We’re told time and again to include more leafy greens to our diet. But just because a leafy vegetable isn’t green doesn’t mean right away that it’s not good for you. Case in point: witloof. It may be creamy white in color with pale yellow tips, but it’s something that offers a lot of amazing health benefits.

If you like to know more about witloof, continue reading. Below you will learn some of the most important matters about it, especially the various perks you can enjoy simply by consuming it on a regular basis.

Witloof is a Dutch word that literally means white leaf. Well, witloof is in fact composed of pale-colored leaves whose tips are slightly yellow. If you are familiar with endive, that’s the shape that witloof sports. And if you have come across radicchio before, it’s basically just a red-colored variety of witloof.

The flavor of witloof is easy to love, thanks to its nutty albeit slightly bitter flavor. There are so many ways to have this leafy vegetable incorporated into your diet. You may eat it raw by slicing and tossing it into a bowl of garden salad. You may also have it stir fried with other vegetables. Some people love braising, boiling, steaming and roasting it in the oven. Having witloof stuffed or served with cheese (which it goes very well with!) is also possible.

Although witloof may not be green like most other leafy vegetables out there, it is still just as loaded with antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals just like those. In short, witloof is very good for you!

Let’s take a look at some of the health benefits it’s known to offer:

It Reduces Blood Pressure

There are good amounts of potassium in every serving of witloof. It’s for this reason why the inclusion of it in the diet is recommended for those who are diagnosed with hypertension or pre-hypertension. Potassium in witloof promotes the dilatation of the blood vessels, which results in the lowering of the blood pressure. The said mineral in witloof is also ideal for those who are experiencing palpitations or irregular heartbeats.

It Lowers Cholesterol, Too

Aside from the blood pressure, witloof also helps in lowering bad cholesterol in the blood. It works effectively because of its fiber and antioxidant contents that work together in keeping cholesterol in the food you eat from ending up in the arteries. With lowered blood pressure and cholesterol, one’s risk of heart disease is considerably reduced.

It Wards Off Constipation

Being a leafy vegetable, witloof is a phenomenal source of fiber. Regular consumption of this creamy white vegetable with pale yellow tips can help in regulating the movement of the bowels, which helps keep constipation from striking. According to doctors, regular intake of fiber-rich foods like witloof may also help lower a person’s risk of developing hemorrhoids, as well as having to battle colon cancer.

It Promotes Weight Reduction

Anyone who is trying to shed off excess pounds should eliminate fatty and sugary foods and introduce more healthy stuff such as witloof. Thanks to its loads of fiber, witloof helps prevent cravings and overeating. It is also very low in calories and has almost negligible amounts of fat, and that is why it helps in the reduction of weight.

It Keeps Anemia at Bay

Witloof also supplies the body with iron, a mineral so important for preventing and also reversing iron-deficiency anemia. The said condition is characterized by the inability of the blood to efficiently transport oxygen from the lungs to the various cells, tissues and organs in the body. Pregnant women and those with heavy periods are prone to having iron-deficiency anemia, and that’s why they should regularly consume endive and other iron-containing foods.

Don’t forget to share this article on your various social media sites to let your health-conscious family and friends also get introduced to witloof and the many perks that they can get from consuming it regularly!