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Taro leaves or ‘Aarbi Ke Patte’ are leaves of a tuberous vegetable widely consumed in different parts of India. These leaves are low in calories and rich in protein, minerals, vitamins, and bioactive compounds. Thus, taro leaves have many health benefits.
In India, the tuber of the Taro plant is loved, and it is rich in carbohydrates and other nutrients. However, consumption of its leaves remains uncommon, though they are also edible and are good to use to make delicious food. In addition, studies show that they are rich in chemicals that may boost health and prevent diseases like anthraquinones, apigenin, catechins, vitexin, and many more flavonoids and terpenes.
Before continuing, a word of caution. Do not eat raw Taro leaves as they contain a toxin called acrid calcium oxalate, which must be destroyed by cooking.
Help prevent diabetes and normalize gut function
Studies in the west show that Indians are susceptible to metabolic disorders despite being predominantly vegetarians. This is why type 2 diabetes is very common even among people living with more or less normal body weight in India. There are many reasons for the higher prevalence of diabetes in those living with normal body weight, like central obesity or accumulation of visceral fat and fat buildup in internal organs like the liver, pancreas, and other organs. Indians are also quite likely to be living with various gut issues.
It appears that regular consumption of Taro leaves may regularize gut function, provide dietary fiber, help prevent irritable bowel disease and bloating, and also provide vital micronutrients. Additionally, Taro leaves contain anti-nutrients – these are substances that slow down the absorption of glucose and fats and thus prevent insulin resistance.
Another way in which Taro leaves benefit is by their high content of antioxidants. These antioxidants help prevent various disorders and organ damage and slow down aging.
Though many practitioners have known that Taro leaves can help prevent and manage diabetes, but clinical evidence has been missing. However, things are changing fast. Some new in-vivo studies show that regular intake of Taro leaves juice may also help manage diabetes and reduce blood glucose levels.
Taro leaves good for heart health
Hypertension is another significant problem affecting adults. It is estimated that about one-third of all adults in India are living with high blood pressure or hypertension. It is no secret that the vast majority of them do not treat it well.
Thus, hypertension remains insufficiently controlled in 70-80% of cases. One of the reasons why so many people fail to control hypertension is that it does not cause any symptoms in most people. However, uncontrolled hypertension increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and premature death over the years. That is why it is called a silent killer.
But, then south Asians are also less likely to stick to the lifestyle interventions like a low salt diet, exercise, and stress management. Thus, regularly consuming Taro leaves could be one of the ways of gaining better control over hypertension.
Studies in animal models show that its regular intake for a few weeks may help significantly reduce blood pressure.
Taro leaves good for kidneys
Uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes are the primary causes of kidney disease. Additionally, it appears that kidney stones are also quite common in some parts of India.
There are many ways in which Taro leaves may help. For example, it can help get better control over diabetes, reduce blood pressure, and also increase urinary flow. In addition, Taro leaves, if consumed regularly, are natural diuretics.
Taro leaves prevent liver toxicity
Severe liver disease is more commonly caused due to conditions like viral hepatitis. However, many people are living with a sub-clinical condition, with sluggish liver. There are many reasons why the liver becomes slow and inflamed.
One of the reasons is metabolic and wrong dietary choices. A sedentary lifestyle and a high-fat diet are the cause of the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which, if untreated, may even cause liver cancer.
Another issue is frequent exposure to environmental toxins, like heavy metals, pesticides, pollutants, and so on. They tend to accumulate in the liver, as it is the prime detoxification organ.
Studies show that Taro leaves extract may help reverse liver damage caused by toxins and reduce liver inflammation. In addition, it may help normalize the level of liver enzymes and much more.
Good for brain health – helps prevent anxiety and depression
New studies now show that Taro leaves extract can influence brain function. This is an interesting finding, keeping in view that brain disorders are rising in India and globally. Most people would experience severe anxiety, depression, and other brain issues sometime in their lives.
Studies show that Taro leaves extract can exert an anxiolytic effect. Not only that, but it may also help fight depression and boost energy levels.
Help prevent gastrointestinal infections
Infectious diarrhea is quite common in tropical countries, and India is no exception. Due to natural causes, a person is more likely to be exposed to contaminated food in India when compared to the west. Studies show that Taro leaves can help. They have direct antimicrobial properties.
Help prevent cancers
No single vegetable can prevent all kinds of cancers. However, most international dietary recommendations say that higher consumption of leafy vegetables can help prevent cancer.
Green vegetables are high in micronutrients, dietary fiber, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds that help fight cancer. For example, in-vitro studies confirm that some organic compounds in Taro leaves can directly suppress the growth of cancer cells.
Final thoughts
In India, “Aarbi” is a widely consumed tuber vegetable. However, its leaves remain neglected. Studies show that leaves may be even more beneficial for health when consumed regularly. Leaves are low in carbs and high in beneficial compounds and micronutrients.
In recent years, there has been a considerable increase in interest in the health benefits of Taro leaves, and early clinical evidence suggests that it is really a functional food. Thus, consume more Taro leaves to prevent metabolic disorders, diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic ailments.
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