Green, heart shaped colocasia leaves, also known as ‘Arbi ke patte’ or Taro Leaves, are not only delicious but are packed with vitamins and nutrients. The leaves are commonly called elephant ears because of the shape. Colocasia leaf has different names in many languages and is used widely in India.
According to a research study by ScienceDirect, “Colocasia leaves are low in calories, rich in proteins, dietary fibre, and micronutrients. The high content of bioactive compounds and antioxidative potential of colocasia leaves renders several health benefits such as anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory activity.”
Benefits of colocasia leaves
Colocasia leaves are rich in nutrients such as vitamins A, C and B-complex, fibre, that help aiding a number of diseases. They are also carriers of abundant minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium.
Good for eye health:
Taro leaves being rich in vitamin A are greatly beneficial for eyes. It helps improve your vision. If you include this in your diet you can keep cataract, myopia and other eye diseases at bay.
Beneficial for heart:
The content of fibre in colocasia helps in reducing cholesterol levels in the body, which ultimately brings down the risk of heart diseases. Colocasia is low in cholesterol and its consumption keeps your heart healthy. Moreover, it contains potassium that benefits in regulating high blood pressures.
Controls blood sugar levels:
According to research by the National Institute of Health, Us, Colocasia leaves reduces sugar levels in the blood. The dietary fibre content in colocasia slows down the absorption of sugar in blood. It is advantageous for diabetic patients to include colocasia leaves in their diet.
Boosts immunity:
To boost immunity, vitamin C rich food is recommended. Vitamin C helps build white blood cells. Colocasia leaves are generous givers of vitamin C. So add up vitamin C dose to your diet by including colocasia leaves in it, to keep you away from viruses and bacteria.
Promotes better digestion:
The presence of dietary fibre in the colocasia leaf helps easing the movements of stools in the digestive tract. It can aid and prevent constipation and other digestive diseases.
Prevents cancer:
The National Institute of Health, US, called colocasia leaves “Anticancer”. It stated, “Taro is a potential alternative staple source, with a lower glycemic index than potato, and its consumption may decrease the incidence and prevalence of several diseases, including certain types of cancers.” The content of antioxidants and vitamins in the colocasia leaf reduces the risk of cancer.
Helps in weight loss:
As Colocasia leaves are low in calories, it makes the best food choice for people who are trying to lose weight. These fibrous leaves keep you full and help in controlling appetite.
Also read: Why A Low-Carb Diet Is Not The Magic Pill For Weight Loss
While these luscious green leaves provide numerous health benefits, they shouldn’t be consumed raw at all. Colocasia leaves contain calcium oxalates and if consumed uncooked, it can cause itching, irritation and swelling in the throat. It can also lead to kidney stones. So always cook delicious delicacies from these wonderful leaves and grab all those benefits to keep yourself healthy.