Callaloo herb
What is Callaloo herb?
Callaloo herb is also termed as Amaranth herb. It is believed to consist of about 70 species. These different species have been used for different important roles to humans. For instance they can be used to serve as vegetables, herbs, cereals, ornamentals as well as grains. This is a native plant in Latin America and the Caribbean but it can be found anywhere across the globe. The important parts of this plant include the leaves, the seeds, and the stems. Scientifically, Callaloo is referred to as Amaranthus viridis.
Health benefits of Callaloo herb
Apart from being an excellence source of Iron, there is no better plant with more medicinal uses that compares to Callaloo herb. In fact many people prefer consuming it because of its wide range of medical uses among other health benefits. To understand the health benefits of this herbal plant, you need to be aware of the nutrients it contains. In this article, I will give you some of the nutrients found in the Callaloo plant together with their health benefits.
Vitamins
- Vitamin K
Vitamin K is known to reduce excessive bleeding by improving blood clotting. This type of vitamin also improves the functioning of the kidney. Did you know that Vitamin K serves as cure for some types of cancer? Well, at least now you know.
- Vitamin C
Vitamin C improves the rate at which a wound on the body heals hence preventing body cells from damage. It also improves the health of teeth and strengthens the gums. Vitamin C increases the rate at which iron is absorbed into the body. It also reduces aging and increases ones immunity hence making them more resistant to diseases.
- Vitamin A
It improves visual acuity hence supporting good vision. Vitamin A also serves to protect human from viral infections. It also fights and clears viruses that have already infected the body. Vitamin A keeps the body moist and protects the body from free radicles.
Manganese
It supports and strengthens weak bones. Manganese reduces the occurrence of rashes on the skin and maintains the normal color and health of the hair. This nutrients is also used to regulate the cholesterol levels in the body.
Magnesium
Magnesium improve the circulation of blood throughout the circulatory system. It also helps to regulate the sugar levels in the blood. Magnesium also serves to protect the muscles of the body from spasms.
Potassium
Raw Callaloo has large amounts of potassium which helps to regulate blood pressure
How to use Callaloo
Callaloo can be consumed in raw or cooked form. Most people consume raw because it has larger amounts of nutrients compared to cooked Callaloo. Below is a simple procedure on how to prepare Callaloo:
You need to remove the stems, or the leaves of the plant, wash thoroughly and chop them. Heat a saucepan, oil it and then place the Callaloo. Callaloo can be prepared with beef, fish or even chicken. Cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes. Cooked Callaloo is delicious when served while hot.
