Ashitaba, A Plant That Makes Japanese People Live Long

Illustration (Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels)

JAKARTA - Who doesn't want longevity? It's not just about numbers and age. But it also has to do with having a strong healthy body like youth. This means you can have longer time to enjoy all your family gatherings, and even play with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to adopting a healthy lifestyle, you can follow the secret of japanese longevity. They are used to eating plants called ashitaba.

In Indonesia its name is famous for Japanese celery. Different from local and imported celery whose stem size is large, ashitaba stem is small but the leaves are wider.

Ashitaba plants are usually dried and can be consumed with mixed tea, cooking, or taken in capsule form.

Ashitaba has many benefits for health and has been an alternative medicine since time immemorial. During the Ming Dynasty (1518 – 1593), this plant was often used by physicians to treat various diseases.

Its benefits include overcoming high blood pressure and cholesterol, lowering blood sugar levels, treating diabetes, fever, constipation, GERD, and fighting premature aging. It even has an anti-cancer effect because there are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory contains.

The content of vitamins and minerals is quite complete, ranging from vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin C, niacin, folate, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc.

Consumption of ashitaba can reduce belly fat and waist width, as well as help lose weight. Certainly still accompanied by a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, regular exercise, and managing stress well.

Ashitaba is also believed to help boost the immune system. With good immunity, you're not prone to disease.