Kangkong, Swamp Cabbage or Water Spinach is not so popular and many people don't know about this healthy and nutritious vegetable. It is popular in rural areas but its health benefits should not be under estimated like the benefits of other vegetables because it has a lot of things to do in maintaining the body's health. Actually, all green leafy vegetables are healthy and nutritious compared to other types of foods. Knowing the Swamp Cabbage or KangKong Health Benefits and its Nutrientscould provide us the awareness that we need to consume vegetables regularly.

Image Source

Kangkong (swamp cabbage) grows from ditches, dry land and ponds that’s why planting KangKong doesn’t require too much effort and budget. It has also several characteristics like purple and white stemmed. The most common consumed part of KangKong is its young leaves usually used in dishes like Salad, Adobo and Sinigang. These are common dishes from the Philippines and other nearby countries. Kangkong or swamp cabbage is rich in vitamins, minerals and carotene which prevent high cholesterol, hypertension and even diabetes. The following information are the KangKong Health Benefits and its Nutrients.

Vitamins and Nutrients in KangKong (Swamp Cabbage)

Kangkong contains over 90 grams of water, 3 grams of Protein, 5 grams of Carbohydrates, 1 gram of Fiber, 81 milligrams of Calcium, 3.3 grams of Iron, 4000 to 10000 IU of Pro Vitamin A and 30 to 130 milligrams of Vitamin C. These nutrients are all essential for the overall maintenance of a healthy body.

Swamp Cabbage or Kangkong Health Benefits

1. Reduces High Cholesterol Level

For individuals who want to lose weight and reduce cholesterol naturally, Kangkong should not be missed on their regular diet because it has something to do with the reduction of the body's cholesterol level. Some studies found out that rats have decreased in cholesterol level as well as Triglycoside. Kangkonghas something to do with the reduction of the human body's cholesterol level as well as diabetes.

2. Prevents Indigestion and Constipation

This nutritious vegetable also contain essential properties that prevent several types of digestive problems. The good thing about this is it prevents digestive problems naturally. Kangkong contains mild laxative properties which are good for people who suffer from digestive problems like indigestion and constipation. It is mild compared to Senna and Jamalgota which is perfect to prevent laxative side effects. Kangkong or swamp cabbage has also latex which is used as a purgative agent.

3. Promotes Healthy Eyes and Skin

This is one of the best KangKong health benefits to the body. It is actually not necessary to take vitamins, supplements, pills and other chemically made products that maintain healthy eyes and glowing skin. Eating the right, healthy and nutritious fruits and vegetables are the key. Since KangKong (swamp cabbage) contains high in Carotenoids, Vitamin A and Lutein, it is perfect for people who want to maintain their eyes healthy and skin glowing. Carotenes and vitamin A are good for the skin while Lutein is good for the eyes.

4. Boosts the Body's Immunity

Vitamin C supplements are expensive and unnatural way of boosting the body's immune system although these are also effective. For people who have limited budget, KangKong (swamp cabbage) is a cheap and natural way of boosting the body's immunity. This healthy green leafy vegetable is also rich in Vitamin C. Regular consumption of KangKong helps boosts the body's immune system and healthy development of bones. In fact, a serving of Kangkong could give 30 to 130 milligrams of Vitamin C.

5. Prevents Cancer

Prevention of cancer is a very useful benefit of cabbage (swamp cabbage or kangkong). Cancer is one of the leading causes of death due to unhealthy diet and lifestyle. Kangkong (swamp cabbage) is also rich in several types of antioxidants which makes it a perfect diet for people who want to prevent cancer. Antioxidants have significant roles in eliminating free radicals of the body thus preventing the growth of cancer cells.

Those are the 5 Swamp Cabbage or Kangkong Health Benefits and its Nutrients. We could actually maintain our body healthy and disease free without too much spending money. There are actually many vegetables which we usually ignore but nutritious and natural to consume daily. KangKong should not be missed in our everyday diet since this is a healthy green leafy vegetable.

Source info: http://food-nutrition.knoji.com