Kenikir leaves which are often eaten as fresh vegetables are believed to have many properties as medicinal plants. Benefits of kenikir leaves are thought to prevent certain diseases, such as hypertension to diabetes. However, whether the benefits of kenikir leaf proved effective? Check out the answer in the following article!
Kenikir leaf has 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.
Nutrient Content in 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 acid (phenolic acid), and chlorogenic acid in large quantities. All three are substances that have antioxidant properties and are thought to have anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antibacterial effects, and are good for maintaining bone health.
Benefits of Kenikir Leaves
With so many nutritional contents that are on kenikir leaves, no wonder if 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. Reducing 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 working effect similar 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 the benefits as a cure for hypertension cannot be ascertained.
3. Prevents osteoporosis
The benefits of kenikir leaf on this one are thought to be thanks to the high antioxidant content and calcium contained therein. 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, the new study is limited to research studies in laboratory animals. So far, there has been no clinical research to support 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 are no medical studies that can prove that kenikir leaves are effective as a cancer treatment.
In addition to some of the benefits above, kenikir leaves also contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can prevent cell damage. The benefits of kenikir leaves on this one are thought to prevent certain diseases, such as heart disease. In addition, kenikir leaf extracts also appear to have antibacterial and antifungal effects.
Although 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 leaf mentioned above have not been supported by adequate clinical evidence. Research carried out 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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