Water Spinach or “Kang-Kong” is one of the healthiest foods in the world. It is a famously known green leafy vegetable found in tropical and subtropical regions. There are two varieties of water spinach – the ‘Pak Quat’, which has arrow-shaped leaves and pink flowers; and the ‘Ching Quat’, which has green stems, narrow leaves, and white flowers. Almost all the parts of this young plant are edible, yet the younger leaves and tender shoot tips are often preferred.
Kang-Kong, like other dark green leafy vegetables, is full of nutrients that can benefit your whole body as well as your brain and skin. This plant can be eaten cooked or raw and is mostly used in salads. It has abundant amounts of iron, vitamins A, vitamin C, water, and other nutrients.
Health Benefits Of Water Spinach
Prevention Of Cancer
Water spinach is a perfect diet for cancer prevention. It is loaded with 13 different types of antioxidants that are known to eliminate free radicals from the body – which results in alteration of the conditions in which cancer cells multiply and strengthen the natural cell environment.
This vegetable is playing a role in the prevention of stomach, colorectal, breast and skin cancers.
Reduces Cholesterol
If you want to lose weight and reduce your cholesterol level naturally, then water spinach can be your excellent option.
Protects Against Oxidative Stress
According to research, regular consumption of water spinach can help in developing resistance against diabetes-induced oxidative stress.
Treatment of Jaundice and Liver Problems
In Ayurvedic medicine, water spinach has been used to treat jaundice and liver problems. The plant’s antioxidants, detoxification enzymes, and free radical scavenger properties have been proven to protect against chemical-induced liver damage.
Useful In Treating Anemia
Due to the plant’s richness in iron, it has become beneficial for pregnant women and people with anemia. Iron is an important mineral needed in the formation of hemoglobin.
Beneficial For Eyes
The vegetable has high levels of lutein, carotenoids and vitamin A that are vital for eye health. Eating spinach can also help boost glutathione levels – which can prevent cataracts.
Boosts The Body’s Immunity
This green leafy vegetable is a natural and inexpensive way of boosting your immunity, promoting the healthy development of bones; and neutralizing and eliminating toxins.
Treatment Of Indigestion And Constipation
Being rich in fiber, water spinach aids in digestion and naturally provides relief from various digestive disorders. It serves as a mild laxative for those suffering from constipation and indigestion.
Juice extracted from boiled water spinach can loosen constipation. This plant also contains latex which can be used in the treatment of intestinal worm infestation.
Protection Against Heart Diseases
Water spinach has essential nutrients like vitamins A, vitamin C, and high concentration of beta-carotene which act as antioxidants in order to lessen free radicals in the body. This effect will prevent cholesterol from becoming oxidized. Oxidized cholesterol attaches to the blood vessel walls and causes blocked arteries, stroke or heart attack.
Promotes Hair Growth
The wide array of nutrients found in water spinach plays an important role in your hair. Spinach juice can promote hair growth, prevent hair loss, and improve the texture and quality of your hair.
Anti-aging Benefits
Water spinach and other green leafy veggies are high in chemical antioxidants which make the skin cells more resistant from damage caused by exposure to the sun. Regular consumption of this plant can help minimize wrinkles and prevent, as well as, reverse aging.
Healing Properties
The healing and detoxifying properties of spinach can help provide relief from skin itching or insect bites. Just add salt to water spinach and then, grind it. Dab it on the sore spot and wrap for immediate relief.
Rejuvenates Skin
A regular drink of spinach juice can rejuvenate your skin by eliminating harmful toxins from the body. It can provide you a radiant and healthy looking skin due to its vitamin A, vitamin C, carotenoids, and lutein content.
Treatment Of Skin Disease
Skin diseases such as athletes’ foot, psoriasis, eczema, acne, and ringworm can be treated with the use of the buds of water spinach. It may also help prevent skin cancer.
Other Benefits
Aside from the benefits mentioned above, water spinach is also an effective remedy for treating toothache, menstrual pains, nosebleed, ulcers, insomnia, and launched urination. Its juice can be used as a cold compress to treat fever.