All Health Benefits Of ‘Waakye’ You Need To Know

Waakye is a very delicious meal consumed by most Ghanaians. It’s not just delicious but it contains several nutrients. The leaves add flavour and give waakye its distinctive reddish-brown colour.

There are several nutrients derived from eating waakye which most people may have no idea of. Waakye is a very delicious meal which is loved by many Ghanaians.

Below are some 11 health benefits derived from Waakye

1. The leaves which change the colour of the rice to reddish-brown are rich in antioxidants, which in turn can be good for human health. Antioxidants protect cells in the body from damages and help to fight a range of illness that may affect the body such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. These leaves are called sorghum leaves.

2. Also the beans in the waakye provide protein, fiber, iron, and antioxidants that can make them a healthful addition to the diet. People should increase their intake of waakye because it reduces the risk of intestinal discomfort. Beans is also a source of protein which perform same function as eating fish or meat.

3. To also speak about the rice content in the waakye. It contains fiber and fiber can lower cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. Since fiber makes you feel full, you may find it easier to maintain a healthy weight. The rice in waakye contains vitamins and minerals that help the blood transport oxygen and perform other vital functions that will be good for the body.

All Health Benefits Of ‘Waakye’ You Need To Know

4. Eating waakye stabilize the blood sugar levels. The rice content in the waakye do have starch and is comparatively high on the glycemic index, the truth is that when accompanied by other foods such as vegetables, it can prevent blood sugar spikes. It is also very easy to digest.

5. Improves digestive health

Waakye leaves and their grains are rich in fiber content needed for excellent digestive health. According to Everyday Health, fiber decreases the rates of constipation as well as diverticula and hemorrhoids in the colon. It also has a significant role when it comes to regulating bowel movement.

6. Fights cancer development

Waakye leaves have high contents of antioxidants which protect cells from damage and development of various diseases. Antioxidants are well-known to defend the body from the damage of free radicals that attack healthy cells by turning them into tumors and changing their DNA structure.

Aside from that, antioxidants are also responsible for fighting a wide range of diseases such as diabetes and heart conditions. The human body produces small amounts of antioxidants to act as natural protection, but this is not enough to cover every cell structure. To avoid cancer risk, it’s best to consume foods rich in antioxidants, which Waakye has plenty of.

7. Regulates blood sugar level
There is no existing cure for diabetes, but there are various ways to manage and regulate a person’s blood sugar level. Waakye leaves are among these known solutions, and it has been an active ingredient that helps in reducing the symptoms and complications related with diabetes.

8. Promotes bone health
Magnesium is also a component of Waakye leaves. Besides calcium, this mineral plays a significant role in the overall health of our bones. It helps maintain the bone mass and its strength, so bone damage and any diseases that concern the bones will be prevented.

A high magnesium intake has been proven to improve bone density, which reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis and fractures for older people. In addition, magnesium also helps in many human body processes like regulating nerve function and muscles, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and proteins and DNA.

9. Optimizes blood circulation
One of the main minerals when talking about blood circulation is iron. Waakye leaves are rich in mineral content that helps in optimizing the production of red blood cells.

Iron is the primary ingredient the body uses to produce hemoglobin — the protein responsible for the transit of oxygenated blood to every part of the body. Iron has a direct role in producing hormones too.

Besides iron, there is a significant amount of other minerals found in Waakye leaves like zinc, copper, and magnesium.

10. Energy booster
Among the health benefits of Waakye leaves is their niacin content. Also known as vitamin B3, niacin is an essential nutrient to make the body structures function correctly. It is also a dominant component of the two enzymes (NAD and NADP) which are responsible for cellular metabolism.

In supplements, niacin helps in reducing cholesterol levels. It also boosts brain function and eases arthritis aside from increasing the body’s energy.

11.. Good for weight loss
Waakye leaves are considered to be heavy foods. The plant’s fiber content helps make an individual full right after consumption, thus preventing the person from excessive eating. Waakye is a popular breakfast or lunch meal in Ghana, and it could include this in an everyday diet plan.

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