The health benefits of Orach include its capability to regulate the digestion of food, improve our kidney health, strengthen our immune system, boost our cardiovascular health, detoxify our blood and prevent chronic diseases and certain types of cancer. Overwhelming, no? Orach’s health benefits are similar to those offered by spinach, but orach is sturdier and can withstand hotter temperatures. It comes in colours such as green, yellow and red, and makes a perfect addition to salads and smoothies.
What is Orach?
Orach is native to Siberia, but in the Mediterranean region, it is a superfood referred to as ‘mountain spinach.’ Other types include Red Orach and green French mountain spinach, and it is one of the healthiest foods in terms of its amount of minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. In addition, Orach is native to Siberia.
This delicious vegetable has a distinguishing flavour thanks to its chemical composition. Part of the artiplex family, Orach is also sometimes referred to as saltbush because of its ability to store salt and thrive in saltwater.
Historically, the vegetable was brought to Europe by traders in the 11th century, afterwards reaching as far as China. Still, spinach continues to be the more well-known leafy green, despite not being quite as nutritious. Rumour has it Thomas Jefferson brought Orach to America, where he grew it in his garden.
Nutritional Content of Orach
Orach contains great levels of vitamin K, vitamin C, magnesium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, protein, carotenes, zinc, anthocyanins and selenium. In addition, it also contains dietary fiber and tryptophan.
Uses of Orach
Some use the leaves as a vegetable while others use them as a medicinal herb. If being eaten, the leaves can be boiled or eaten raw, and the seeds are also sometimes ground into a flour to be used in soups or bread.
According to studies, the extract from the leaves can help diabetic patients by controlling insulin and glucose levels in the body. Historically, orach was used in the Iron Age as both a food and a medicine. Records indicate it was used to treat boils, and one doctor even recommended it for jaundice.
Health Benefits of Orach
Here are some of the health benefits of Orach:
- Boosts our metabolism. Orach contains proteins, vitamins and minerals that help regulate hormones and the enzymatic reactions the body needs to function properly. It also contains a high level of calcium and iron, which boosts the creation and circulation of red blood cells, overall increasing the metabolic efficiency of the body.
- Boosts the immune system. Orach contains a high amount of vitamin C, which helps the immune system function properly and stimulates the production of white blood cells.
- Reduces the signs of premature ageing. Orach contains carotenes and anthocyanins, which help reduce the signs of aging and boost eye health
- Improves our digestion. Like other green leafy vegetables, Orach has dietary fiber and minerals that optimize the digestive process and reduces the symptoms of constipation and gastrointestinal issues. It can also prevent gastric ulcers and colon cancer.
Improves kidney function. Orach has a diuretic and laxative effect that can stimulate our urination, thus cleansing our kidneys and eliminating toxins and excess salt and fat from the body. When we urinate more frequently, our kidneys can function properly. Orach can also maintain the health of your gallbladder. - Prevents cancer. Orach contains antioxidant compounds that help prevent cancer. It can also neutralize the free radicals that are harmful to the body.
If Orach is grown with fertilizers, it can contain harmful nitrates in its leaves. Its seeds also contain poisonous substances such as saponins, but small amounts are rarely harmful. In addition, Orach contains oxalic acid. We do not recommend Orach to patients with kidney stones, gout or gallstones, as it can be harmful to them.
