Waterleaf, botanically known as Talinum triangulare, is one of those underrated and underappreciated plants in Nigeria. Some even regard it as a nuisance, a stubborn weed that grows all year, though it flourishes more during the rainy season.
In many scientific studies and trials, waterleaf has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of cancerous cells and shrink tumours. Other studies have focused on its cerebral-protective potential, indicating that drinking waterleaf enhances brain activity and protects brain tissues.
Waterleaf is also a good remedy for insomnia (sleeping disorder).
Waterleaf contains more proteins than cashew nuts and more pectin (a food fibre that helps digestion) than apples, and also has a high level of vitamin B, essential amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, resins, iron, calcium, copper, lead, manganese and zinc. It is also rich in vitamins C, A, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, alpha-tocopherol, and beta-tocopherol.
The pounded waterleaf is applied to soothe inflammations. An infusion of the leaves is taken as a diuretic. The roots are boiled for prostate enlargement. The dosage is half a glass twice daily. Waterleaf is safe and beneficial for pregnant women and growing children, as it helps boost their blood levels. Eating waterleaf regularly in the form of soup helps regulate hypertension and diabetes.
While waterleaf is highly beneficial when consumed as a vegetable, it is also helpful in the form of dried herbs and infusions. However, juicing is the way to go if you want the best out of waterleaf. What is juicing? Juicing is a process by which you extract vitamins, minerals, and liquids from fruits and vegetables.
To make waterleaf juice, chop the waterleaf, including both stem and leaves, into pieces in the same way as you would if you were to cook it. Then add two or three handfuls in the blender and one litre of water. Blend in the same way as you blend your tomato or fruit. Sieve out the chaff, and you will be left with a dark green liquid, rich in vitamins and minerals. Ensure you drink the entire drink within 10 minutes. This is one big mistake many people make. They blend fruits and vegetables and store them in the freezer for days. If you do that, you have already lost 60% of the active ingredients in the juice. To get the full benefit from your waterleaf juice, drink it within 10 minutes.
Do you feel tired and weak every time you are in bed? Are you battling diabetes, hypertension and arthritis? Are you prone to frequent bouts of malaria? Have you been diagnosed with cancer, or do you want to prevent it? Do you want glowing and youthful skin? I strongly recommend you take waterleaf juice twice a week.
