What is Callaloo and does it have any health benefits?
Callaloo is a Green leaved plant similar to Spinach and really packs a super punch of health benefits in relation to its size.
Where it Grows – Callaloo is a plant that grows in the Caribbean and also in other tropical places in the world, but especially Jamaica.
Nutrients – A 1/2 cup of cooked Callaloo leaves contain less than 50 calories, 4 times the amount of calcium found in broccoli and twice the iron. Also contains Vitamin C for boosting up your immune system, B Vitamins for good mood and vitality, and Vitamin A which is a great antioxidant.
Great Protein – Callaloo is full of protein such as arginine, histidine, cystine, leucine, isoleucine and lots more, making it great for building muscle!
Fiber – The fiber in Callaloo helps to prevent constipation and create a good environment for the growth of probiotic bacteria thus boosting your immune system.
Lots of Antioxidants – Callaloo contains lots of powerful antioxidants to boost up your immune system and repair and prevent DNA damage. Also helps to prevent cardiovascular disease, strokes, and cancer.
Must Be Cooked – Callaloo contains toxins that are removed from the plant when cooked… just like some other everyday foods that we eat such as kidney beans.
Jerk Fusion – Make a Vegan Stew of Okra & Callaloo to combine the superior superfoods to give you an incredible boost of vitamins and minerals.
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SO WHY DO I GET CONSTIPATED WHENEVER I EAT CALLALOO?
Cooked callaloo provides more iron than raw callaloo. However, to get the iron in the blood, callaloo should be consumed with fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C, such as tomatos, oranges or West Indian cherries. The vitamin C helps to pull the iron from the callaloo into the blood to prevent anaemia (weak blood). Iron is also known to contribute to constipation, so this could be another cause for your constipation, especially if you are taking other supplements or vitamins containing iron.
The canning process does not affect the fibre or nutritive value of the callaloo. Canned produce is harvested and canned at peak maturity. The delicate vitamins are lost during the process, but other nutrients are usually intact.
Here are some foods that are easily available to help with your constipation:
Apples
Figs
Citrus fruits
Artichoke
Sweet potato
Beans, peas and lentils
Chia seeds and Flaxseeds
Oats and Bran
Also continue to drink water and add exercise to help improve your bowel habit.