Various Benefits of Kenikir Leaves for Health

Kenikir leaves which are often eaten as fresh vegetables are believed to have many benefits as medicinal plants. Benefits of kenikir leaves are thought to prevent certain diseases, such as hypertension to diabetes. But , has the benefit of the kenikir leaf proved effective? Check out the answer in the following article!

Kenikir leaves have the Latin name Cosmos caudatus. This plant originally came from Latin America, but can also be found in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia.

Kenikir leaves are considered as one of the healthiest foods thanks to a number of nutrients contained in them. Apart from being a food, this plant is also considered to have health benefits.

Nutritional Content of Kenikir Leaves

Based on the results of the study, obtained data that kenikir leaves contain carbohydrates, protein, fiber, water, and several types of vitamins, such as vitamin B, vitamin C, and beta carotene. Kenikir leaves also contain many minerals, such as potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, and sodium.

In addition, kenikir leaves also contain active compounds quercetin, phenolic acids in large quantities and chlorogenic acid. All three are substances that have antioxidant properties and are thought to have anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antibacterial, and good for maintaining bone health.

Benefits of Leaves Thinking

With the abundance of nutrients contained in kenikir leaves, it's no wonder that this plant is believed to have many properties to support body health. Some of the benefits of kenikir leaves are:

1. Prevent and help treat diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a disease that can occur when blood sugar levels are too high in the body because insulin cannot work effectively.

Based on data from several studies, found the fact that one of the benefits of kenikir leaves is improving insulin performance in the body and inhibiting the absorption of glucose in the digestive system, so that blood sugar levels are controlled. That is why, the benefits of kenikir leaves are considered good for treating and preventing type 2 diabetes.

2. Lower blood pressure

Hypertension is a disease in which blood pressure in the body becomes high to exceed its normal value. Based on research results, it is known that kenikir leaves have a diuretic effect which is widely used to lower blood pressure. The study also mentioned that kenikir leaves have a similar work effect to the antihypertensive drug class ACE- inhibitors.

However, unfortunately the effectiveness and safe dosage of using kenikir leaves to treat hypertension is still not clearly known, so its benefits cannot be ascertained as a remedy for hypertension.

3. Preventing osteoporosis

The benefits of kenikir leaf on this one are thought to be thanks to the high antioxidant content and calcium contained in it. A study found that kenikir leaves have a good effect in stimulating bone formation, increasing bone strength, and is thought to prevent bone loss or osteoporosis.

However, this study is only limited to research studies in laboratory animals. So far, there has been no clinical research that supports the claim that kenikir leaves are useful as effective medicines or supplements to prevent osteoporosis.

4. Prevents the growth of cancer cells

There is a scientific study which states that the high antioxidant content in kenikir leaf extract seems to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. However, there is no medical research that can prove that kenikir leaves are effective as a cancer treatment.

In addition to some of the benefits above, kenikir leaves also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can prevent cell damage. Benefits of kenikir leaves on this one is thought to prevent certain diseases, such as heart disease. In addition, kenikir leaf extracts also appear to have an antibacterial and antifungal effect.

Although it is believed to have a number of benefits, kenikir leaves should be consumed in reasonable quantities. Excessive consumption of kenikir leaves or extracts is thought to cause liver damage. These leaves also need to be washed before cooking or eaten directly as fresh vegetables.

What needs to be underlined, all the benefits of kenikir leaves mentioned above have not been supported by adequate clinical evidence. Research conducted is still limited to experimental animals, so further research is needed to ensure its effectiveness and side effects in humans.

Therefore, if you have a medical condition and want to use kenikir leaves as an herbal remedy, you should consult with your doctor first.

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