Does high blood pressure make your life a mess? Do you suspect that your cholesterol levels are draining your life’s vitality and energy? What if I told you that there is an ingredient which may help you combat these issues, as well as some other common illnesses? I am talking about molokhia leaves. This rare vegetable is used for a variety of amazing health benefits. If you want to know more about these health benefits, give this article a read. You will definitely learn a lot from this article!
Molokhia: What Is It?
Molokhia is actually a name given to dozens of leafy plants in the Corchorus species. Also known as mloukhiya, molohiya or mulukhiyah, among other translations, it is generally used in various Middle Eastern and Egyptian cuisines. While its consistency and taste is comparable to okra and other cruciferous vegetables, itsbitter taste might be the reason it’s not common worldwide. When boiled, molokhia makes a sort of broth which is a common ingredient in various soups.
Molokhia originally comes from Egypt, but it has since spread all throughout the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean region. It is only just now beginning to appear in various parts of the world, specifically in exotic import stores. Depending on the national cuisine you’re sampling, you might find molokhia to be useful as a flavoring agent, spice or garnish in curries, soups and salads.
Nevertheless, its versatility is not the only reason for its popularity. There are about 30 vitamins and minerals in molokhia, as well as various organic compounds which significantly contribute to the overall health. Let’s take a look at some of these essential nutrients.
Nutritional Value of Molokhia
The most noticeable nutritional value of molokhia is its levels of selenium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron, potassium, niacin and fiber. It also contains vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K and vitamin E, as well as many antioxidant elements and antioxidant carotenes. These make the vegetable a well-rounded and highly beneficial part of your daily diet.
Every 216 grams of molokhia contains the following essential nutrients:
| Principles | Amount | % Daily Value |
| Calories | 142 | – |
| Total lipids | 8.6 grams | – |
| Total carbs | 5 grams | – |
| Dietary fiber | 2.7 grams | 11% |
| Protein | 12 grams | – |
| Potassium | 317 milligrams | 9% |
| Vitamin A | – | 161% |
| Vitamin C | – | 5% |
| Vitamin E | – | 15% |
| Calcium | – | 12% |
| Iron | – | 10% |
| Magnesium | – | 35% |
Health Benefits of Molokhia
Here are some of the most interesting health benefits of molokhia:
- Aids in growth and development. In terms of growth and development, almost all of molokhia’s vitamins and minerals are needed in one form or another. Magnesium, specifically, is significant in the formation of new organic material. Therefore, the high levels in molokhia are essential in ensuring proper growth and development of children.
- Helps reduce inflammation. The vitamin E in molokhia acts as an anti-inflammatory agent for the body. If you are suffering from inflammatory diseases like gout or arthritis, adding molokhia to your diet could be great.
- Helps improve bone health. Molokhia has a wide range of trace and essential minerals, making it one of the best vegetables on the market for increasing bone health.
- Helps boost immunity. The combination of vitamins A, C, and E makes molokhia essential in increasing the strength of the immune system. These essential vitamins strengthen your immune system for fighting against infections and various other conditions.
- Aids in heart health. Even though blood pressure reduction already a positive side effects of eating molokhia, its rich fiber content also helps balance cholesterol levels. Combined, this is one of the best health benefits of molokhia.
- Helps improve digestion. Like most leafy vegetables, molokhia is rich in dietary fiber, meaning it may help optimize the digestive processes by eliminating constipation and bulking up the stool in order to speed up digestion.
Caution
There are some reports of people experienceing allergic reactions to molokhia. As always, before you add something new into your diet, speak with your doctor. This can help you avoid any complications.
