Get to know water morning glory, a fresh vegetable that goes well with papaya salad, packed with benefits.
Water morning glory is a familiar aquatic vegetable in Thai cuisine. It is popularly eaten fresh or cooked in a variety of dishes, especially when paired with papaya salad to add a crisp, refreshing taste.
What is water spinach ?
Water morning glory is an aquatic plant with a round, hollow stem, long, pointed leaves, bright green color, with roots submerged in water. It can be found in rice fields, canals, swamps, and general freshwater sources. It is different from Chinese morning glory, which is grown on the เล่น UFABET ผ่านมือถือ สะดวกทุกที่ ทุกเวลา ground and has a flatter stem.
Important nutrients in water spinach
Water spinach is very high in vitamin A, an antioxidant that helps nourish the eyes. Vitamin C helps strengthen the immune system. Iron helps prevent anemia. High fiber helps stimulate the digestive system and excretion. It also contains calcium and magnesium that help nourish bones and muscles.
Health benefits of water spinach
Nourish eyes and skin
Beta-carotene in water spinach helps reduce retinal degeneration, helps prevent night blindness, and nourishes the skin to look radiant and reduce wrinkles.
Promotes digestion and intestinal system
Dietary fiber from water spinach helps increase fiber in the intestines, stimulates bowel movements, reduces constipation, and helps cleanse toxins in the colon.
Helps control blood sugar and blood pressure levels.
Antioxidants and magnesium in water spinach help control blood sugar and blood pressure levels to be in normal range, reducing the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Anti-inflammatory and immune boosting
Flavonoids and vitamin C in water spinach have anti-inflammatory properties, help reduce chronic inflammation and strengthen the body’s immune system.
Helps prevent some types of cancer.
Research has found that antioxidants in water spinach may help inhibit certain types of cancer cells, such as colon and breast cancer.
How to eat water spinach to get the most benefits
Eat fresh
Eating fresh morning glory helps retain all the vitamins and minerals, as well as adding flavor and crispness.
Stir-fry or boil.
Stir-frying or boiling morning glory over a low heat will help preserve its nutritional value and make it easier to eat.
Avoid cooking at high heat for long periods.
Because it can destroy some vitamins, especially vitamin C and vitamin A.
Precautions for consuming water spinach
Wash thoroughly before eating.
To reduce the risk from residual substances and pathogens in natural water sources
Caution for those with kidney problems
Because water spinach is high in potassium, kidney disease patients should limit their consumption to prevent high blood potassium levels.
Appropriate amount
It should be eaten in moderation, not excessively, for overall health benefits.
Water spinach is a popular aquatic vegetable in Thai cuisine, especially when eaten with papaya salad. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, helps maintain eyesight, digestion, reduces the risk of chronic diseases, and may help prevent cancer. It should be washed thoroughly and eaten in appropriate amounts for maximum health benefits.