Sweet potato leaves is a tropical to temperate climate plant which is cordate, hairless and heart shaped. The upper and lower surface of leaves is olive green in color.
Along with the tubers of sweet potato, the leaves are also edible. Besides its delicious taste, it is flavorful with some bitter taste. The leaves are consumed and cooked as spinach. It is a great source of antioxidant, Vitamin C, A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and folic acid. In comparison to other leafy greens, it possesses more dietary fiber and nutrients.
Below are the health benefits of eating cooked potato leaves.
1. Heart ailments
Vitamin K helps to prevent the arteries calcification which is one of the main causes for heart attacks. It carries away from arteries and does not allow forming into harmful and hard deposits of plaque. Vitamin K is a vital nutrients in order to reduce inflammation and prevent the cells which lines the blood vessels such as arteries and veins. An adequate intake of Vitamin K helps to maintain the healthy blood pressure and reduces the risk of having cardiac arrest
2. Density of bones
Vitamin K helps to maintain the calcium on bones and reduces the chances of osteoporosis. The studies shows that high intake of Vitamin K can eradicate bone loss in osteoporosis patients. Vitamin K is essential for using calcium to form bones. Vitamin K enhances the health of bones and lowers the chances of bone fractures in the postmenopausal women.
The high intake of Vitamin K2 helps to reduce the chances of hip fracture by about 65%. The evidence shows that Vitamin D and Vitamin K works together to enhance the density of bones. Vitamin K has the positive effects on calcium balance. The consumption of foods rich in Vitamin K by the injured patients helps to prevent the sprained ankles and recovers the broken bone
3. Pain during menstruation.
Vitamin K regulates the hormone function lowers the pain of PMS cramps and menstrual pains. Vitamin K clots the blood and prevents the excessive bleeding during menstruation and relieves pain of PMS symptoms. Over bleeding can cause more pains and cramps during menstruation. The deficiency of Vitamin K can worsen these symptoms
4. Treats cancer
Vitamin K helps to reduce the chances of colon, prostate, nasal, oral and stomach cancer. The study shows that high intake of Vitamin K by the liver cancer patients helps to enhance the functions of liver. The intake of Vitamin K helps to reduce the chances of cancer and cardiovascular conditions.
5. Clots blood
Vitamin K assists in blood clotting which requires twelve proteins to function. Vitamin K promotes the clotting of blood which helps to recover the cuts and bruises quickly. When the blood clotting does not takes place properly then one could experience haemorrhagic disease of new born. This is caused due to the deficiency of Vitamin K. The study shows that the newborns should be given the injection of Vitamin K at birth to prevent from HDN
6. Brain health
The study shows that Vitamin K has the role in the metabolism of sphingolipid in which the molecules occur naturally which is present in the cell membranes of the brain. Sphingolipids have a vital role in the cellular actions and assist in forming and supporting the structural role in the brain. An evidence shows that Vitamin K possess an anti-inflammatory properties which prevents the brain from oxidative stress which is a free radical damage. Oxidative stress damages the cells and contributes to the Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, Parkinson’s disease as well as heart failure
7. Gum health
Cavities and gum problems are the result of the food low in Vitamin C, A, D and K. The intake of foods rich in fat soluble vitamins helps to prevent the gum disease and tooth decay. It also plays a vital role in the mineralization of teeth and bones. The food rich in minerals and vitamins helps to eliminate the bacteria present in the mouth and teeth. Vitamin K works with other vitamins and minerals to eradicate the bacteria that damage the enamel of tooth. It also maintains the strong teeth by providing adequate amount of minerals.
Content created and supplied by: GanyoEdem (via Opera
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