Ladies, you might not have realized how incredible green grass jelly (Cyclea barbata - L. Miers) is for your well-being. This vine thrives in mainland Southeast Asia, including Indonesia. It's commonly found in the wild in loose soils or cultivated in our backyards.
With its unique characteristics, like soft leaves and a lack of strong aroma (unlike its black counterpart), green grass jelly has become quite popular among Indonesians.
Nutrient-Rich Green Grass Jelly
Green grass jelly leaves contain various nutrients, including carbohydrates, fat, protein, polyphenolic and flavonoid compounds, and essential minerals and vitamins like calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A, and vitamin B. These leaves also contain bisbenzylisoquinoline chlorophyll and pectin fiber, and exhibit very high antioxidant activity. The predominant bioactive component in green grass jelly leaves is phenol.
Health Benefits of Green Grass Jelly
The nutritional richness in green grass jelly provides an array of health benefits, including:
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Healthy Digestion: Flavonoids in green grass jelly leaves promote better digestion. These leaves help alleviate diarrhea, maintain intestinal health, regulate stomach acid, and accelerate the healing of mouth sores.
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Blood Pressure Regulation: Bioactive compounds in green grass jelly can help reduce hypertension by targeting vital tissues such as the heart, blood vessels, and nervous systems. They also function as Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs), act as diuretics, and act as antioxidants in oxidative stress.
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Antioxidant Properties: Research from Gadjah Mada University reveals that green grass jelly contains secondary metabolites like terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, and phenolics, acting as natural antioxidants in the body. These antioxidants combat free radicals, known contributors to chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart ailments.
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Blood Sugar Stabilization: Bisbenzylsquinoline chlorophyll in green grass jelly helps suppress and stabilize blood sugar levels.
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Gastric Relief: Antioxidants and vitamin C content in green grass jelly can soothe and alleviate stomach issues.
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Sore Throat Remedy: The presence of calcium, phosphorus, carbohydrates, vitamin A, B1, and vitamin C in green grass jelly can ease sore throats.
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Osteoporosis Prevention: Green grass jelly's rich calcium phosphate compounds strengthen and nourish bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
How to Make Green Grass Jelly
Now that you know the incredible benefits consider incorporating green grass jelly into your healthy lifestyle. You can easily find it in traditional markets or make it at home according to your preferences.
There are two methods to make it:
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Wash the green grass jelly leaves thoroughly, knead them to extract the mucous content, and mix with boiled water. Afterwards, filter the mixture and let it settle until it forms a jelly-like consistency.
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Wash the leaves, blend them with warm water, and then filter the mixture twice. Refrigerate the filtered water until it thickens to a jelly-like consistency.
The health benefits of green grass jelly mentioned above pertain to its pure form without added ingredients. If you choose to sweeten it, be mindful of sugar levels. Similarly, if you decide to include coconut milk, consider the nutritional content of the coconut milk as well. Enjoy your green grass jelly on your journey to a healthier you!