Table of Contents
What Are Taro Leaves?
Taro leaves happen to be the edible leaves of the taro plant, which bears the scientific name Colocasia esculenta and is also often cultivated for its roots. Taro leaves can also be consumed, provided they are rather prepared correctly. The surface of the leaves can also be highly allergenic and result in skin irritation. Eating the leaves raw can also be toxic, so they must be boiled and also properly prepared before adding into any other recipes.
Nutrition Facts of Taro Leaves
Nutritionally speaking, taro leaves are no doubt extremely high in vitamin A, delivering more than 100% of one’s daily requirement in a single cup. These leaves are also high in vitamin C and also various B vitamins, such as thiamine, riboflavin, and folate. There are also significant levels of manganese, copper, potassium, iron, and calcium. A 1-cup serving of these leaves contains only 35 calories, good amounts of dietary fiber, and low levels of fats.
Health Benefits of Taro Leaves
There are several impressive benefits of taro leaves, particularly because of its dense vitamin as well as antioxidant levels:
- They may also help boost the immune system and also protect vision health.
- The fiber in these leaves does make it an excellent option for people who want to relieve their digestive problems, as well as reduce their cholesterol levels.
- These leaves are commonly used for weight loss diets, since they have so few calories, but can also fill one up and deliver necessary nutrients.
- Taro leaves can also reduce chronic inflammation and also lower the blood pressure, thanks to potassium and various anti-inflammatory compounds.
- With high levels of B vitamins, these leaves are rather associated with the proper development of the fetal brain and strengthening the nervous system.
- High mineral levels mean healthier bones as well as teeth, and a lower risk of osteoporosis.
- In female reproductive health, these leaves are usually known to reduce preeclampsia symptoms, and can also help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
- The vitamins and antioxidants in these leaves can also rather improve the appearance of the skin and help with withdrawal symptoms from nicotine.
How to Make Taro Leaves?
If one wants to make taro leaves or a recipe using them, one will need to make sure one does not make oneself sick. While some cultures let their chosen recipe cook the leaves, other cultures do prefer to boil the leaves first to ensure all the toxins have been removed.
Step 1: Bring a pot of water to boil on the stove.
Step 2: Add your desired amount of leaves to the boiling water.
Step 3: Allow the leaves to boil for 10-15 minutes.
Step 4: Drain the leaves thoroughly.
Step 5: Add them to your recipe as planned!
It is but obvious that Taro leaves do have much nutritious value and can benefit one’s health. It is worth adding to one’s cooking and makes one’s dish not only tasty but also nutritious.