Waterleaf – NaijaMarket

Waterleaf, the scientific name Talinum fruticosum or Talinum triangulare is a herbaceous perennial that grows naturally in West Africa, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. It is widely cultivated in the tropics as a leaf vegetable. It is a vegetable that is called many names.

Its names include Ceylon spinach, Gbure in Yoruba, Philippine spinach, Potherb Fameflower, Lagos Bologi, Sweetheart, Kutu Bataw in Ghana, Florida spinach, Surinam purslane, and Cariru.

Water leaves are crispy, flavorful and nutritious. The waterleaf plant grows erect, reaching a height of 30cm to 100cm (12in to 39in), and sometimes, can grow up to 5 feet, according to some reports; it bears small, pink flowers and broad, fleshy leaves and is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins C and A, iron, zinc and molybdenum.

Water leaves can be used to prepare lots of delicious delicacies, like the Edikang ikong from the Efik people of Nigeria, Waterleaf soup, and many other delicacies.

Waterleaf (Talinum triangulare) has been used for medicinal purposes since antiquity. Filled with essential vitamins and minerals, this leaf can bring many health benefits, like better digestion, weight loss, and detoxification.

Moreover, Waterleaf is extremely antioxidant-rich,, which can shield your body against the adverse consequences of free radicals.

22 Health Benefits of Waterleaf: 

1. Helps with digestive health due to the dietary fiber
2. May help with weight management
3. May help with cardiovascular health
4. May help with bone health
5. It is an antioxidant powerhouse
6. May help with eye health
7. May help with diabetes management
8. Immune system support
9. May help with skin health
10. May help with detoxification
11. Helps with anti-inflammatory effects
12. Helps with respiratory health
13. May help with cognitive function
14. May help with pregnancy and breastfeeding
15. May help with cancer prevention
16. May help with energy and vitality
17. May help with stress and anxiety
18. Can cure infections
19. It is a culinary delight
20. It is good for fertility
21. Improves blood clotting
22. Contains high level of protein

Nutritional Profile of Waterleaf:
Waterleaf, is emerging as a powerhouse of nutrition. This delicious Low Carb Salad is perfect for a healthy lunch. Nutrients from Waterleaf include vitamins B, K, and A and minerals such as iron, calcium, zinc, phosphorus, and manganese.

Alkaloids present in Waterleaf can help reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and even protect against certain types of cancer. With its dietary requirement of 3-6 mg/kg body weight, Waterleaf is equally well suited for those wanting to follow a vegetarian diet.

Waterleaf is rich in Vitamin A, Protein, Calcium, Iron, and Pectin. Waterleaf also has potent antioxidants, which can prevent many diseases like cancer and heart disease.