Water spinach, also known as sweet potato vine or cam thu, is the stem and leaf part of the sweet potato plant. In the past, during the harvesting process, water spinach was often discarded or used as pig feed.
However, in recent years, it has been discovered that water spinach can provide numerous health benefits. According to modern medicine, water spinach is rich in fiber, vitamins B, C, E, beta-carotene, biotin, and minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, manganese, zinc, and copper.
With its high nutritional value, water spinach is highly favored by the Chinese. They refer to it as the “queen of vegetables” or “longevity vegetable.”
In Vietnam, water spinach is also very popular. However, not everyone includes this vegetable in their family meals.
Associate Professor Dr. Trieu Minh Ve from the Department of Biotechnology at Central Taiwan University, Taiwan, China, stated that regularly consuming water spinach can bring several health benefits.
Dr. Trieu Minh Ve shares about the health benefits of water spinach.
Health Benefits of Water Spinach
1. Cancer Prevention
Associate Professor Trieu Minh Ve stated: “Water spinach contains carotene, lutein, vitamins A and C, which have antioxidant effects and combat free radicals that damage cells, thus helping to effectively prevent cancer.”
2. Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
Nutrients such as fiber, potassium, folic acid, vitamins, and beta-carotene in water spinach can help prevent cardiovascular diseases. In particular, beta-carotene and vitamin C in water spinach can combat oxidation and prevent atherosclerosis by eliminating excess cholesterol in the blood.
Additionally, potassium in water spinach can help the body eliminate excess sodium, effectively controlling blood pressure and reducing stress on the cardiovascular system. Potassium can also enhance blood circulation and protect heart health.
3. Improved Digestion and Constipation Prevention
Associate Professor Trieu Minh Ve said: “Water spinach is rich in fiber, which stimulates intestinal motility, enhances bowel movement, and prevents constipation, thereby promoting effective digestive system function.”
4. Blood Sugar Control
Studies have found that flavonoids in water spinach can enhance glucose absorption in peripheral tissues while increasing insulin secretion, thus helping to stabilize blood sugar levels and effectively prevent diabetes.
Eating water spinach can help prevent cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. (Illustrative image).
5. Enhanced Immune Function
Although the protein content in water spinach is not high, its amino acid structure is ideal, providing many essential amino acids for the body. Additionally, water spinach contains beta-carotene and vitamin C, which have anti-inflammatory properties and effectively boost the immune system.
6. Skin Aging Prevention
Research shows that 100g of water spinach contains up to 11mg of vitamin C, which supports the body’s production of collagen, keeping the skin firm, smooth, and vibrant. Vitamin C can reduce tyrosinase activity, preventing the formation of melanin, thereby helping to prevent the appearance of freckles and age spots.
Moreover, antioxidants in water spinach also delay and inhibit skin aging, keeping the skin smooth and elastic.
Associate Professor Trieu Minh Ve affirmed: “Water spinach is a healthy food that brings many health benefits; therefore, I encourage everyone to add this vegetable to their diet.”
Water spinach can be prepared in various dishes. (Illustrative image).
Water spinach grows year-round and can be prepared in many delicious ways such as soups, salads, or stir-fries.
