Water Spinach Health Benefits

Water spinach is popular for its health benefits, while they are not just limited to skin and hair. Water spinach or Ipomoea aquatica is also known as swamp spinach. Although there is a similarity in the name, it is not related to the spinach that you regularly have in your diet. If you are wondering what the water spinach health benefits are, you have reached the right place.

It is believed that water spinach is rich in various nutrients that offer various health benefits. Some of the most valued water spinach health benefits include:

1. Antioxidant Effect

   A 2015 study report suggests that water spinach is traditionally used against heavy metal toxicity owing to its possible role as a chelating agent.¹ Due to the excessive use of lead it is proving to be an industrial and environmental pollutant. It can have a severe impact on the human body systems and cause accumulation in the organs. This further results in oxidative stress and hence the need for natural antioxidants to fight against lead toxicity.

   The presence of plant phenols such as flavonoids, saponins, and phenolics seems to play an important role in offering an overall protective effect. This study concluded that the extract of water spinach can offer a protective effect to fight oxidative stress and promote the elimination of lead by chelation.¹

   Another study was concluded to determine the therapeutic role of aqueous extract of water spinach against arsenic toxicity. It concluded that the presence of dietary antioxidants is responsible for the overall antioxidant effect, which is one of the most important water spinach health benefits.²

   With the antioxidant properties and its ability to reduce oxidative stress, it is believed that water spinach may help in reducing the risk of heart diseases and other disorders. Being rich in nutrients that act as antioxidants can help reduce free radicals and lower the risk of heart diseases. Regular intake of water spinach can help reduce blood cholesterol and can help in managing diabetes by reducing oxidative stress. Being rich in plant compounds, water spinach can help control inflammation and protect tissues from free radical damage. Thus water spinach health benefits are also extended to maintaining a healthy cellular environment and preventing certain types of cancer.

2. Nutrient-rich

   Water spinach is rich in a variety of nutrients. It contains plenty of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron. These vitamins and minerals are essential for several functions, resulting in numerous water spinach health benefits. It is particularly more beneficial for its antioxidant properties, repair, and healing of tissues, and improve your immunity and overall health.

   Another water spinach health benefit includes its role in the prevention of nutritional deficiencies. Being rich in iron, regular consumption of water spinach can help keep iron deficiency anemia at bay. It is particularly of great value to women planning pregnancy, as well as pregnant women and lactating mothers. It is noted in a study that only half of the anemic pregnant women consumed dark leafy vegetables.³ Pregnant women are advised to green leafy vegetables like water spinach, moringa, and spinach to get the right nutrition and to improve iron levels.

3. Hydration

   Water spinach contains large amounts of water. This makes it an ideal food to stay hydrated after your workout, on a hot day, or when you are on the go. The water content offers hydration, which in itself is one of the best water spinach health benefits. Water spinach can be included in your diet in various ways such as added to salads, soups, or curries. Juice of water spinach is also considered good to have and surely when need to increase your water intake. So, if you wish to prevent dehydration, go ahead and have some water spinach in the best possible way.

4. Treatment for Jaundice

   Water spinach, owing to its antioxidant effect offers protection against liver toxicity.

   Indian system of Medicine – Ayurveda recommends the consumption of water spinach to reduce the harmful effects of liver disorders like jaundice. Studies have shown that water spinach reduced liver lesions in rats showing its ability to fight free radicals. This can be a basis of the water spinach health benefits as it can be used in the treatment of liver disorders.⁴

   The liver plays a major role in detoxification. If water spinach health benefits can be extended to detoxification of the liver, it can help in dealing with various ailments.

5. Improves Digestion

   As water spinach is rich in fiber and also in water content, it helps in relieving digestive troubles. It can offer mild laxative properties, improve digestion and relieve constipation. Regular bowel movement and proper digestion helps keep many illnesses at bay. Water spinach health benefits can be experienced across various body functions, thus making it a must-add food to your diet.

6. For Healthy Eyes, Skin, and Hair

   Water spinach is rich in vitamin A and C and has a high content of carotenoids. These nutrients are considered beneficial for the eyes. Also, the presence of plant phenols, antioxidants, and the ability to fight free radicals, can offer protection from damage to hair and skin. Thus, with healthy eyes, you can also have beautiful skin and hair as one of the major water spinach health benefits.

   These are some of the most popular health benefits of water spinach. While its role in some of the functions is not clear, more research is being conducted to find more health benefits. It is best consumed in moderation and ideally included in your regular diet.

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