Most of us are probably still unfamiliar with gedi leaves. In fact, the benefits of gedi leaves for health are not small. Thanks to its content, this leaf is widely used to treat various diseases.
gedi leaves (Abelmoschus manihot L.) is one of the highly nutritious plants that grows in many parts of Asia, especially China and Indonesia. Apart from being a food ingredient, this leaf has long been used as traditional medicine or herbal medicine.
There are two types of gedi leaves that grow in Indonesia, namely green and red gedi leaves. Both are often found in various Sulawesi specialties, such as tinutuan (Manado porridge) or stir-fried vegetables gedi.
Nutritional Content of Gedi Leaves
The benefits of gedi leaves can not be separated from the various nutritional content in it, such as:
- Fat
- Protein
- Amino acid
- Vitamins, including vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, and E
- Calcium
- Potassium
- Copper
- Zinc
In addition to containing the above nutrients, gedi leaves have a high water content of up to 88% and are rich in antioxidants, such as flavonoids, nucleosides, polysaccharides, organic acids, steroids, and essential oils.
Gedi leaves are also known to have nephropathic, anti-inflammatory, anti-pain, antiviral, and anti-cancer properties which are important for body health.
Benefits of Gedi Leaves
Here are some of the benefits of gedi leaves for body health:
1. Relieves pain
Gedi leaves are often used as a natural pain reliever. This property is thought to exist thanks to the content of bioactive compounds in it which have an analgesic (analgesic) effect. Gedi leaf juice has also been widely used as an alternative medicine to help treat pain, especially pain due to sprains.
2. Increase bone density
Gedi leaves have a fairly high mineral content. Although it needs to be studied further, several studies have shown that regular consumption of gedi leaves can maintain bone density, strengthen bones, inhibit bone loss, as well as prevent osteoporosis.
3. Improve kidney function
Gedi leaf extract is also known to be efficacious in improving kidney function, especially in patients with kidney disease caused by diabetes (diabetic nephropathy).
The benefits of this one gedi leaf have been supported by several studies showing the improvement of kidney cells in kidney injury patients after administration of gedi leaf extract for about 6 months.
4. Fight cancer cells
Gedi leaves are known to contain compounds that have anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Several studies in the laboratory have proven that gedi leaf extract is useful in fighting cancer cells and inhibiting their growth, such as breast cancer, stomach cancer, and blood cancer (multiple myeloma). In fact, gedi leaves are considered to function like medicine anti-multiple myeloma.
However, so far, gedi leaves have not been shown to have the same effectiveness as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy for cancer treatment.
Now, you already know what are the benefits of gedi leaves for body health. Although believed to be able to treat various diseases, most of these properties still require more research.
Therefore, if you want to get the maximum benefits of gedi leaves, be sure to consult a doctor first. This is important, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking certain medications.