Sorrel Leaves(Chukkakura) Seeds

Sorrel Nutrition Facts

According to the USDA, one cup of raw sorrel (dock) contains 29 calories, 4.3 grams of carbohydrates, and 2.6 grams of protein. It also provides a significant amount of fiber (3.8g). In terms of vitamins and minerals, it is rich in vitamin C and also contains vitamin A, iron, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. In terms of beneficial organic compounds, it contains polyphenolic acids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins

Health Benefits of Sorrel

Let’s look at the health benefits found in sorrel that make it such a wonderful addition to your diet.

Rich in Fiber

The high content of dietary fiber that can be found in most varieties of sorrel means that your digestive health can be improved by adding these leaves to your soups and salads. Dietary fiber adds bulk to food as it moves through the digestive system, improving your gastrointestinal health and reducing conditions like constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and cramping, as well as other gastrointestinal issues. Soluble dietary fiber can also help reduce total cholesterol in the body, thereby protecting heart health, and reducing the chances of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.

Aids In Regulating Blood Pressure

Sorrel has a very significant level of potassium (1 cup contains 15% of your daily recommended intake), which is an essential mineral for human health. Potassium is a vasodilator, hence it is instrumental in maintaining fluid balance throughout the body. This means that it reduces stress on the cardiovascular system by relaxing the blood vessels and arteries. Lowered blood pressure reduces the chances of dangerous blood clotting and excessive strain on the heart that can lead to coronary heart disease and other complications. It can reduce the risks of hypertension and even possibly stroke, as seen by preliminary data conducted in a rat model.

May Help Maintain Vision Health

Vitamin A, another essential vitamin found in sorrel, has been closely connected to the improvement in eyesight and a reduction of macular degeneration and cataracts. Beta-carotene, which is a precursor to vitamin A, acts as an antioxidant, and when combined with the other important antioxidant compounds in the body, it can greatly boost eye health, especially night vision, and prevent age-related degradation.

Good Source of Iron

The significant levels of iron in sorrel boost the red blood cell production and prevent iron deficiency anemia. Iron is necessary for your red blood cells to carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Increased circulation of oxygen throughout the body in the vital organs, boosts hair growth, increases energy levels, and speeds up the healing process (in conjunction with the protein content of sorrel).

Boosts Immunity

The vitamin C content in sorrel is impressive. A single cup of sorrel contains 106% of your daily recommended intake, which can optimize your immune system. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, supports the skin’s function as a barrier against pathogens and protects against environmental oxidative stress by optimizing oxidant scavenging activity of the skin.

May Help Soothe Skin Conditions

The leaves of sorrel have been used in two ways to soothe skin conditions. The leaves, when dried as an herb, can be eaten, and this has been connected with a reduction in ringworm and itchy, dry skin. When fresh leaves are ground up, the liquid extracted can be applied topically to the infected area to reduce rashes and irritation. This is likely due to vitamin C and vitamin A content in the leaves, as well as the other nutraceuticals found in this herb.

Heart Health

Apart from other heart-related benefits, it is important to remember that sorrel belongs to the oxalis family, which has been closely associated with boosting heart health in general. Again, this is likely due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of anthocyanins and other compounds found in sorrel, which can reduce oxidative stress thereby protecting the cardiovascular system and helping to reduce chronic disease.