JAKARTA – Oil palm trees can be easily found in a number of big cities of Indonesia. Usually, the fresh palm fruits are processed into cooking oil which is widely used for cooking.

Besides the cooking oil, the palm oil is also widely used to produce various kinds of consumer goods, ranging from foods, cosmetics and personal care, pharmacy, energy, and other products as soaps, candle and ink.

The palm oil is also good for human health. But actually, when it comes to human health, it is not only the palm oil from the fresh fruits that matter. The oil palm trees’ leaves are also good for human health.

The nutrition and bioactive compounds from the palm leaves can improve the human health. Following are the health benefits that can be derived from the oil palm leaves:

Delaying Aging

The palm leaves have high antioxidant content as they are rich in beta-carotene and polyphenols. The antioxidant content can help fight free radicals in human body, which then slows down aging and prevent from chronic health problems.

Controlling blood sugar

The oil palm leaves can also contribute to regulating blood sugar. Their certain compounds can help those who have diabetes or in high risk of diabetes in   controlling their blood sugar.

Keeping eyes’ health

Rich in vitamin A, the oil palm leaves are good for the health of human eyes. The Vitamin A is very important to protect the cornea of the eyes and able to prevent eye problems such as night blindness (nyctalopia).

Protecting skin health

The oil palm leaves are also good in protecting the health of skin. It is because the palm leaves contain vitamin E, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

With such health properties, the palm leaves can keep the health of skin and prevent early aging.

Reducing inflammation

The palm leaves have anti-inflammatory properties. Such properties can help reduce inflammation in human body and overcome inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis.

Energy Source

The palm leaves have carbohydrate content as a source of instant energy for human body.

But despite having significant health benefits, the palm leaves should be consumed wisely and in balance. Before adding it significantly into our diet, we should consult the health professionals.

By understanding the potential health benefits of palm leaves, we can add it into our healthy lifestyle to protect our health as a whole. (*)

Source: health.grid.id