Water Spinach (വയൽച്ചീര)

 

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