Health Benefits Of Molokhia – Top 10:
1. Lowers Blood Pressure
Molokhia leaves have been found to reduce the risk of hypertension, by effectively helping reduce blood pressure. Molokhia leaves are rich in potassium, and since potassium is a known vasodilator, it helps relax the arteries. This property of potassium helps improve oxygenation and reduces cardiovascular strain (1). [ Read: Benefits Of Water Spinach For Health ]
2. Improves Circulation
Molokhia leaves are rich in iron, which not only increases RBC production, but also leads to improved blood circulation. Iron is needed for the blood to carry oxygen and a deficiency in iron usually results in anemia. An iron-rich diet ensures that blood circulation is at the optimal level, which in turn helps you stay energetic (2).
3. Aids Digestion
Molokhia leaves are rich in dietary fiber, and this makes them especially good for your digestive health. Dietary fiber is a bulking agent which helps relieve irritable conditions like bloating and constipation (3).
4. Lowers Cholesterol
Molokhia leaves have been proven to reduce blood pressure, and they are especially rich in dietary fiber. This makes them one of the best agents for cholesterol reduction. Dietary fiber has been found to help reduce bad (LDL) cholesterol, which directly reduces the risk of you contracting arterial diseases like stroke, heart attack or even atherosclerosis (4).‘ [ Read: Benefits Of Peppermint Leaves For Health ]
5. Relieves Insomnia
Molokhia is rich in many essential minerals, most notably magnesium. Magnesium has been proved to help eliminate sleep disorders like insomnia and even snoring disorders like apnea. Magnesium triggers the release of hormones that relax the body and calm the nerves. An increase in magnesium intake has been directly linked with regular and better sleep cycles (5).
6. Boosts Immunity
Molokhia leaves are rich in vitamins A, C and E. It is especially effective for the immune system. Vitamin C is one of the most effective antioxidants that not only eliminates free radicals, but also helps instigate WBC production (6). WBCs usually attack pathogens and infections first. Vitamins A and E are antioxidant vitamins that prevent free radical damage. The consumption of Molokhia leaves helps boost immunity.
7. Anti-Carcinogenic
Along with other essential minerals and nutrients, molokhia is rich in antioxidant vitamins A, C and E (7), (8). Antioxidants usually help protect the body from cancer-inducing free radicals and restrict the spread of cancerous cells and tumors. The high antioxidant content of molokhia leaves makes it an ideal anti-carcinogen.
8. Boosts Bone Health
Molokhia is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals that have many health benefits. Some of these have been found to boost bone health and protect one against diseases like osteoporosis and arthritic conditions. Iron, selenium, calcium and magnesium are just some of the essential minerals that molokhia leaves contain (9), (10).
9. Anti-Inflammatory
In traditional medicine, Molokhia leaves have been used extensively as anti-inflammation agents. One of the constituent antioxidants that make up molokhia is Vitamin E, an especially effective anti-inflammatory agent that usually cures and treats most symptoms of inflammation. If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, cystitis or other inflammatory conditions, consider adding molokhia leaves to your diet (11). [ Read: Benefits Of Moringa Leaves For Health ]
10. Cellular Growth
Molokhia leaves contain many essential nutrients and minerals that not only aid in the proper functioning of the body, but also help create new cells, skin, ligaments, muscles and organ systems. As molokhia is especially rich in magnesium, it is a great food that boosts cellular growth. Magnesium helps build new organic material and is necessary for proper cell growth (12). Is molokhia good for kidneys? Yes, molokhia has antioxidant and antitumor properties that may protect your kidneys from cancer and lead poisoning (13). Is molokhia the same as spinach? No, molokhia is a different green leafy vegetable. However, due to its similarity to spinach, it is often referred to as Egyptian spinach. Does molokhia have protein? Yes, molokhia is a good source of protein and contains 4.5-5.6 g of protein per 100g of fresh leaves (14). What is the English name for molokhia? Molokhia is commonly known as tossa jute, nalta jute, jute mallow, jute leaves, or Jew’s Mallow in English. Is molokhia a superfood? Yes. Molokhia has a rich nutritional profile, is packed with vitamins, and benefits your health in various ways. Is molokhia easy to digest? Yes. Molokhia is rich in dietary fiber, making it easier to digest and excellent for maintaining digestive health. Is molokhia keto-friendly? Yes. Molokhia is keto-friendly and low in calories. Can molokhia be eaten raw? Yes. The molokhia leaves can be eaten raw in salads, cooked as a side dish, or prepared into soup.
