Water Spinach or scientifically known as Ipomoea aquatica, is a popular ingredient in various cuisines such as desserts and salads and it is often eaten raw because of its deliciously sweet taste. It can be steam and boiled, just like regular spinach.
Widely known as Kangkong in the Philippines, water spinach is a very nutritious vegetable and has many health benefits. Many health experts had used water spinach as purgative, anthelmintic and good for people with diabetes.
This plant is rich in iron, calcium, phosphorus, carotene, sitosterol, protein, vitamins A, B1 and C and has a lot of health beneficial amino acids. Other pharmacological effects includes antitoxin, laxative, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, homeostatic and sedatives (sleeping effects).
Water spinach has a good effect in the intestines as it has purgative properties because of its fiber content. It also acts as insulin-like properties to control blood sugar for diabetes prevention.
Water spinach juice are widely used as an alternative remedy for emetic while it buds are used to treat ringworm. In the Philippines, kangkong is known to cure constipation, hemorrhoids and is a good alternative food for people who want to lose weight.
In Ayurveda, the leaves extract of kangkong are used to cure jaundice, poison treatment and nervous disorders. Kangkong is also used for liver diseases and eye problems. Water spinach is also rich in various antioxidants that ward off free radicals from our body which causes diseases particularly cancers.
Other health benefits includes:
1. Reduce menstrual pain
2. Head and toothache relief
3. Can be used as an alternative cure for dandruff and skin problems
4. Good for ulcers
5. Improve nerve functions