In Indonesia, katuk leaves are widespread to be recommended to nursing mothers, Indonesian people usually consume katuk in various types of dishes. Because, besides being delicious, katuk leaves also have many benefits, especially for mothers who are breastfeeding their babies.
But do you know Ladies, why is katuk leaf good for mothers who are breastfeeding? The following is Fitie's summary of katuk leaves and their benefits for breastfeeding mothers.
What are the benefits of katuk leaves for breastfeeding mothers?
Katuk leaf which has the scientific name Sauropus androgynus is a plant with an oval leaf shape with a silvery pattern in the middle.
The reason katuk leaves are good for increasing breast milk production is that it has a high content of laktagogum and prolactin. The second one is because it has a potent bioactive compound that triggers the production of more breast milk and facilitates the release of breast milk.
In addition, katuk leaves are also able to increase hormones that affect breast milk production, such as prolactin and oxytocin hormones. It will stimulate the alveoli of the breast to absorb more protein, sugar, and fat in the blood. All of these nutrients are later used to produce breast milk. Then, the network of cells that surrounds the alveoli will press on the glands and push the milk into the ducts.
Apart from good for breastfeeding mothers, what else are the benefits of katuk leaves?
In addition to increasing milk production, katuk leaves also increase immunity. Because,katuk leaves contain lots of calories, protein, and good carbohydrates to maintain immunity.
In addition, katuk leaves are also able to make you have strong bones and teeth because of the calcium, phosphorus, and iron content. Each of these minerals can reach 2.8 percent.
Well, those are the benefits of katuk leaves for nursing mothers.
So, Fitie recommends you, Ladies, to consume katuk regularly, if you have a baby and or have just in a postpartum period.