Waterleaf is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to the Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico. Many names, including waterleaf, Florida spinach, Lagos bologi, and sweetheart, are known for this herbal plant. As a leaf vegetable, these plants are widely grown in the tropical region.
The Nutrient Values of Waterleaf
Flavonoids: Flavonoids play a crucial role in the plants that surround us. Flavonoids play a vital role in the formation of petals by attracting specific insects, which in turn aids the pollination process. However, not all insects are attracted to this compound because it has a bitter taste for some insect tongues.
Alkaloid: Alkaloids are organic compounds found in nature that are basic or alkaline. The alkaline properties of these compounds are due to the presence of the atom N (Nitrogen) in the molecule, which is often part of a heterocyclic or aromatic ring structure. In small doses, they can have a pharmacological effect on humans and animals.
Saponins: Saponins are glycosides with foaming characteristics. Saponins consist of polycyclic aglycones attached to one or more sugar side chains. The aglycone part, also known as sapogenin, is either a steroid (C27) or a triterpene (C30). The foaming ability of saponins is caused by the combination of a hydrophobic (fat-soluble) sapogenin and a hydrophilic (water-soluble) sugar part. Saponins have a bitter taste. Some saponins are toxic and are known as saxitoxin.
Vitamin A: It’s the best source for visual health, as well, eye health. Vitamin C: The daily vitamin we need for body performance. Iron: The source of energy building. Calcium: The source for bone and tooth health.
Waterleaf and Disease Prevention
1. Prevents Disease Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a disease affecting the arterial wall, where the growth of excess fat in the affected section occurs. The growth of fat in artery walls can cause obstructed blood flow and impede flow to the brain and the heart. Thus, consuming waterleaf may prevent atherosclerosis.
2. As an Anti-Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is a disease that often affects children, and the elderly is indeed a serious problem because it usually takes lives. Diarrhoea can cause the body to dehydrate, which can be avoided by eating clean and nutritious foods. One of them is eating waterleaf. In addition, it also maintained his own personal hygiene and the environment.
3. Avoids thrombus
Waterleaf can also help keep red blood flowing in our body without forming clots or thrombi. Blood clots in the body can have profound effects, for example, when they form in the brain, which can lead to the disease meningitis. Thus, consuming waterleaf may prevent thrombus.
4. As an Antioxidant
As already mentioned, the benefits of flavonoids in general are compounded to repel free radicals. Free radicals can develop through the oxidation of healthy cells. Therefore, the body needs to have enough antioxidants to prevent oxidation. Flavonoids act as antioxidants.
5. Increases the Immune System
Vitamin C inside Waterleaf is a vital nutrient that plays a crucial role in increasing the body’s resistance to disease and restoring its condition after physical activity or daily tasks, thereby helping the body re-fit. Thus, consuming waterleaf may boost your immune system.
6. Reduces hypertension
Waterleaf has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of hypertension and other serious health problems associated with high blood pressure.
7. Prevents Cataracts
Our eyes require vitamin C to function correctly. A lack of vitamin C can contribute to the development of cataracts, where the eye’s lens becomes increasingly opaque. Cataracts can cause blurred vision and, in severe cases, lead to blindness in adults. A high intake of vitamin C can help prevent cataracts by increasing blood flow to the eye.
9. Prevents Cancer
The importance of consuming adequate waterleaf for the body lies in its ability to inhibit and prevent the emergence of DNA that thrives in cancer cells in organs such as the lungs, colon, breast, cervix, prostate, and liver.
10. Lowers Cholesterol
To avoid and overcome cholesterol problems, the intake of waterleaf is beneficial for lowering blood cholesterol levels, which is essential for protecting you from heart disease and osteoporosis.
11. Prevents osteoporosis
Perhaps you are familiar with this disease. Osteoporosis is a disease characterised by bones that become porous due to a lack of calcium. By consuming a variety of foods rich in calcium, such as waterleaf, the bones can receive a significant intake to become healthier and stronger.
12. Makes Your Bones and Teeth Stronger
It’s certainly already widely known. Calcium is essential in helping to ensure strong teeth, which in turn prevents dental problems that can be troublesome. Calcium also helps prevent bone mass decreases associated with ageing, reducing the risk of osteoporosis in adults. This is because calcium facilitates the movement of nutrients across cell membranes. Good calcium intake will help reduce back pain because it will strengthen your spine
13. Waterleaf for Brain Health
Additionally, waterleaf is an excellent choice for your brain food. To achieve a healthier brain and improve its function.
14. Maximises Brain Function
With iron inside, waterleaf fulfilled, the man will feel maximum health. Among the benefits of iron for the body is its ability to strengthen muscles and enhance brain function. Iron in the body is found in muscle tissue, which functions in supplying oxygen to the muscles. Additionally, iron is beneficial for the development of the human brain. The human brain needs more than 20% of blood oxygen to work optimally. If brain iron deficiency, then he will not be able to think clearly and will experience dizziness.
15. Copes with Stress
Waterleaf can help the body cope with stress by reducing the levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol. Thus, stress also indicates that the brain is working too much in a negative way. Thus, consuming waterleaf may help relax you and restore brain function, allowing you to stay positive.
16. Improves mood
The health benefits of waterleaf include improving your mood. By regularly consuming waterleaf as an antioxidant, the free radicals caused by stress can be neutralised, thereby improving one’s mood.
