Molokhia

Molokhia is an edible plant that is used for medicinal purposes in Egypt. The leaves of the molokhia plant seem to help in the treatment of pain, fever, and inflammation.

Molokhia is like spinach and is thought to be a highly nutritious super-green which has hints of garlic and coriander in its taste. Molokhia is thought of as a super-green as it is high in antioxidants and rich in folate, beta-carotene, iron, fibre, calcium, vitamin C and over 32 vitamins, minerals and trace elements.

Molokhia can be used in numerous dishes such as salads, soups and curries or a garnish, spice or flavouring. I’ve never tried it, but if you have let us know what you think.

A recent study in mice has shown the water-soluble extract from the molokhia leaf had a positive effect in the gut by decreasing metabolic endotoxemia (which can produce leaky gut) and colonic inflammation. It also altered the gut microbiome by increasing the abundance of Lactobacillus species in the gut and a decrease of the less favourable Desulfovibrio.

The authors believe that this plant extract may have some use in the prevention of obesity and gut dysbiosis. Sounds good to me.

Reference

Lee, H. B., Oh, M. J., Do, M. H., Kim, Y. S., & Park, H. Y. (2020). Molokhia leaf extract prevents gut inflammation and obesity. J Ethnopharmacol, 112866. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2020.112866