Exotic vegetables are some of those that can really stun with their nutritional profile. Most of the time, they have been around for hundreds of years and are utilized for culinary purposes and most especially medicinal reasons.
One of the vegetables that may not be as popular as spinach, carrots and other well-established superfoods is molokhia. Despite of this, it can certainly rival those when it comes to the number of health benefits offered!
Molokhia originated in Egypt, and soon spread to the Mediterranean and Middle Easter regions. Those who have already tried this vegetable say it tastes just like most other cruciferous vegetables.
That’s a good thing because we are all aware that cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale, cabbage, asparagus and Brussels sprouts are all excellent detoxifiers. They are also revered for their superb ability to fight off cancer!
Sulfur-containing compounds — these are the ones that give cruciferous vegetables their characteristic flavors and their amazing health benefits. Guess what? These compounds are present in molokhia, too!
Usually, molokhia is added to soups and curries. This exotic vegetable is also commonly boiled as well as included in stir-fried vegetables. Molokhia may also be consumed raw, making for a great addition to salads.
What makes molokhia so impressive is the fact that it’s loaded with health-giving nutrients. Did you know that experts say that there are over 30 vitamins and minerals in it, not to mention the fiber and antioxidants in molokhia?
Indeed, molokhia is one of those exotic vegetables that can outshine so many other more popular ones nutrition-wise. Here are some of the amazing perks that come with the regular consumption of molokhia:
Optimum RBC Count
RBCs stand for red blood cells, and they’re the ones that transport oxygen. To keep the number of your RBCs optimum, you should include iron-containing foods in your diet, and molokhia is one of them.
Lower Blood Pressure
Potassium present abundantly in molokhia is a vasodilator, which means that it is capable of causing the blood vessels to widen. As a result, the blood pressure can be maintained within the normal and healthy range.
Clog-Free Arteries
This Egyptian vegetable is loaded with fiber. Because of this, consuming molokhia and other fiber-rich veggies regularly (paired with exercise!) can help in lowering bad cholesterol that clog up the arteries.
Superb Digestive Health
Since there is plenty of fiber in every serving of molokhia, it only means that it helps in the digestive process. Fiber also helps ward off constipation, and it keeps those who wish to drop excess pounds from feeling hungry.
Better Immunity
Another nutrient found in this exotic vegetable is vitamin C. Everyone knows that this particular vitamin is important for making a person’s immune system strong, thus lowering his or her risk of having infectious diseases.
Younger and Lovelier Skin
Vitamin C is also important for skin health. It fights off free radicals that damage skin cells and accelerate skin aging. The said nutrient is also the one that encourages the production of the skin-firming protein collagen.
Fuller Mane
Molokhia also has vitamin E which is commonly found in numerous hair care products. That’s because vitamin E is vital for healthy scalp. If your scalp is in tip-top shape, then your mane can definitely make heads turn towards you.
Sharper Eyesight
Then there is also vitamin A found abundantly in molokhia. As we all know, it’s an essential nutrient because it helps keep your eyesight intact. Vitamin A lowers your risk of eye diseases that can lead to blindness.
Lifted Mood
Magnesium is also present in good amounts in this Egyptian veggie. Medical experts say that magnesium is important for battling depression. Also, the said mineral is beneficial for people who are suffering from stress and insomnia.
