Gongura Health Benefits And Nutrition Facts

Gongura is a leafy vegetable that is mainly grown for medicinal purposes. It is an annual perennial woody based shrub that grows upto 1 meter. The leaves of the gongura have tart to sour flavor that can be incorporated into many dishes. It mainly comes in two categories, they are green stemmed and red stemmed gongura leaves. The plant gongura is native to Africa and India. But is most frequently used in the southern parts of India. Gongura is also known as sorrel leaves which is used for making large varieties of dishes like pachadi, pickle, chicken and pachadi to add to our dishes.

Nutrition Facts of Gongura

It is an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron and vitamin B9. The carbohydrate, protein and fiber are the major components to benefit our health. The leaves of the gongura contain essential organic compounds like flavonoids, anthocyanins and polyphenolic acids.

Health Benefits of Gongura

• The antioxidants present in the gongura leaves help to prevent from the damage caused by the free radicals. Exposure to sunlight, industrial chemicals and cigarette smoke can cause life threatening diseases like cancer and heart diseases. These problems can be treated with the help of gongura leaves. The intake of the gongura leaves are extremely essential as it prevents chronic diseases like heart diseases and cancer. Gongura, which is rich in dietary fiber will help you to improve your digestive health. The fiber content adds the bulk to the food as it goes through the digestive tract. The anthraquinone is an active antioxidant compound that will support a healthy digestive system.
• Gongura becomes popular as it prevents anemia. The gongura with high iron content will help to increase the production of red blood cells, preventing ailments caused by iron deficiency. It has the potential to lower the cholesterol level, blood pressure and hypertension. As it is the excellent source of vitamin C, the ascorbic acid plays a major role in enhancing the immune system.
• People who are trying to reduce the weight can add gongura leaves to your diet. They are rich in fiber that fulfills your hunger and makes you feel for the longer period. It has the property that prevents fluid retention and helps to detoxify your body. Many people consume gongura as they are beneficial for both skin and hair. The antioxidant in the gongura delays the process of aging, thus it improves the elasticity and smoothness of the skin. The dried gongura leaves have the anti microbial and anti-allergic properties, therefore it acts as remedy for many skin diseases. The minerals and nutrients present in the gongura leaves strengthen your hair and prevent hair fall.
• The disease caused by the deficiency of vitamin C is called scurvy. It can be treated by consuming gongura leaves. It highly benefits bone health and prevents conditions like osteoporosis. The flavonoids, oligomeric and polymeric proanthocyanidins help to treat cold sore and fever blisters.