Waterleaf (Talinum triangulare) is one of those underrated and undervalued plants in Nigeria. Some regard it as a nuisance, a stubborn weed that grows all year. It flourishes more during the rainy season.

An edible leafy vegetable that belongs to the Portulacea family, It was originally from West Africa before spreading to other parts of the world such as Asia and South America. Waterleaf is a herbaceous perennial plant that has its stem above ground. The seed sprouts as a tiny, aqua-coloured plants before growing more conspicuous, with larger leaves.
As the name suggests, this green leafy vegetable is referred to as waterleaf due to its high moisture content of approximately 90.8gm per 100 gm of the leaf. The leaf is sticky when cut and this is attributed to the high pectin content which supplies it's dietary fibre.

Like most succulent plants, waterleaf leaves and stems, especially young ones, are easy to crush. It is also very sensitive to cold conditions and its roots will rot when in water logged soil. It thrives in humid conditions, rich compost or acidic well-drained soil, under partial shade. But it can also grow under direct sunshine and fully exposed places, on pore sandy soils or elevations. Waterleaf can stand scorching sun, excessive heat and draught. It can be easily propagated from seeds/cuttings and is ready to be harvested in less than two months. It spreads so easily from seed and in some places it is classified as agricultural weed.

Waterleaf is called Gbure in Yoruba, Ebe-dondon in Edo and in English is nicknamed Philippine spinach, sweetheart, flame flower, Florida spinach etc. The leaves are excellent for diarrhea, liver enlargement, and hepatitis.

This vegetable is one of the most valuable healing herbs in nature’s pharmacy. It is an excellent immune booster for those who often feel weak and tired or are prone to frequent attacks of malaria. In many scientific studies and trials, waterleaf showed that it can inhibit proliferation of cancerous cells and shrink tumors.Other studies have been focused on its cerebral-protective potential and it indicates that consumption of waterleaf enhances brain activities and protects brain tissues. Waterleaf is also a good remedy for insomnia (sleeping disorder).

It contains more proteins than cashew nuts, more pectin (a food fibre that helps digestion) than apples. Proper food digestion is essential for preventing gastrointestinal disorders such as indigestion, constipation, flatulence and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).It has high level of vitamin B, essential amino acids, omega3-fatty acids, resins, iron, calcium, copper, lead, manganese and zinc. It is also a rich source of carotenoids, vitamin C, A, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, alpha and beta tocopherols.

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PUMPKIN LEAVES  SHOKO  SPINACH  BITTER LEAF  WATER MELON  ALL VEGETABLES