The 20 Health Benefits of Taro Leaves!
Taro, native to Southeast Asia and South India is a tropical plant that is cultivated for its root or tuber and edible starch and also for its leaves that have high nutritional value.It is considered to be one of the earliest cultivated plants and forms the staple of food for people in many parts of the world, such as Africa and southern India. Taro is known by other common names such as yam and elephant ear.
The heart-shaped leaves are commonly used in many Indian dishes. Taro leaves taste similar to spinach, but unlike spinach they can be toxic if eaten raw. These leaves contain calcium oxalate which can cause itching and swelling in the throat. Soaking the leaves overnight and cooking them can get rid of the toxicity.
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Taro leaves are very healthy as they are low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. It is a good source of protein, dietary fiber and many important vitamins such as Vitamin A , Vitamin B6 , Vitamin C , Thiamine , Niacin , Riboflavin and Folic Acid . Consumption of Taro leaves can provide good amounts of minerals like Calcium , Copper , Iron , Magnesium , Manganese , Phosphorus , Potassium, Selenium and Zinc .
Taro leaves are packed with nutrients and hence their consumption is associated with various health benefits. So, check out now The 20 Benefits of Taro Leaves:
Benefits of Taro Leaves for Boosting Energy: Taro leaves arerich in protein content and hence, it is an important source of energy. In addition, it contains large amounts of B vitamins, which play a key role in boosting your energy.
Benefits of Taro Leaves for Weight Loss: Taro leaves arelow in calories and saturated fat and hence can be considered as an ideal weight loss food . It provides good amounts of dietary fiber that satisfies your hunger, making you feel fuller for long hours.
Benefits of Taro Leaves for Heart : Taro leaves are low in Saturated Fat and Cholesterol and is considered as a heart healthy food. The fiber in these leaves prevents the accumulation of cholesterol in the blood stream, while the high level of potassium helps keep blood pressure under control.
Taro Leaves Promote Digestive Health: Taro leaves are easily digestible and contain dietary fiber , which is essential forproper digestive health and regularity. Fiber increases thevolume of stool and helps normalize bowel movements, thus preventing digestive disorders such as constipation and irritable bowel syndrome. Fiber also helps in reducing the chances of developing colon cancer.
Taro Leaves are a Rich Source of Vitamin A: Taro leaves contain high levels of Vitamin A which supports many body functions including promoting eye health and normal vision, helping with immune function, promoting growth, development and health of new cells in your body, embryonic development and protects against many serious diseases such as heart disease and cancer .
Taro Leaves are a Rich Source of Vitamin C : Regular consumption of Taro Leaves is a great way to get plenty of Vitamin C in your body. This vitamin is a powerful antioxidant that may offer protection against some types of cancers . Vitamin C is essential for the development of healthy connective tissues such as tendons, ligaments and cartilage.
It helps to improve your immune system thus protecting you from common ailments like Flu and Cold . Another use of Vitamin C is that it speeds up the healing of wounds and injuries. It helps in the absorption of Iron and is also associated with the synthesis of hormones and neurotransmitters.
Taro Leaves Contain Vitamin E: Vitamin E is yet another potent antioxidant found in Taro leaves that helps protect the body against many health problems, including atherosclerosis and certain types of cancers . It also ensures support and proper functioning of various organs in your body such as the lungs, heart, prostate and digestive system .
Taro Leaves Contain Vitamin B1 or Thiamine: Taro leaves area good source of vitamin B, which is essential for nerve transmission, digestion and metabolism. It also plays an important role in the formation of blood cells.
Taro Leaves Contain Vitamin B2, or Riboflavin: Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin is a B-complex vitamin that is needed for functions such as Digestion and Metabolism . It is also associated with eye and skin health .
Taro Leaves Contain Vitamin B3 or Niacin: Just like Thiamine and Riboflavin , Niacin also supports the process of Digestion and metabolism. One of the great benefits of this vitamin is that it helps in reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and increasing good cholesterol (HDL) levels. Niacinalso helps in storing fat and in breaking down stored fat whenever needed.
Taro Leaves are a Good Source of Vitamin B6: Consuming Taro Leaves can provide you with good amount of Vitamin B6 , which is a B-group vitamin that is essential for many bodily functions. In addition to helping with metabolic activities, Vitamin B6 is also involved in helping with oxygen transport and preventing certain types of Anemia .
This vitamin is necessary for neurotransmitters and also protects your heart health by reducing homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is an amino acid, which if present in high levels in the blood can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Taro Leaves Contain Folic Acid: Folate is an important vitamin often prescribed to pregnant women as it is essential for the health and normal development of the fetus. It helps in preventing birth defects like neural tube defects in the fetus.
This vitamin, which is essential for DNA synthesis, is also found to be beneficial in preventing certain types of cancers such as rectal cancer and colon cancer. It can help in reducing the levels of homocysteine in the blood, thus preventing heart disease and stroke.
Taro Leaves Contain Calcium: Taro leaves area good source of calcium , a mineral that plays a key role in maintaining strong, healthy bones and teeth. It is also associated with several other bodily processes, such as nerve functions, muscle contraction, hormone release, and blood clotting.
Taro Leaves Provides Good Amount of Potassium: Potassium isan important mineral that is needed by your body to function properly. It helps in breaking down and absorbing carbohydrates, building muscle, maintaining proper acid-base balance, controlling the electrical activity of the heart and in maintaining the normal growth and development of your body.
Potassium is important for maintaining electrolyte and fluid balance in the body . Taro leaves are a good source of potassium and hence regular consumption of this vegetable can provide your body with adequate amount of this mineral.
Taro Leaves Contain Copper: Copper is essential for humans as it is required for normal metabolic processes. It is important for breathing, helps with the transport of oxygen and also aids in the proper absorption and utilization of Fat and Iron . Since the body cannot synthesize this mineral, it is important to consume it in a diet that ensures a supply of copper . Eating Taro Leaves is a good way to get good amounts of Copper in your body.
Taro Leaves Contain Iron: Iron isan indispensable mineral for humans because it plays a key role in the formation of red blood cells and in transporting oxygen to different parts of your body. Intake of foods rich in Iron such as Taro Leaves is therefore important as an Iron deficiency can lead to Anemia , fatigue and tiredness.
Taro Leaves Contains Magnesium: Magnesium isassociated with hundreds of biochemical processes in the body. Some of the main functions of this mineral include protein synthesis, maintaining a healthy immune system function, keeping bones strong and healthy, controlling blood glucose, producing energy and regulating Blood Pressure . Regular intake of Taro leaves helps in providing Magnesium to your body.
Taro Leaves Provide Manganese: Although Manganese is only needed in small amounts, it is highly essential for keeping the body functioning properly. It plays a vital role in the formation of connective tissue, bones and sex hormones. It is also involved in calcium absorption , fat and carbohydrate metabolism , brain and nerve
Eating Taro Leaves can help you meet your Manganese needs . Manganese is also beneficial in treating conditions such as premenstrual syndrome, osteoporosis and arthritis .
Taro Leaves Contain Zinc: Zinc ,yet another mineral found in Taro leaves is also highly essential for the human body in many ways. This helps in maintaining a healthy immune system and is necessary for the growth and development of the body. It is necessary for DNA synthesis and for the promotion of wound healing.
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Taro Leaves are Rich in Antioxidants: Taro leaves contain large amounts of carotenoids and phenolic compounds that have powerful antioxidant properties. They help in the fight against free radicals and protect cells against oxidative stress and damage, thus preventing many serious diseases such as Cancer and heart disease. Taro leaves arehighly nutritious and contain a wide range of micronutrients in huge amounts.