Cocoyam or Taro (Colocasia esculenta) is a starchy edible tuber. It bears broad greenish leaves. It grows in several places around the world. We usually consume the roots tubers or its leaves. The leaves we locally call kontomire. Both the cocoyam roots and the cocoyam leaves (kontomire) have many health benefits for the body.
Health Benefits of Cocoyam Leaves
Now let us look at some of the remarkable benefits of kontomire.
1. Boost immune system
One (1) cup of cocoyam leaves contains about 145mg of Vitamin. That is about 86% of our body’s daily requirement. This will help boost your immune system effectively.
2. Prevention of cancer
Cocoyam leaves are rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant. This fights against free radicals that cause cancer. So, it helps to prevent many diseases.
3. Healthy eyes
Cocoyam leaves are rich in vitamin A in addition to 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 and maintain visual acuity. Also, they prevent the eyes diseases such as myopia, cataract and blindness.
4. Help 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.
5. Cholesterol level reduction
Cocoyam leaves have no cholesterol and only 1% of total fat. So, is the best diet for reducing cholesterol. The dietary fibre and methionine the cocoyam leaves contain can reduce the cholesterol effectively. They bind and break down fat and cholesterol especially triglyceride.
6. 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.
7. Reduce inflammation
Inflammation is when part of your body becomes hot, swollen and/or reddened when there is an injury or infection. It is often painful.
Cocoyam leaves contain Omega 3. This plays a role in the inflammation process. It also can inhibit the release of inflammatory substances. It can help to treat diseases like arthritis, gastritis, or lupus.
8. Protect the nervous system
Are you feeling the symptoms of tingling, numbness, or pain in your limb? You can eat cocoyam 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. Read More
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