artery walls, leading to health conditions such as stroke and heart attack. To make the juice, waterleaf should be washed and properly squeezed before oral consumption.
In conclusion, waterleaf is a highly nutritious and medicinal vegetable that should be incorporated into our daily diets. Its numerous health benefits make it a must-have for a healthy lifestyle.
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