Epazote is a commonly used herb in central and southern Guatemala and Mexico. This plant has been largely viewed as a medicinal plant, mainly because of its nutrients and potential health benefits. In Latin American cuisine, epazote is used as an ingredient for both interesting and flavorful appearance. This plant belongs to the Amaranthaceae family of herbs and vegetables. The leaves of epazote are dark green, long slender, and pointed. Epazote is also known as pizate, pazote, pazoli, ipasote, apazote and hierba hedionda.
The epazote is a leafy annual plant that can grow up to 4 feet tall and it has small, seed-producing green flowers. Epazote has minerals, such as zinc, iron, selenium, magnesium, manganese, and calcium. It has Vitamin B – complex, such as Vitamin B2 and Vitamin B6. Also, epazote has folate, Vitamin A, and flavonoid phenolic antioxidants, such as beta–carotene.
The epazote can be dangerous if it consumed in large quantities due to the high levels of certain organic compounds, such as folic acid. Usually, gastroenteritis and other gastrointestinal issues have been reported by people who consume epazote in large amounts. You need to talk with your doctor before you add epazote to your diet if you have never used it before. Here are some health benefits of epazote:
Maintain normal blood pressure levels and support optimal heart health
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The epazote has potassium which can help to relax blood vessels and decrease the strain on the cardiovascular system. This can help to reduce the risk for atherosclerosis development and it can provide good protection against strokes and heart attacks.
Enhance metabolic activity
Epazote has high amounts of B vitamins. They can help to transform the food that you eat into energy. Also, it can help to improve eye health, your nervous system, and skin health. Epazote can help to promote better immune systems and brain function. Epazote has six different B vitamins, particularly folic acid. In a single serving of epazote there is more than 50% of the daily recommended amount of folic acid, which can help people to have proper development and growth, so add epazote to your diet.
Help improve immunity
The epazote has moderate amounts of Vitamin A, antioxidants, and carotenes which can help to promote better immune system health. The antioxidant properties of epazote can help to protect the skin from free radical damage and it can help to neutralize the free radicals which cause may type of chronic diseases.
Stimulate antiparasitic effect
Epazote has active ingredients which can help to neutralize parasitic worms in the body. Epazote can help to neutralize hookworms and roundworms due to the active ingredients in it. This is making epazote ideal for people where water filtration and basic sanitary conditions may not be available.
Encourage weight control
Epazote has high amounts of nutrients and fiber. It can help you to feel full for a longer period of time and it can prevent you from overeating. In one hundred grams of epazote, there are 32 calories, but also it has nutrients and organic compounds which your body needs. If you need to lose weight in a natural way, then epazote is the right choice for you.
Promote positive gastrointestinal effect
The epazote has dietary fiber that can help to improve the digestive process and increase the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut. When you are improving the efficiency of the gastrointestinal system can help to prevent constipation, diverticulitis, and leaky gut. Also, the epazote was traditionally used to counteract indigestion and flatulence, especially if they were caused by beans and high–fiber and high–protein foods.
Improve bone health
The epazote has different minerals, which can to protect your bones as you are getting older. The epazote has significant levels of manganese, copper, zinc, phosphorus and calcium which can contribute to bone mineral density and stave off osteoporosis. This means that your bones will be strong and healthy as you are getting older.
