Ayurvedic practitioners prescribed Water spinach (kalmi saag) to jaundice patients because it is beneficial to the liver and rich source of Folic Acid.
About Water Spinach:
- Water spinach, also known as kalmi saag, is a versatile and nutritious vegetable with numerous health benefits.
- The Scientific name is Ipomoea aquatica, and is a semi-aquatic perennial plant native to the tropics and subtropics.
- This is recognizable by its trumpet-shaped flowers and believed to have been first domesticated in Southeast Asia.
- It thrives in waterways, requires minimal care and grows quickly if water conditions are optimal and non-saline.
- Harvesting can begin two to three months after planting and can continue regularly.
- In Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Indonesia, water spinach is grown commercially.
- In the United States and India, it grows wild along paddy fields, ponds, and rivers, particularly during the monsoon season (July and August).
- Water spinach has potential as a purifier of aquatic habitats, and can accumulate harmful metals such as cadmium, lead, and mercury.
Nutritional benefits of Water Spinach:
- Its ease of cultivation and low-calorie content make it a valuable addition to diets, but it must be grown in clean environments to avoid potential contamination.
- It is also referred to as a famine food due to its ease of cultivation.
- Water spinach is rich in folic acid (vitamin B9), beta carotene, calcium, vitamin E, iron, and medium-to-high levels of ascorbic acid (vitamin C).
- It is known for its potential benefits for heart, liver health, lead poisoning, etc.
Ref: Source
| UPSC IAS Preparation Resources | |
| Current Affairs Analysis | Topperspedia |
| GS Shots | Simply Explained |
| Daily Flash Cards | Daily Quiz |
Frequently Asked Question:
What is water spinach?
Water spinach, also known as kalmi saag, is a semi-aquatic perennial plant native to the tropics and subtropics.
What does water spinach look like?
Water spinach is recognizable by its trumpet-shaped flowers. The plant has green, elongated leaves and stems that float on or grow in shallow water.
Where is water spinach originally from?
Water spinach is believed to have been first domesticated in Southeast Asia. It is now commonly grown in tropical and subtropical regions, including Malaysia, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Indonesia.
Where can water spinach be found outside its native regions?
In the United States and India, water spinach grows wild along paddy fields, ponds, and rivers, particularly during the monsoon season (July and August).