Kontomire /Cocoyam leaves (Colocasia esculenta) is a starchy edible tuber and bears broad greenish leaves. It is grown in several places around the world. We usually consume the roots tubers or its leaves, locally called kontomire. Both the root and leaves have many health benefits for the body because they are rich in nutrients.

The medicinal benefits of Kontomire are:
Boost immune system
One cup of cocoyam leaves contains about 145mg of Vitamin C, about 86% of our body’s daily requirement. This will help boost your immune system effectively.

Prevention of cancer
Cocoyam leaves are rich in vitamin C which acts as an antioxidant. This fights against free radicals that cause cancer and help to prevent many diseases.

Healthy eyes.
Cocoyam leaves are rich in vitamin A in addition to the vitamin C. The amount of vitamin A can be as high as 123% of our daily requirement. It is very good for the eyes to stay healthy, maintain visual acuity, and prevent the eye diseases such as myopia, cataract, and blindness.

Aid digestion and prevent digestive problems.
The high dietary fibre in cocoyam leaves helps in food digestion and absorption. Cocoyam leaves can prevent digestive problems such as indigestion, constipation, and diarrhoea.

Cholesterol level reduction
Cocoyam leaves have no cholesterol and only 1% of total fat, and so, is the best diet for reducing cholesterol. The dietary fibre and methionine contained in cocoyam leaves can reduce cholesterol effectively. They bind and break down fat and cholesterol especially triglyceride.

Help in weight loss
Cocoyam leaves are low in fat and high in protein. It is, therefore, the best diet to reduce your fat and get your muscle mass.

Reduce inflammation.
Cocoyam leaves contain Omega 3 which plays a role in the inflammation process and can inhibit the release of inflammatory substances. It can help to treat diseases like arthritis, gastritis, or lupus disease.

Protect the nervous system
Are you feeling the symptoms of tingling, numbness, or pain in your limb? You can eat taro leaves to reduce those symptoms. The vitamin B complex including thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6 in cocoyam leaves protect the nervous system. They also boost the immune system.

Control the blood pressure
Omega 3, an essential fatty acid, helps produce hormones to control the contraction and relaxation of arteries wall. If this mechanism is going well, the blood pressure can be kept at a normal level.

Healthy bone
Cocoyam leaves also contain calcium which is good for the formation and maintenance of healthy bone. It works with phosphorous to strengthen the bone and teeth.

Fetal brain and nervous system development
Besides its rich nutrients content, the leaves also contain folate which is essential for the development of your fetal brain and nervous system. It is, therefore, good to consume cocoyam leaves when you are pregnant. However, be sure to cook them well before you eat.

Anaemia prevention
Cocoyam leaves diet is recommended for the prevention of anaemia. This is because they contain iron minerals which helps in red blood cell formation. The vitamin C content additionally helps to absorb the iron well.

Fetal bone and teeth development
Additionally, the manganese in cocoyam leaves helps in the fetal cartilage, bone, and teeth formation during pregnancy

Prevention of preeclampsia in pregnancy
The consumption of cocoyam leaves helps to prevent preeclampsia (a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, often the kidneys) during pregnancy. The magnesium mineral helps in muscle relaxation and can be used to prevent preeclampsia.

Reduce wrinkle on the skin
Cocoyam leaves also contain the amino acid called threonine. The threonine helps in the formation of elastin and collagen which are good for healthy skin. They prevent the skin from wrinkle and rejuvenate skin.

Quick treatment for diarrhoea
The zinc in cocoyam leaves protects intestinal mucosa. When you get diarrhoea, the intestine wall loses its mucosa. Zinc helps to release the mucosa quickly to immediately stop the diarrhoea.

Very good energy source
Cocoyam leaves present one of the best energy sources for the body through its essential amino acid called isoleucine. This protein regulates blood sugar and increases muscle strength and energy levels. This is the best diet for people who love to work out.

Promote bone and skin healing.
An essential amino acid called leucine is contained in cocoyam leaves. It promotes bone and skin healing by releasing the natural painkiller called enkephalins. It does not only facilitate bone healing but also relieve the pain as well.

Enhance the memory and mood.
Cocoyam leaves release dopamine (a monoamine neurotransmitter found in the brain and essential for the normal functioning of the central nervous system) which acts in the brain and nervous system. Synthesized by phenylalanine, it enhances your brain memory and controls your mood.

Help to treat nicotine addiction
Cocoyam leaves contain tyrosine, a crucial amino acid in the human body. It becomes an adaptogen substance that helps to minimize the effect of nicotine, cocaine, and coffee addiction.

Increase sperm production
Cocoyam leaves contain arginine, an amino acid that helps to increase sperm production. This makes it good for men.

A detoxification agent
Histidine, one of the essential amino acids is also contained in cocoyam leaves. It serves as a detoxification agent that helps to remove the heavy metals from the body and protect the body from damage from radiation.

Caution!!!
You shouldn’t consume cocoyam leaves in a raw condition because it has a dangerous toxin. Please soak them first in clean water for about 10-15 minutes. After that, cook them well to remove their toxic substance. It is usually itchy in the throat if not well cooked.

Source: Gbafrica.net

Cabbage is one of the most commonly found vegetables on the planet. Cabbage is a leafy green, red, or white biennial vegetable that grows annually. But did you know that it also packs a hefty dose of health benefits? Rich in antioxidants, cabbage can help improve brain function, digestion while protecting against skin disorders, and heart diseases. It is also a great low-cal option.

This cruciferous vegetable belongs to the Brassica family and is round or oval in shape. It consists of soft, light green, or whitish inner leaves covered with harder and dark green outer leaves. It belongs to the group of cole crops, which means that it is closely related to broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. It is widely used throughout the world and can be prepared in several ways. Most commonly, it is included as either a cooked or raw part of many salads.

Health Benefits of Cabbage
Did you know that the inexpensive and widely used cabbage is full of health benefits? Let’s take a look at the best ones!

Antioxidant Agent
The antioxidants in this vegetable come from Vitamin C and flavonoids, such as quercetin, and apigenin. Red cabbage is particularly potent, as it is full of anthocyanins. Research shows that antioxidants can reduce inflammation and enhance brain function.

Anti-inflammatory Agent
Research published in Clinical Phytoscience suggests that cruciferous vegetables like cabbage have anti-inflammatory properties. They contain sulforaphane, which is a compound that reduces inflammation.

It is also known to accumulate a build-up of cadmium-binding complexes in its leaves; one of the main components of that is glutamine. Glutamine is a strong anti-inflammatory agent, so consuming it can help to reduce inflammation, irritation, allergies, joint pain, fever, and various skin disorders.

Supports the Digestive Tract
A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology suggests that fiber, present in cabbage, helps bulk up the bowel movements and treat constipation. Rich in fiber and glucosinolates, cabbage helps the body retain water and it maintains the bulkiness of the food as it moves through the bowels.

Improves Heart Health
According to a study, cabbage is rich in polyphenols, which reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases by reducing blood pressure and preventing platelet build-up. Also, by binding the bile acids, it helps to lower your bad cholesterol levels.

Skin Care & Vitamin C
According to the New Wellness Encyclopedia, cabbage of all kinds are rich in vitamin C. A cup and a half of uncooked red cabbage can meet your daily vitamin C requirement. The high quantity of vitamin C has another advantage, of promoting your skin health. It provides photoprotection, helps in wound healing, reduces wrinkling, and dry skin.

Weight Loss
Cabbage is frequently recommended for people who want to lose weight healthily. Since the vegetable is packed with many beneficial vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, including water and fiber, it is a healthy dietary option for people looking to eat healthier and shedding pounds. It is also low in calories, containing only 33 calories in a cup of the cooked vegetable. Given these beneficial traits, the fad “cabbage soup” diet is often used for those looking to lose weight fast. However, be aware that it is not nutritionally complete, and should be made a part of a balanced, healthy diet, not the main component!

Prevents Cataract
It is a rich source of beta-carotene. So many people, particularly as they get older, turn to cabbage for its ability to prevent macular degeneration and promote good eye health and delay cataract formation.

Supports Brain Health
Cabbage is rich in vitamin K, iodine, and antioxidants like anthocyanins. These elements are beneficial as building blocks for the brain. But emerging research shows that it can do far more than maintain the structural integrity of the brain and the nervous system. A 2019 research by the University of Rochester, published in the journal Nature Communications, found that cruciferous vegetables like cabbage may help in reducing levels of bad tau proteins that are found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics also recommended cruciferous vegetables for improving memory.

Improves Bones
Like all cruciferous vegetables, it is a great source of minerals, like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These three essential minerals are integral in the protection of bones from degradation and the onset of conditions like osteoporosis and general bone weakening. The National Spine Health Foundation recommends Vitamin K-rich foods like cabbage to strengthen bones, cartilage, ligaments, and muscles.

Regulates Blood Pressure
Red cabbage happens to be a good source of anthocyanins. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that “Higher anthocyanin intake is associated with lower arterial stiffness and central blood pressure in women.” Simply put, this anthocyanin-rich vegetable helps lower blood pressure levels and prevents heart diseases.

The presence of potassium also makes it a wonderful way to protect yourself from elevated blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Potassium is a vasodilator, which means that it opens up the blood vessels and eases the flow of blood, so it isn’t being forced in a stress-inducing way through constricted arteries and veins. Overall, it is a great shield against many types of dangerous conditions!

Reduces Muscle Aches
When certain bacteria ferment the sugars in cabbage during the preparation of sauerkraut, lactic acid is released. It isn’t the easiest compound to find in a diet, but it has been shown to reduce muscle soreness and aches. So in some small way, it can help in general pain relief and muscle soreness, depending on how it is prepared.

Speeds-up Healing
Cabbage is rich in sulfur, which is a very useful nutrient as it fights infections. A deficiency of sulfur can result in microbial infections and a greatly reduced healing speed. It also reduces the frequency and severity of ulcers.

Source: organicfacts.net

Research has revealed that cocoa contains nutrients like iron, magnesium, phosphorus and antioxidants that could fortify one’s immune system to resist the damaging effects of COVID-19.

The polyphenols in cocoa are antioxidants that prevent free radicals from damaging cells. Due to its abundance in these compounds, cocoa has a higher potential antioxidant capacity.

In a clinical trial on 48 healthy people, consuming flavanol-rich cocoa improved antioxidant status (by increasing glutathione levels and reducing oxidative damage markers such as oxidized LDL and F2-isoprostane), especially at high doses. In another trial on 100 men, cocoa protected blood fats from oxidation.

In a clinical trial on 38 people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, dark chocolate prevented the production of free radicals by blocking an enzyme that produces them (NOX2) .

In 2 small trials on 36 athletes, cocoa flavanols increased antioxidant capacity before and during exercise. To sum up, the evidence suggests that cocoa’s polyphenols may be antioxidant in humans

Flavonoids, mainly catechin and epicatechin, may play a role in brain health enhancing its function, creating new brain cells, and even reversing brain damage in conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

These compounds cross the blood-brain barrier and localize in areas of the brain responsible for memory and learning, which is where most neurodegeneration occurs.

In 3 clinical trials on over 100 healthy adults, acute consumption of cocoa improved working memory, spatial memory, and visual search efficiency. However, dark chocolate only improved mood but had no effect on cognition in another trial on 72 middle-aged people.

Cocoa also preserved cognitive decline in elderly adults by preserving white matter integrity and protecting a brain region whose decline is associated with memory impairment in (dentate gyrus).

Three small studies on 30 volunteers showed that cocoa flavanols increase blood flow in the brain in both young and elderly people.

Again, limited evidence suggests that cocoa’s flavonoids may improve some cognitive functions and help prevent cognitive decline in elderly people. Further clinical research should determine how to use it for this purpose.

Source: anthonysgoods.com

Chocolate is a product from cocoa that has numerous medicinal benefits to pregnant women. It gives pregnant women a very pleasant sensation when they eat it. That sweet taste, the melt in the mouth, and the softness provided by chocolate, who can describe this? It gives them an incredible sensation!

These are the health benefits of chocolate to pregnant women.

Preventing preeclampsia.
We all must have the same wish, that we want our babies to be born healthy without premature. But there is a pregnancy disorder that is very dangerous for us and our fetus. The disorder is called Preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy disorder that can make pregnant women suffering high blood pressure, also can cause premature birth, liver and kidney disorders, and endanger the lives of women who are pregnant. To avoid it, we recommend you start eating chocolate.

Because of chocolate, there is theobromine content that can make pregnant women are not stressed and relaxed so that the fetus also can feel calm. Theobromine content is responsible for preventing all the risks caused by preeclampsia.

Furthermore, research conducted by Dr. Elizabeth Triche of Yale University, shows that if a pregnant woman consumes chocolate regularly, this will make the baby born with a high concentration of theobromine in the umbilical cord blood.

Increasing metabolism system.
Why can chocolate improve the metabolism system? Because chocolate contains a very important substance that is magnesium and iron. Magnesium and ironwork together to help the process of metabolizing fats, producing red blood cells, and protecting pregnant women from anemia. They also create the formation of hemoglobin and helping the fatty acid metabolic process.

Normalize the blood pressure.
Because a pregnant woman can suffer high blood pressure, they need an intake that can help to normalize the blood pressure. This is very important for women who are pregnant. There are plenty of other intakes to normalize blood pressure, but you can count on chocolate as well to overcome this problem.

Chocolate can help normalize blood pressure and reduce the risk of defects in the fetus. What is the reason? Again it is because of the effect of theobromine content. The content of theobromine can also dilate/widen the blood vessels so it can make blood pressure back to normal.

It serves as a source of antioxidants.
According to Mayo Clinic, antioxidants can overcome the free radicals that can enter our body through cigarette smoke or pesticides. The benefits of antioxidants in chocolate is to prevent the growth of cancer cells in pregnant women so that pregnant woman and fetal are free from cancer risk and avoid heart disease. In addition, antioxidants work to form the immune system and keep pregnant women healthy.

Can affect the happiness of the baby.
The fetus has a very strong bond with his mother. That is why, if his mother is feeling stressed or depressed, then this will also affect the fetus. Based on research conducted by the pregnant women’s health magazine in Finland, showed that by consuming chocolate, the mother will feel calm and can make her happy and ultimately affect the fetus who can feel the happiness as well.

Increase baby’s response.
Another content contained in chocolate is phenylethylamine content. Phenylethylamine content is the content that is absorbed by the fetus when the mother is eating chocolate. This content works to give a good effect on the baby’s response when he’s born and during the growth period. He can give respond to his parents and his environment calmly and relax.

Moreover, there are other contents that have an important role in the development of the baby’s brain. This content is a monounsaturated fat content called oleic acid which is also provided in chocolate.

Lose weight.
It is true if we eat chocolate that contains a lot of sugar and fat, this can make us becoming fat. But, there are chocolates that do not contain much fat and sugar. For example, as you can see in the list of nutrients above, the list shows that dark chocolate has a total of 31 g fat and 48 g of sugar.

The content of fat and sugar in dark chocolate is less than the other chocolate, such as the Health Benefits of White Chocolate that has 32 g of fat content and 59 g of sugar content. Therefore, consuming dark chocolate in the right way will help you lose weight and smooth the digestion of pregnant women.

Create a happy mood for a pregnant woman.
For women who are pregnant, do you often feel the change of moods? Do you feel the hormonal changes in your attitude? Do you often feel very happy sometimes, sometimes angry, sometimes sad? It is very natural to be experienced by a woman who is pregnant because it is a hormonal influence or because you just tired that time. Try eating chocolate and feel the change in your mood.

Research shows that chocolate has a function to stimulate the production of endorphins in the brain, spine, and other body parts. Endorphin can make you feel good. In addition, there is another compound in chocolate that acts as an antidepressant is serotonin.

Preventing anemia.
Anemia is dangerous for us and especially for pregnant women. Chocolate is one of the Anemia Treatments. Chocolate is one of the foods that have an effect of blood-boosting that can prevent pregnant moms from suffering the Symptoms of Anemia or anemia itself.

Phenylethylamine.
Chocolate has a phenylethylamine substance that works to relieve stress.

Frequently of eating chocolate can help pregnant women in terms of making their skin becomes smoother and can protect the skin from ultraviolet rays

Source: drhealthbenefits.com