Pandan leaves are famous for their very distinctive aroma. Behind that, there are many health benefits of pandan leaves, from relieving joint pain to preventing cancer.
In Indonesia, pandan leaves are often used as natural dyes and fragrances in various dishes. Nowadays, pandan leaves are also often included in infused water and can be found in packages in the form of powders or essential oils.
The benefits of pandan leaves for the health of the body can be obtained from a number of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants contained in it, such as vitamin C, vitamin A, thiamin (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), and carotenoids.
Various Benefits of Pandan Leaves for Health
There are various benefits of pandan leaves that you can get. Following are some of them:
1. Relieves joint pain
Since ancient times, the oil made from pandan leaf extract has been known for its properties in relieving joint pain. The benefits of pandan leaves are proven by research which reveals that pandan leaf extract contains many bioactive compounds that are believed to be able to relieve symptoms of joint pain and arthritis.
2. Prevent heart disease
Pandan leaves contain high levels of carotenoid compounds. This compound can act as an antioxidant that can reduce the risk of narrowing of heart blood vessels due to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis). That way, you will avoid the risk of suffering from coronary heart disease.
3. Treat minor burns
The content of tannic acid in pandan leaves is known to be able to quickly cool minor burns, for example those caused by excessive sun exposure.
To use pandan leaves as a burn medicine, you can dry and grind the pandan leaves into powder, then sprinkle them on the skin.
4. Maintain vision function
The vitamin A and beta-carotene content in pandan leaves can help improve eye health and protect it from various diseases caused by aging, such as macular degeneration.
5. Maintain healthy skin
The content of beta-carotene in pandan leaves is also able to maintain the appearance and improve skin health. This content can increase the skin's defense against ultraviolet radiation which can cause various problems, ranging from premature aging to skin cancer.
6. Control blood sugar levels
Pandan leaves can help control blood sugar levels, especially after you eat. This leaf extract is known to inhibit the absorption of sugar in the intestine and increase insulin production in the body. That way, blood sugar levels can be maintained and the risk of developing diabetes decreases.
7. Prevent cancer
Consuming pandan leaves also has the potential to prevent cancer. This is because pandan leaves contain vitamin A, vitamin C, and beta-carotene which have antioxidant properties.
That is, pandan leaves can fight excess free radicals that can damage body cells. The damage caused by these free radicals is at risk of triggering the development of cancer cells.
Pandan leaves are safe for daily use and consumption, but their effectiveness as a medicine still requires further research. Therefore, it is not recommended that you use this leaf as the only method of treatment.
If you want to use pandan leaves to treat certain diseases, you should consult a doctor first. The doctor will then provide treatment suggestions according to your health condition.