Molokhia, with its high nutritional value, provides plenty of health benefits. Regularly consuming this green vegetable can improve digestion, enhance immunity, promote eyesight, and regulate blood pressure. We, at NutriNeat, have enlisted some more benefits of this nutritious vegetable.
Molokhia has been the staple food in Egypt since the time of the Pharaohs.
Ever thought there could be something more healthy than the super nutritious spinach? Well, there is, and it is obtained from the corchorus olitorius plant. The leaves of the plant, referred to as molokhia, are used as a vegetable and considered a staple food in Middle Eastern cuisines.
Molokhia is not only nutritious but versatile enough to go well with any food. The leaves are often stewed with beef, chicken, lamb, and rice. They are also used to make the molokhia soup, which is often served along with rice. Also referred to as Egyptian spinach, molokhia has the following health benefits:
Molokhia Nutrition Value
Corchorus olitorius, from which the leaves are derived, contains the following nutrients:
Nutrition | Corchorus olitorius (100 g) | %DV |
Carotene | 278 mcg | 35% |
Thiamine | 0.133 mg | 12% |
Riboflavin | 0.546 mg | 46% |
Niacin | 1.26 mg | 8% |
Vitamin B5 | 0.072 mg | 1% |
Vitamin B6 | 0.6 mg | 46% |
Folate | 123 mcg | 31% |
Vitamin C | 37 mg | 45% |
Calcium | 208 mcg | 21% |
Iron | 4.76 mg | 37% |
Magnesium | 64 mg | 18% |
Manganese | 0.123 mg | 6% |
Phosphorus | 83 mg | 12% |
Potassium | 559 mg | 12% |
Zinc | 0.79 mg | 8% |
Health Benefits
Regulates Blood Pressure
This vegetable contains a great deal of potassium, the nutrient that causes blood vessels to dilate, which works to alleviate high blood pressure. So, regularly consuming this vegetable can certainly help maintain healthy blood pressure, and moreover, considerably minimize the risk of hypertension. Vasodilation, associated with consumption of molokhia, also promotes increased blood circulation, in turn keeping blood clots at bay.
Good for Vision
The vegetable leaves are choc-a-bloc with beta carotene that changes to vitamin A in the body. It is observed that the leaves contain two- to five-fold more beta-carotene than spinach leaves. Beta-carotene, known for its antioxidant properties, is effective at keeping eyesight healthy and even prevent age-related macular degeneration.
Heart-Friendly
The leaves of this Egyptian vegetable are a good source of soluble fiber that is known to reduce blood cholesterol. Dietary fiber adheres to cholesterol particles and prevents their circulation in the bloodstream. This cholesterol-lowering effect of dietary fiber can protect heart health by preventing artery blockages.
Aids Digestion
Additionally, molokhia owing to its high fiber content can assist to keep the digestive system running smoothly. Improved digestion means you are unlikely to suffer from constipation or sluggish digestive system that causes bloating and stomach cramps. So make sure you add molokhia in your diet to optimize your digestive system.
Immune Booster
You can rev-up your immune system by regularly consuming molokhia. This green vegetable is known to contain a healthy dose of immune-boosting nutrients. Molokhia is a good source of vitamin A, C, and E, all of which contribute in keeping the immune system healthy.
Bone Booster
Calcium and magnesium that provide strength and firmness to bones are also present in high amounts in molokhia. In fact, it is estimated that molokhia has 9 times the calcium content of spinach. Moreover, it also contains trace minerals, such as selenium, that also assist in bone health. So for better bone health and to prevent osteoporosis, make sure to include molokhia in your diet.
Promotes Better Sleep
As magnesium is known for its sedative properties, having magnesium-rich foods, such as molokhia, may treat insomnia and improve sleep quality.
Increases RBC Count
Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and molokhia, are considered rich sources of iron, are often recommended to treat and prevent anemia. In this condition, there is inadequate production of red blood cells (RBCs), which often causes persistent fatigue. However, by regularly having these iron-rich foods one can certainly maintain sufficient production of RBCs and keep iron-deficiency anemia at bay.
Energy Booster
It is observed that molokhia has 5 times more B1 and B2 vitamins than spinach. These vitamins play a crucial role in energy synthesis of ingested fats and carbohydrates. So these green leafy vegetables can act as fuel for your body, and their consumption will definitely contribute in combating day-to-day fatigue.
Traditionally, molokhia has also been used as a febrifuge, diuretic, demulcent, and tonic. On the whole, molokhia with its range of nutrients is sure to have a beneficial impact on overall health. Its regular consumption will surely help combat fatigue and even send your energy levels soaring all day long.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.