What do you know about ashitaba leaves? Well, in recent years the number of people who aware of the health benefits of ashitaba leaves is increasing especially when the Japanese claim this plant to be among essential list Japanese herbal medicine well known as Kampo medication.
What is Ashitaba Leaves?
Ashitaba leaves is also well known by its scientific name Angelica keiskei though perhaps some people are mistaken the same plant from which Angelica root is derived because though it comes for the same genus Angelica, for the benefits Angelica root you should drive it from plant which is well known as Angelica sinensis. From its botanical classification you will see that Ashitaba leaves comes from family of Apiaceae, so this plant has closer to plant like celery with similar benefits as well.
Nutritional Values of Ashitaba Leaves
Surprisingly the small size of ashitaba leaves contain up to 13 types of minerals as well as packed with various vitamins and other organic compounds. Furthermore, the ashitaba leaves also contain fiber in quite high amount that make this plant excellent solution to digestion and weight loss. To find out more the health benefits of Ashitaba leaves the list below will tell you.
- Slowing Down the Aging Process
It is impossible to stop the aging process but ashitaba leaves are well known to be the natural solution to slow down the aging process. Ashitaba leaves contain melatonin, one of the powerful antioxidants that contributes in healthy skin and promotes optimal skin cell regenerations to prevent premature aging.
- Natural Solution to Insomnia
There are a lot of factors that could cause someone has problem with their sleeps. Well, whatever the factors are ashitaba leaves could be made into excellent herbal tea for restful sleep. Healthy sleeping habit will improve the brain function and boost the mood.
- Contains Anti-Cancer Properties
Besides melatonin which is among the potent antioxidants, ashitaba leaves also contain chalcone, an organic compound that could act as effective anti-cancer properties. The combinations of powerful antioxidants found in ashitaba leaves could fight free radicals effectively and efficiently to inhibit the development of cancerous cells.
- Great for Immunity System
There are a lot of reasons why ashitaba leaves are greats for immunity system such as potent antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, anti-fungal agents and also anti-bacterial properties are found in ashitaba leaves to help fighting viral infection and strengthening the immunity system.
- Support the Nerve System
It is not easy to find foods that are rich of vitamin B12. One of the health benefits of vitamin B12 is to maintain the nerve system. Surprisingly, ashitaba leaves contain vitamin B12 in quite high amount to help promoting the production of NGF or Nerve Growth Factor which is essential for cognitive function.
- Regulates Blood Pressure
As mentioned in point number three that ashitaba leaves contain antioxidants called chalcone which is also excellent in regulating the blood pressure. When the symptoms of high blood pressure are under control is easier to deal with hypertension.
- Helps Controlling Cholesterol
Some studies have been conducted to find out a connection between ashitaba leaves and cholesterol management. The result is showing the fact that ashitaba leaves contain some active compound to help increasing the production of HDL or good cholesterol while potassium will make sure the decrease of LDL or bad cholesterol.
- Excellent for Heart
The fact that ashitaba leaves are excellent for heart has been mentioned in the point number six and seven. When blood pressure is under control and cholesterol is excellently managed, you could reduce the risk of heart attack as well as stroke. Furthermore, ashitaba leaves also contain antithrombotic agents which main function is preventing the accumulation of blood clot in the vessel wall.
- Blood Detox
The combinations of vitamin B12, certain minerals such as potassium, iron and calcium, some chlorophyll are excellent blood detox. They will eliminate all the harmful toxins from blood while at the same time making sure optimal blood flow while minerals are promoting the optimal production of red blood cells.
- Natural Solution to Anemia
The fact that ashitaba leaves are excellent sources of certain minerals, especially iron. It means ashitaba leaves are solution to those who have problems with anemia. Just a cup of herbal tea made from ashitaba leaves per day will help dealing with the anemia excellently.
- Great for Diabetic Patients
It is not easy for a diabetic patient to manage their daily diet. However, ashitaba leaves are excellent addition to the daily diet because it could enhance the liver and kidney function to optimize the production of insulin and improve its sensitivity to help stabilizing the blood sugar levels in all types of diabetes.
- Improve Metabolism
Most people don’t realize that the key to healthy lifestyle is healthy metabolism. When the metabolism process is in healthy state, weight loss is no longer a problem, there is no such thing like vitamins or mineral deficiencies because all nutrients will be optimally absorbed. Furthermore, healthy metabolism will lead to healthy digestion as well so people could say goodbye to certain stomach problems such as constipation and slow bowel movement.
Cautions of Ashitaba Leaves
Speaking of the cautions of ashitaba leaves there are some things you should aware of though perhaps the report regarding side effects of ashitaba leaves are almost zero.
- Allergic reaction is supposed to be on your list especially for you who have allergen history to several plants.
- Negative interaction with certain medication could occur to some people especially for those who are taking specific medication without clear instruction from the professional.
- Making sure you know where your leaves come from. Organic goods are still the best to make sure your body is free from chemical contamination commonly found during cultivation process.
For the health benefits of ashitaba leaves is best for you to consume it in the form of herbal tea but still you could consume in several ways such as mixture to salad, soup, mixed juice and so on. Furthermore, growing them yourself in the back yard is actually simple solution so you have access to this plant whenever you need it.