The popular “kontomire” is well known for tasty and green soups and stews. But did you know it had some amazing health benefits?
Cocoyam or Taro (Colocasia esculenta) is a starchy edible tuber. It bears broad greenish leaves. It grows in several places around the world. We usually consume the roots tubers or its leaves. The leaves we locally call kontomire. Both the cocoyam roots and the leaves (kontomire) have many health benefits for the body.
Health Benefits of Cocoyam Leaves (Kontomire)
Now let us look at some of the remarkable health benefits.
1. Boost immune system
One (1) cup of cocoyam leaves contains about 145mg of Vitamin. That is about 86% of our body’s daily requirement. This will help boost your immune system effectively.
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2. Prevention of cancer
Kontomire is rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant. This fights against free radicals that cause cancer. So, it helps to prevent many diseases.
3. Healthy eyes
Cocoyam leaves are rich in vitamin A in addition to vitamin C. The amount of vitamin A can be as high as 123% of our daily requirement. It is very good for the eyes to stay healthy and maintain visual acuity. Also, they prevent the eyes diseases such as myopia, cataract and blindness.
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4. Help digestion and prevent digestive problems
The high dietary fibre in cocoyam leaves helps in food digestion and absorption. Cocoyam leaves can prevent digestive problems such as indigestion, constipation, and diarrhoea.
5. Cholesterol level reduction
Cocoyam leaves have no cholesterol and only 1% of total fat. So, is the best diet for reducing cholesterol. The dietary fibre and methionine these leaves contain can reduce cholesterol effectively. They bind and break down fat and cholesterol especially triglycerides.
6. Help in weight loss
The leaves are low in fat and high in protein. It is, therefore, the best diet to reduce your fat and get your muscle mass.
7. Reduce inflammation
Inflammation is when part of your body becomes hot, swollen and/or reddened when there is an injury or infection. It is often painful.
The leaves of cocoyam contain Omega 3. This plays a role in the inflammation process. It also can inhibit the release of inflammatory substances. It can help to treat diseases like arthritis, gastritis, or lupus.
8. Protect the nervous system
Are you feeling the symptoms of tingling, numbness, or pain in your limb? You can eat the leaves to reduce those symptoms. The vitamin B complex including thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6 in cocoyam leaves protect the nervous system. They also boost the immune system.
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9. Control the blood pressure
Omega 3 is an essential fatty acid. It helps produce hormones to control the contraction and relaxation of arteries wall. If this mechanism is going well, the blood pressure can be kept at a normal level.
10. Healthy bone
Kontomire also contain calcium. Calcium is good for the formation and maintenance of healthy bone. It works with phosphorous to strengthen the bone and teeth.
11. Fetal brain and nervous system development
Besides its rich nutrients content, the leaves also contain folate. Folate is essential for the development of your fetal brain and nervous system. It is, therefore, good to consume cocoyam leaves when you are pregnant. However, be sure to cook them well before you eat.
Read also: Nutritional Facts about Cocoyam roots (taro)
12. Anaemia prevention
A diet prepared with the leaves of cocoyam is recommended in the prevention of anaemia. This is because they contain iron minerals which help in red blood cell formation. The vitamin C content additionally helps to absorb the iron well.
13. Fetal bone and teeth development
Additionally, the manganese in these leaves helps in the fetal cartilage, bone, and teeth formation during pregnancy.
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14. Prevention of preeclampsia in pregnancy
Eating cocoyam leaves help to prevent preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterised by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, often the kidneys. The magnesium mineral helps in muscle relaxation. You can also use it to prevent preeclampsia.
15. Reduce wrinkle on the skin
Cocoyam leaves also contain the amino acid called threonine. The threonine helps in the formation of elastin and collagen. These are good for healthy skin. They prevent the skin from wrinkle and rejuvenate skin.
16. Quick treatment for diarrhoea
The zinc in cocoyam leaves protects intestinal mucosa. When you get diarrhoea, the intestine wall loses its mucosa. Zinc helps to release the mucosa quickly to immediately stop the diarrhoea.
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17. A very good energy source
Cocoyam leaves are one of the best energy sources for the body through its essential amino acid called isoleucine. This protein regulates blood sugar and increases muscle strength and energy levels. This is the best diet for people who love to work out.
18. Promote bone and skin healing
Cocoyam leaves contain an essential amino acid called leucine. It promotes bone and skin healing by releasing the natural painkiller called enkephalins. Also, it relieves the pain.
19. Enhance memory and mood
Cocoyam leaves release dopamine. Dopamine is a monoamine neurotransmitter found in the brain and essential for the normal functioning of the central nervous system. Dopamine acts in the brain and nervous system. Synthesized by phenylalanine, it enhances your brain memory and controls your mood.
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20. Help to treat nicotine addiction
Cocoyam leaves contain tyrosine. This is a crucial amino acid in the human body. It becomes an adaptogen substance that helps to minimize the effect of nicotine, cocaine, and coffee addiction.
21. Increase sperm production
Cocoyam leaves contain arginine. Arginine is an amino acid that helps to increase sperm production. This makes it good for men.
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22. A detoxification agent
Cocoyam also contains histidine. It is one of the essential amino acids. It helps to remove the heavy metals from the body and protect the body from damage from radiation.
Nutrition Facts of Cocoyam Leaves (Kontomire)
| Serving Size | 100 g | |
| Amount Per Serving | ||
| Calories | 42 | |
| % Daily Value | ||
| Total Fat | 0.7g | 1 % |
| Saturated Fat | 0.2g | 1 % |
| Sodium 3mg | 0 % | |
| Total Carbohydrate 6.7g | 2 % | |
| Dietary Fiber 3.7g | 13 % | |
| Sugar 3g | ||
| Protein 5g | 10 % | |
| Vitamin A 96 % • Vitamin C 58 % | ||
| Calcium 8 % • Iron 12 % | ||
| Daily values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. |
Caution!!!
Do not consume cocoyam leaves (kontomire) in raw condition. It has a dangerous toxin. Soak them first in the clean water for about 10-15 minutes. After that, cook them well to remove their toxic substance. It is usually itchy in the throat if you do not cook it well
Summing up
Consider a combination of cocoyam leaves (kontomire) and turkey berries in your diet. For the immense benefits of cocoyam leaves (kontomire) consider cocoyam in your backyard garden.
