KANGKONG | 15 Health Benefits!
All dark green leafy vegetables are packed with nutrients and kangkong is no exception. The leaves of kangkong are extremely nutritious, containing abundant quantities of vitamins and minerals. They are excellent sources of dietary fiber, protein, calcium, iron, vitamin A and vitamin C which are evident of its various health benefits given below:
1 -- Reduces Cholesterol:
Kangkong is an excellent option for those individuals who want to lose weight and reduce cholesterol naturally. A research conducted on rats has proved that consumption of kangkong has resulted in the reduction in cholesterol levels as well as Triglycoside. Thus, this vegetable has a major role to play in the reduction of cholesterol level.
2 -- Treatment of Jaundice and Liver Problems:
Kangkong has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of jaundice and liver problems. A research has proved that the extract of this plant can provide protection against chemical induced liver damage due to its modulation of detoxification enzymes; antioxidant and free radical scavenger properties.
3 -- Useful in Treating Anaemia:
Being rich in iron, the young kangkong leaves are extremely beneficial for people with anaemia as well as pregnant women who require iron in their diets. Iron is an important mineral that is needed by the body, particularly by the red blood cells for the formation of haemoglobin.
4 -- Treatment of Indigestion and Constipation:
Kangkong is rich in fiber and hence, it aids in digestion, providing relief from different digestive disorders naturally. Its mild laxative properties are beneficial for people suffering from indigestion and constipation. Juice from boiled kangkong can loosen constipation. This vegetable is also used in the treatment of intestinal worm infestation. It contains latex which is used as a purgative agent.
5 -- Anti-Diabetic:
Researches have demonstrated that regular consumption of kangkong helps in developing resistance against diabetes induced oxidative stress. It is also used in the treatment of diabetes in pregnant women.
6 -- Protection against Heart Diseases:
Kangkong has certain essential nutrients like vitamins A and C as well as a high concentration of beta-carotene. These nutrients act as antioxidants to reduce free radicals in the body, thus preventing cholesterol form becoming oxidized. Oxidized cholesterol sticks to the blood vessel walls, causing blocked arteries, heart attack or stroke. Besides, folate contained in kangkong helps to convert a potentially dangerous chemical called homocysteine, which in high levels can lead to heart attack or stroke. Magnesium is a mineral that lowers blood pressure and provides protection against heart disease as well.
7 -- Prevention of Cancer:
Being loaded with 13 different types of antioxidant compounds, kangkong is a perfect diet for prevention of cancer. These antioxidants are known to eliminate free radicals from the body, thus altering the conditions in which cancer cells multiply and strengthen the natural cell environment. This vegetable is said to be most beneficial in the prevention of colo-rectal and stomach cancers as well as skin and breast cancers.
8 -- Beneficial for Eyes:
Kangkong has a high content of carotenoids, vitamin A and lutein. These nutrients are vital for eye health. Kangkong also boosts glutathione levels, which plays an important role in preventing cataracts.
9 -- Boosts the Body’s Immunity:
Being a storehouse of nutrients, this leafy green vegetable is an inexpensive and natural way of boosting the body’s immunity in comparison to vitamin C supplements. Consumption of this green leafy vegetable on a regular basis boosts your body’s immune system and promotes healthy development of bones. It also contributes to a healthy body by neutralizing and eliminating toxins.
10 -- Other Benefits:
In addition to the benefits given above, kangkong is effective in treating ulcers, menstrual pains, toothache, launched urination, nosebleed etc. It acts as a sedative for people who have insomnia or sleeping difficulty. The juice of kangkong mixed with water is used as a cold compress to treat fever. Being anti-venom, it is used to promote vomiting in case of poisoning.
11 -- Anti-Ageing Benefits:
Green leafy veggies like kangkong are rich in chemical antioxidants which prevent free radical damage of cells in the body, making the skin cells more resistant from damage from exposure to the sun and minimizing wrinkling to a significant extent. It is in this way that regular consumption of this vegetable can prevent and reverse ageing.
12 -- Treatment of skin Diseases:
The buds of kangkong can be used as poultice to treat skin diseases such as ringworm, athletes foot etc. This vegetable also helps in the prevention of skin cancer and is used in the treatment of acne, eczema and psoriasis.
13 -- Healing Properties:
Due to kangkong's healing and detoxifying properties, kangkong helps in providing relief in case of skin itching or insect bites. Add salt to kangkong and grind it into powder. Dab it on the sore spot and wrap it for immediate relief.
14 -- Rejuvenates Skin:
Drinking kangkong juice is extremely beneficial for your skin health as it keeps your skin ever rejuvenated by eliminating harmful toxins from the body. Regular consumption of this juice helps in healing skin disorders such as pimples and acne.
The benefits of kangkong for skin have been known for a long time. As stated earlier, this vegetable is a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, carotenoids and lutein. These minerals are vital for a healthy and glowing skin. Consuming kangkong on a regular basis helps to maintain radiant and healthy skin.
15 -- Beneficial for Hair:
As we all know, proper nutrition is a pre-requisite for maintaining healthy scalp and hair. The wide array of nutrients contained in kangkong is beneficial for our hair. Kangkong juice is beneficial for hair growth and prevents hair loss besides improving the quality and texture of our hair.
So... go get yourselves some kangkong today.
