Forget the health benefit, Cocoyam is a spiritual soldier
Among the Akans in Ghana the Kontonmire is more than a healthy dish but spiritually inclined as well.
The Kontimire also known as cocoyam is thought to have originated in Elmina in the central region of Ghana although there is no specific evidence of its origin the people of Elmina claim it the Ashantis also consume it a lot and even other tribes have adapted to it consumption.
Boost immune system
One (1) cup of cocoyam leaves contains about 145mg of Vitamin C, about 86% of our body’s daily requirement. This will help boost your immune system effectively.
Prevention of cancer
Cocoyam leaves are rich in vitamin C which acts as an antioxidant. This fights against free radicals that cause cancer and help to prevent many diseases.
Healthy eyes
Cocoyam leaves are rich in vitamin A in addition to the vitamin C. The amount of vitamin A can be as high as 123% of our daily requirement. It is very good for eyes to stay healthy, maintain the visual acuity, and prevent the eyes diseases such as myopia, cataract and blindness.
Aid digestion and prevent digestive problems
The high dietary fibre in cocoyam leaves helps in food digestion and absorption. Cocoyam leaves can prevent digestive problems such as indigestion, constipation, and diarrhoea.
Cholesterol level reduction
Cocoyam leaves have no cholesterol and only 1% of total fat, and so, is the best diet for reducing cholesterol. The dietary fibre and methionine contained in cocoyam leaves can reduce the cholesterol effectively.
They bind and break down fat and cholesterol especially triglyceride.
Help in weight loss
Cocoyam leaves are low in fat and high in protein. It is therefore, the best diet to reduce your fat and get your muscle mass.
Reduce inflammation
Cocoyam leaves contain Omega 3 which plays a role in inflammation process and can inhibit the release of inflammatory substances. It can help to treat diseases like arthritis, gastritis, or lupus disease.
Protect the nervous system
Are you feeling the symptoms of tingling, numbness, or pain in your limb? You can eat taro leaves to reduce those symptoms.
The vitamin B complex including thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6 in cocoyam leaves protect the nervous system. They also boost the immune system.
For all the health benefits none will ever match the spiritual side, it is rumored that should a person able to tap the dew that normally remains on top of the kontonmire leaf and clean the face with it, the person will attain immortality and all the luck needed to attain success.
