The most popular benefit of katuk leaves is as a traditional breast milk launcher. Thanks to these benefits, not a few nursing mothers often consume this leaf. In fact, in addition to launching breast milk production, there are many other benefits of katuk leaves for health.
Katuk leaves (Sauropus androgynous) can be recognized by its small, dark green leaves, with a silvery hue in the center.
By the people of Indonesia, katuk leaves are usually processed into a mixture of cooking ingredients or consumed directly as a salad. Katuk leaves can also be consumed as herbal teas and supplements.
Katuk Leaf Nutrient Content
Katuk is a plant with a fairly varied nutritional content. In 100 grams of katuk leaves, there are about 35 calories and various nutrients, such as:
- 5–7 grams of protein
- 1 gram fat
- 1.8–2 grams of fiber
- 250 milligrams of vitamin C
- 190 milligrams of folate
- 1 milligram of zinc
- 45 milligrams of potassium
- 120 milligrams of magnesium
- 170 milligrams of calcium
- 2.7 milligrams of iron
Katuk leaves also contain lots of vitamin A, vitamin B complex, and various antioxidants, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
Benefits of Katuk Leaves for Health
Thanks to the content of nutrients, antioxidants, and various substances in it, katuk leaves have various benefits for the health of the body, namely:
1. Lowering blood sugar levels
Some research shows that one of the benefits of katuk leaves is to lower blood sugar levels and keep them stable. Thus, katuk leaves are good for consumption to protect the body from the risk of diabetes.
2. Prevent obesity
Obesity is a health problem when the sufferer is overweight, due to the accumulation of fatty tissue in the body.
A study shows that consumption of katuk leaf extract is believed to reduce the formation of fatty tissue, so it is good for preventing obesity. Unfortunately, the benefits of this katuk leaf still need to be studied further.
3. Heal wounds
Katuk leaf extract contains antioxidants as well as anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Thanks to these effects, katuk leaf extract is believed to speed up the healing process and wound healing.
4. Overcoming inflammation
Katuk leaves contain anti-inflammatory substances that can reduce inflammation. Inflammation is the body's natural response to infection or injury and will get better on its own.
However, inflammation can sometimes last for a long time. Over time, this condition can increase the risk of developing health problems, such as heart disease and cancer.
5. Increase breast milk production
Breast milk production is influenced by the hormones prolactin and oxytocin. A study states that katuk leaves are proven to increase the amount of these two hormones in the body, so that it can increase milk production.
However, katuk leaves are not the only way to increase breast milk. To expedite the production of breast milk, breastfeeding mothers need to meet their nutritional needs by eating balanced nutritious foods and drinking water, sufficient rest time, and reducing stress.
6. Increase endurance
Katuk leaves contain lots of vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants that are good for strengthening the immune system. Not only that, some research also shows that katuk leaf extract has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Katuk leaves do store a variety of benefits that are good for health. However, the effectiveness and safety level of katuk leaf as a supplement or medicine still needs to be investigated further.
If you have certain diseases or are taking medication, you should first consult with your doctor. Moreover, if you want to use katuk leaves as an herbal treatment or in the form of supplements.