This protein-rich plant is hailed as a ‘vegetarian meatball’: It can keep your brain young

Health benefits of Mankai plant: When added to the Mediterranean diet along with green tea and walnuts, its enhanced nutritional profile provides multiple benefits, particularly for the brain (Image: Canva)

The Green Mediterranean diet is known to have many benefits, especially due to an aquatic plant that’s exceptionally rich in protein and reportedly hailed as a ‘vegetarian meatball’. For the nutritional punch it packs, it’s associated with slower brain ageing and may help prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, according to research. Additionally, it supports weight loss and metabolism.

The Mankai plant is a powerful, nutrient-dense superfood proven to offer numerous health benefits. Scientifically known as Wolffia globosa and belonging to the duckweed family, it is grown in Southeast Asian countries and also found in certain regions of the Americas. When added to the Mediterranean diet along with green tea and walnuts, its enhanced nutritional profile provides multiple benefits, particularly for the brain.

Benefits of Mankai Plant

Improves cognitive function: According to a 2022 study, people who consumed less red meat and included more polyphenol-rich foods, such as the Mankai plant and green tea, showed less cognitive decline. Mankai contains natural plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These help lower inflammation, enhance memory, and improve overall brain function.

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Supports weight loss: What makes this plant unique is that it contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a powerful source of protein comparable to eggs. A study also found the absorption of these amino acids to be excellent, similar to that of soft cheese and pea protein. Being rich in protein, it can help with weight loss and managing type 2 diabetes.

Supports cellular formation: While vegans and vegetarians often struggle to get enough vitamin B12 from food, Mankai duckweed can help. A study shows that it is a highly bioavailable source of vitamin B12, which plays an important role in DNA production, nerve function, red blood cell formation, and metabolism.

Improves iron and folate levels: According to a study, Mankai duckweed helps improve iron and folate levels in the body, even among people who consume little red meat. The same study showed that Mankai supplementation was able to reverse iron-deficiency anaemia in rats.

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Supports heart health: Adding daily servings of walnuts, green tea, and 100 grams of Mankai to the Mediterranean diet creates an impressive nutrient profile that researchers call the ‘Green Mediterranean diet’. Studies show this helps protect heart health by lowering bad cholesterol, increasing good cholesterol, and reducing inflammation markers. Mankai is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which further support overall health.

Improves immunity: Mankai is rich in both vitamin A and zinc micronutrients essential for maintaining immunity, fighting illnesses, and aiding recovery during sickness.

FAQs on Health Benefits of Mediterranean Diet

1. What are the cognitive benefits of the Green Mediterranean diet?

The Green Mediterranean diet, including Mankai plant and green tea, helps slow brain ageing and improve cognitive function, potentially preventing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

2. How does the Mediterranean diet support weight loss?

The diet supports weight loss by including high-protein foods like Mankai, which contains all nine essential amino acids, aiding in weight management and type 2 diabetes control.

3. Can the Mediterranean diet improve nutrient levels?

Yes, Mankai in the diet enhances iron and folate levels, and is a bioavailable source of vitamin B12, essential for DNA production, nerve function, and red blood cell formation.

4. How does the Mediterranean diet benefit heart health?

Incorporating walnuts, green tea, and Mankai into the diet helps reduce bad cholesterol, increase good cholesterol, and lower inflammation, protecting heart health.

5. Does the Mediterranean diet boost immunity?

The diet boosts immunity by providing essential nutrients like vitamin A and zinc, which are crucial for maintaining immune function and aiding in recovery from illnesses.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.