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Sweet potato leaf tea is made from the large leaves of sweet potato plants, carefully fermented and oxidized using a technique similar to traditional tea production, but requiring greater precision in timing and temperature.
The manufacturers of the tea claim that
“We only harvest sweet potato plants’ tender leaves or shoots and wash them with clean water to remove all the dirt and soil”.
Understanding the Extraction of Sweet Potato Leaf Tea:
The leaves are kept in an air-conditioned room for 48 hours, allowing the moisture to gradually evaporate while preserving their freshness. During this process, fermentation and oxidation occur, developing the distinctive flavor of sweet potato leaf tea. To halt oxidation and minimize the vegetal taste, the tea is roasted multiple times, making its production even more time-intensive than other types of tea.
Sweet potato leaves are ideal for tea making, ensuring a rich aroma and providing health benefits. The leaves also retain beneficial compounds that help with oxidation and reduce blood fat.
Health Benefits of Sweet Potato Leaves:
Anti-Diabetes:
Sweet potato leaves are valued for their anti-diabetic properties and role in diet therapy. Studies have shown that these leaves contain compounds that help lower blood glucose levels. This is particularly important given the rising cases of diabetes, with the Philippines now considered a diabetes hotspot, affecting over six million Filipinos.
Supports Heart Health:
Rich in Vitamin K, sweet potato leaves help prevent the buildup of harmful plaque in the arteries, a leading cause of heart attacks. Vitamin K also reduces inflammation in blood vessels, promoting better circulation and healthy blood pressure, ultimately lowering the risk of heart disease.
Powerful Antioxidant and Anti-Mutagenic Properties:
One of the most remarkable benefits of sweet potato leaves is their ability to fight cancer. Studies on 82 types of vegetables and plant compounds have shown that sweet potato leaves contain some of the highest levels of antioxidants and antimutagenic substances, slowing down cancer cell mutation.
Natural Anticoagulant:
The Vitamin K found in sweet potato leaves plays a crucial role in blood clotting. This helps the body recover quickly from cuts, bruises, and clotting disorders, promoting faster healing and reducing excessive bleeding.
Enhances Eye Health:
Sweet potato leaves contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two powerful antioxidants that protect eye health. These compounds help prevent cataracts and Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) by shielding eye lens muscles from oxidative damage.
Natural Antibacterial Properties:
Extracts from sweet potato leaf powder have demonstrated antibacterial effects, helping to inhibit the growth of harmful foodborne bacteria like E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus. Drinking tea made from sweet potato leaves may support a healthier immune system by reducing bacterial infections.
Supports Strong Bones:
Vitamin K in sweet potato leaves helps maintain calcium levels in bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and lowering the chances of bone fractures, particularly in post-menopausal women.
Caffeine-Free for Better Sleep:
Unlike traditional teas, sweet potato leaf tea is naturally caffeine-free, making it a great option for relaxation. Even when consumed before bedtime, it does not disrupt sleep, allowing for restful and uninterrupted rest.
Sweet Potato Leaf Tea Health Benefits:
1. Enhances Heart Health – Sweet potato leaf tea supports heart health by preventing plaque buildup in the arteries and improving circulation.
2. Acts as a Natural Anticoagulant – Vitamin K in sweet potato leaf tea helps blood clot properly, aiding in faster recovery from cuts and bruises.
3. Rich in Antioxidants and Antimutagenic Compounds – This tea contains powerful compounds that help reduce oxidative stress and slow the mutation of cancer cells.
4. Supports Eye Health – High levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in sweet potato leaf tea help protect against cataracts and Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
5. Provides Antibacterial Benefits – Extracts from sweet potato leaf tea inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, including E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
6. Helps Maintain Strong Bones – The Vitamin K content in sweet potato tea supports calcium retention in bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
How to make Sweet Potato Leaf Tea?
Use 1 to 2 teaspoons (approximately 1–2 grams) of dried sweet potato leaves for every 8-ounce (250 ml) cup of water. If you’re preparing the tea in a larger pot, include an additional teaspoon of leaves for optimal flavor. Cover the pot and let the tea steep for a minimum of 5 minutes. For a stronger brew and to maximize the extraction of beneficial saponins, you can allow the leaves to steep for up to 2 hours before serving.
