South Chungcheongnam-do Agricultural Research Institute Focuses on Functional Subtropical Crop 'Water Spinach' in Climate Change Era

Water Spinach Emerges as a New Climate-Resilient Crop with Health Benefits The Chungnam Agricultural Technology Institute highlighted the health benefits and culinary potential of water spinach on the 7th, emphasizing its value as a functional vegetable. Water spinach is a subtropical vegetable with a hollow stem, widely consumed as a representative summer crop in Southeast Asia and Southern China. Domestically known as 'water spinach' or 'gang kong', it is emerging as an alternative fresh vegetable as cultivation techniques stabilize due to global warming. Particularly rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and polyphenols, water spinach helps strengthen immunity and suppress aging. Recent studies show that water spinach extract can effectively regulate blood sugar and provide anti-inflammatory effects, potentially preventing and managing diabetes. Additionally, its high dietary fiber content benefits gut health and prevents constipation, while its high iron and calcium levels can ...