Water Spinach (Ipomoea
aquatica) belongs to the Convolvulaceae plant family and includes
in the same genus of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas). Water spinach is a
soft-stemmed aquatic or semi-aquatic perennial plant which develops in tropical
and sub-tropical regions and is more commonly found in Southeast Asian
Countries. It grows up to 12 inches height and reaches up to 70 feet.
Green stem and white stem are the major types of water spinach
cultivated as leaf vegetable. Green stem water spinach has narrow leaves and
white flowers and is usually grown in moist soils. White stem water spinach has
arrow-shaped leaves and pink flowers and is grown in aquatic conditions.
The water spinach is a popular leaf vegetable and is used in most
of Southeast Asian cuisines. The shoot tips and younger leaves of water spinach
can be eaten raw and also cooked along with other vegetables, meats and spices.
Water
spinach in various languages
Swamp cabbage, Water convolvulus, Water morning glory (English),Vayalcheera
(Malayalam), Kang kung (Vietnamese), You-sai (Japaneese),Pak bung (Thai), Kalmi
saag (Hindi), Kolmou xak (Assamese), Kalmi shak (Bengali) and Thooti koora
(Telugu) are names of water spinach in various languages.
Nutrients
in water spinach
Water spinach is a rich source of calcium, amino acids, vitamins B and
C and iron. It is also a good source of carotenoids and alsolutein and
pro-vitamin A.
Health
benefits from consuming water spinach
- Antioxidants in water spinach help to prevent cancer.
- Beta-carotene in water spinach improves eyesight.
- It prevents anemia
- It strengthens the immune system.
- Used to treat liver related issues and jaundice.
- It is advised to people suffering from constipation
- Water spinach is good to reduce menstrual pain
- Water spinach is great to treat ulcers.
- Water spinach is known to reduce toothache and
headache.
- Used in the treatment of skin problems dandruff.
- Improve the nerve functions.
- Help in glucose absorption in the body.
- Help to eliminate the toxins from the body.
Saplings of evergreen vegetables including
chaya mansa are available with Keralaponics. Contact us on 9387735697 or
keralaponics@gmail.com
