Ipomoea aquatica is one of the common vegetables that are served in meals. Common throughout the tropical and subtropical parts of the globe, the plant is grown as a vegetable for its leaves and shoots. It is also known as water convolvulus, water morning glory, water spinach, river spinach, Chinese spinach, and Chinese watercress.
General Nutrition
Water spinach is rich in vitamins. According to Specialty Produce, the plant contains vitamins A, B, C, and E. Vitamin A is great for vision, as well as the integrity of the skin and the mucous membranes. On the other hand, vitamin B promotes the health and function of the brain, which includes thinking, learning, memory, and sensation. Meanwhile, vitamin C boosts the body’s defenses against sickness and infection. It acts as cement and binds loosely connected tissues and cells. Along with vitamins A and C, vitamin E also acts as an antioxidant, which helps the body get rid of harmful elements like toxins and free radicals.
Water Spinach and Sleep
Water spinach also promotes a good sleep. According to THealth, the plant contains sedative properties, which help a person sleep soundly. Along with the sedative elements, water spinach also contains selenium and zinc, which loose and relax the nerves. In addition, selenium releases antioxidant enzymes to prevent cell damage while zinc promotes wound healing and digestive health.
Water Spinach and Digestive Health
Water spinach also boosts a person’s digestion. According to Style Craze, the plant is capable of countering gastrointestinal problems like indigestion and constipation. As per the publication, the fiber content of the plant provides natural relief of the aforementioned gastrointestinal disorders. Also, the vegetable is rich and fiber and it has milk laxative properties and antihelminthic properties; thus, it can also be used as a purgative agent and treat problems like intestinal worm infestation.
Water Spinach as Anti-Aging
Water spinach helps delay the onset of aging. As per Stylish Walks, the vegetable contains antioxidants, collagen, and resveratrol. All three are able to fight the free radicals that lead to cellular damage. As a result, the cells maintain their health, which leads to the reduction of wrinkles and fine lines on the skin. The bottomline is that water spinach helps a person look younger without surgery.
Sample Recipe
Water spinach can be made into its own recipe, such as stir-fried water spinach. According to Eating China, the ingredients include 250 grams of water spinach, five gloves garlic (chopped roughly), one teaspoon of ginger slivers, one large chili (sliced into large pieces), a tablespoon of vegetable oil, a tablespoon of water, one-third teaspoon of salt, and a teaspoon of chicken stock powder.
To prepare, as per the publication, the thick parts of the vegetable stems are trimmed and discarded and are cut into four centime long. Next, the stem and leaf parts are separated and are rinsed. After that, oil is heated over a low flame and ginger, garlic, and chili are added; they are fried until they become fragrant. Then, the flame is brought to high heat. The stem sections are added and are stir fried for a minute. Then, the leaf sections are added and are stir fried for one minute more. Then, the chicken stock, water, and salt are added and are fried for two more minutes. Finally, the food is removed and transferred to a serving plate and is eaten at once.
Ipomoea aquatic stands one of the healthy food options available to people today. Thus, its inclusion to various meal recipes not only enhances the food’s flavor, but it also helps promote a person’s total health and well-being.
