The most popular benefit of katuk leaves is as a breast milk stimulant. That is why, many breastfeeding mothers routinely consume these leaves. In addition to facilitating breast milk production, there are many other health benefits of katuk leaves that need to be known. Katuk leaves (Sauropus androgynous) can be recognized by their small size, dark green color, and silvery pattern in the middle. In Indonesia, katuk leaves are commonly used as cooking ingredients, consumed directly as a side dish, or consumed as herbal tea and supplements.
Nutritional Content of Katuk Leaves
Katuk leaves are plants with varying nutritional content, such as:
- Proteins
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
Katuk leaves are also known to contain various antioxidant substances, such as polyphenols and flavonoids.
Benefits of Katuk Leaves for Health
Thanks to the various nutritional content in it, katuk leaves offer a variety of benefits for body health, such as:
- Increase breast milk production
Breast milk production is influenced by the hormones prolactin and oxytocin. A study has shown that the vitamin A content in katuk leaves is useful for increasing prolactin hormone levels, so that breast milk production also increases. However, katuk leaves are not the only way to increase breast milk. To facilitate breast milk production, breastfeeding mothers need to meet their nutritional needs by consuming balanced nutritious foods, drinking enough water, getting enough rest, and reducing stress.
- Lowering blood sugar levels
Several studies have shown the benefits of katuk leaves in lowering blood sugar levels and keeping them stable. Therefore, katuk leaves are good to consume to reduce the risk of developing diabetes.
- Prevent obesity
Obesity is a complex health problem that occurs when the sufferer is very overweight due to the accumulation of fat tissue in the body. A study shows that consuming katuk leaf extract is useful for reducing the formation of fat tissue, so it can prevent obesity. Unfortunately, the benefits of katuk leaves still need to be studied further.
- Healing wounds
The next benefit of katuk leaves is accelerating wound healing. This benefit is obtained thanks to the antioxidant and antibacterial content in katuk leaves. The antioxidant content in katuk leaves is believed to accelerate the regeneration of new tissue. Meanwhile, the antibacterial activity of these leaves is thought to be able to fight bacteria that infect wounds in diabetics.
- Overcoming inflammation
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to infection or injury, and usually resolves on its own. However, inflammation can sometimes last a long time. This condition can increase the risk of various health problems, such as heart disease and cancer. Well, katuk leaves contain anti-inflammatory substances that can reduce inflammation. Consuming these leaves is believed to be able to relieve the inflammatory reaction that is occurring in the body.
Katuk leaves do indeed have various benefits that are good for health. However, the effectiveness and safety level of katuk leaves as a supplement or medicine still need to be studied further. If you want to use katuk leaves as a supplement or medicine, it is advisable to consult a doctor first, especially if you have certain medical conditions or are taking medication from a doctor.
