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Beauty & Health

Can Pandan Help Fight Diabetes? Here Are 8 Surprising Health Benefits Of The Humble Leaf

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Beauty & Health

Can Pandan Help Fight Diabetes? Here Are 8 Surprising Health Benefits Of The Humble Leaf

January 9, 2019

Sometimes called the “vanilla of the East” due to its distinct sweet flavour, pandan is a mainstay in Asian kitchens from Singapore to India and Vietnam. 

In 2017, UK domestic goddess Nigella Lawson even called pandan “the new matcha”, although we’ve already been savouring this fragrant green leaf for centuries. Today, some of the trendiest bars in New York, Paris and London are serving pandan-flavoured cocktails. 

But how much do you really know about the humble leaf?

Photo: 123RF

For starters, did you know that there are around 750 species of the pandanus or pandan plant – also known as the screwpine? The plants are similar in appearance to palm trees with fan-shaped bunches of long, narrow blade-shaped leaves. 

They’re most commonly found in tropical and subtropical countries such as India, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand but some species of pandan can even be found in Australia. 

Watch this video on how to make tang yuan soup without artificial colouring:


 

READ MORE:
Where To Go For Traditional Nyonya Kueh In Singapore
Avoid These High-Calorie Local Desserts If You’re Trying To Lose Weight
5 Health Benefits Of Eating Soya, Including Reducing Cancer Risk

While we nom on pandan chiffon cake, pandan is being researched and recognised worldwide for its potential medicinal and healing properties. The plant and its leaves contain phytochemicals – natural biologically active compounds that seem to have some wide-ranging health benefits. 

Here are eight of them:

https://www.womensweekly.com.sg/gallery/beauty-and-health/surprising-health-benefits-pandan/
Can Pandan Help Fight Diabetes? Here Are 8 Surprising Health Benefits Of The Humble Leaf
Relieve arthritis pain
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In India, the leaves are left to soak in coconut oil and that oil is then rubbed on the body to relieve the pain of rheumatoid arthritis. 

Photo: Pexels
Maintain oral health
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Indian natural health practitioners also report chewing pandan leaves as an alternative to a trip to the dentist and to help maintain good oral health. 

Photo: Pexels
Treat sunburn
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Skin feeling raw from a day out in the sun? Adding fresh pandan leaves to a cool bath is also used as a treatment for sunburn. 

Photo: Pexels
Slow down diseases
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Researchers at Malaysian universities have also praised pandan for its potential disease-fighting antioxidants. It contains polyphenols that have been associated with slowing the development of serious diseases, such as heart disease. 

Researchers found freeze-dried powdered pandan leaf had higher levels of antioxidants than fresh pandan leaves.

Photo: Pexels
Manage diabetes
image

Pandan may also offer some hope for the 400-million plus people worldwide living with diabetes. Researchers at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok say pandan leaves are used in traditional medicine to help manage diabetes. 

In one study, participants drank pandan tea while another group of people drank hot water after a glucose tolerance test. The blood sugar levels of the two groups were compared and those who drank pandan tea saw a smaller spike in their blood sugar levels. 

Researchers believe this is due to a natural compound in pandan called quercetin. 

“The knowledge gained from this research can be used as a basis for a new drug discovery for the treatment of diabetes,” they add. 

Photo: 123RF
Defeat dandruff
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If you’re looking for a natural solution to an itchy, dandruff-ridden scalp, try this pandan remedy. Blend 10 fresh leaves until you get a smooth consistency, then mix with 100 ml of water. Apply it directly onto your scalp, wrap it up and wait 30 minutes before rinsing out. 

Photo: Pexels
Detox your liver
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Pandan can help flush out toxins and other bad substances from your liver and body, as it’s a mild laxative. 

Photo: Pexels
Natural air freshener
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Knot the leaves together and slip them into your wardrobe or hang them in a room to enjoy the sweet smell. 

Photo: 123RF
So how can you use pandan in your cooking?
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The characteristic aroma of pandan leaves is due to a compound called 2-Acetyl-1pyrroline. On the plant, the leaves don’t have an aroma, but once picked and lightly crushed, they release the sought-after vanilla scent that is used in foods and perfumes. 

In Singapore and other SEA countries, pandan leaf is often added to curries, rice, jams and desserts. In India, pandan leaves are added to rice to create the flavour of basmati rice (basmati is more expensive so adding pandan to standard rice gives flavour on a budget). 

Of course, as with everything, moderation is key. 

Click next to see some easy pandan-infused recipes you can make at home!

You can make: Gula Melaka Brioche & Pandan Ice Cream
image

Get the recipe here.

You can make: Kueh Salat
image

Get the recipe here. 

You can make: Bubor Cha Cha Jelly
image

Get the recipe here. 

You can make: Martin Yan's Black Rice Pudding
image

Get the recipe here. 

You can make: All-natural Tang Yuan Soup
image

Get the recipe here, and watch the recipe video above.
 

READ MORE: 
Everything You Need To Know About Asian Noodles And Easy Ways To Cook Them
10 TCM Herbs Every Woman Needs In Her Life To Look And Feel Better
Can’t Give Up Coffee? Here Are 7 Little Tricks To Make Your Daily Brew Healthier

Text: bauersyndication.com.au, Additional reporting: Elizabeth Liew

  • TAGS:
  • Asian Food
  • asian ingredients
  • asian recipes
  • easy recipes
  • health tips
  • Nutrition
  • pandan
  • recipes
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