Africa is indeed full of medicinal and aromatic plants. Nigeria as the giant of Africa has a GIANT share of these plant species.
Waterleaf is a plant of the purslane family known as the Portulacaceae.
Waterleaf itself is botanically called Talinum triangulare. It is an important vegetable, an excellent vegetable with antioxidant property mostly utilized mostly in southern part of Nigeria where it is used in the preparation of many delicious soups such as ‘Edikaiko’ and: Afang ‘soup.
Purslane family plants are characteristically succulent and they usually withstand intense sunlight and drought conditions.
Waterleaf has been established to have the following medicinal actions;
BLOOD BUILDING
Waterleaf prevents anemia as well as boosts the blood level tremendously.
JAUNDICE
It is useful in the treatment of high bilirubin in the blood (hyperbilirubinemia).
BRAIN POWER
Researchers have shown that waterleaf nourishes and supports nerve cells (neurons) of the cerebrum and enhances cerebral functions.
AIDS WEIGHT LOSS
Waterleaf promotes weight loss; it is rich in fiber that provides bulk; waterleaf is also low in calories.
LIVER PROTECTION
Waterleaf has shown to be effective in protecting and treating some liver diseases.
CONSTIPATION AND INDIGESTION
Are you having issues with indigestion and constipation?. Waterleaf eases indigestion, it is rich in soluble fibers and is excellent for constipation and its associated problems.
CHOLESTEROL BUSTER
Waterleaf regulates the Cholesterol level, the large quantity of dietary fiber in waterleaf works towards reducing the absorption of cholesterol from your intestines thereby protecting the body from the effects of bad cholesterol.
TONES THE HEART, PREVENTS STROKE
One of the health benefits of consuming Waterleaf is in its application in the management of cardiovascular diseases. It is an important food article for the prevention of stroke and other cardiovascular health conditions.
STRONG ANTIOXIDANT
Various scientific reports support and give credence to the high antioxidant property of Waterleaf plants. Waterleaf helps the cells of the body cope with oxidative stress and combat various forms of free radicals.
LOADED WITH NUTRIENTS
Waterleaf contains nutrients such as vitamin C, Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, magnesium, potassium, calcium and beta carotene to list just a few.
If you just as little as glanced through the documented therapeutic uses of Waterleaf, you will appreciate the importance of this vegetable for the present time we are in.
