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The Mankai Plant: A Complete Guide and Care Tips
Gardening enthusiasts are always on the lookout for new plants to add to their collections.
One such plant that has gained popularity in recent times is the mankai plant, also known as Wolffia globosa.
This tiny aquatic plant is easy to care for and has several health benefits.
In this article, we will provide a complete guide on the mankai plant, including its origin, benefits, care tips and how to incorporate it into your diet.
Origin of Mankai Plant
The mankai plant belongs to the duckweed family and is native to Southeast Asia.
It grows in ponds, lakes, and other freshwater bodies with slow-moving water.
The name “mankai” means “small food” in Hebrew because of its small size.
Benefits of Mankai Plant
The mankai plant contains high levels of protein (up to 68% dry weight), making it an excellent addition for those looking for a vegetarian or vegan source of protein.
Additionally, it contains essential amino acids that our bodies cannot produce on their own.
Mankai also contains vitamins B12 which help maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells as well as vitamin A which helps improve vision health.
- Promotes Weight Loss: According to research conducted by Ben-Gurion University’s Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research in Israel found that adding wolfia globosa (manki) powder into one’s daily diet can lead up 5% reduction in body weight after just four weeks – compared with just 0.8% decrease amongst those who ate non-supplemented food weights during clinical trials.
- Lowers Cholesterol Levels: Mankai plants can help lower cholesterol levels in the body, which reduces the risk of heart disease.
Studies have shown that consuming mankai plant powder for eight weeks can lead to a 30% reduction in LDL cholesterol levels.
- Regulates Blood Sugar Levels: Mankai is low in starch and high in slowly digestible carbohydrates, which makes it an ideal food for people with diabetes.
Research has shown that incorporating wolfia globosa into your diet can help regulate blood sugar levels.
Care Tips for Mankai Plant
The mankai plant requires very little care and maintenance, making it a popular choice among hobbyists.
Here are some tips to keep your mankai plant healthy:
- Lighting: Mankai plants require moderate sunlight or bright artificial light to thrive.
- Water: Maintain a pH level between 6-8 and ensure adequate water circulation.
Change half of the water once every two weeks.
- Fertilizer: You do not need fertilizer if you’re feeding your fish because they excrete waste that contains nitrogen compounds as well as other essential minerals which aid growth of manki plants.
Incorporating Mankai Plant into Your Diet
The easiest way to incorporate the mankai plant into your diet is by adding it to smoothies or salads.
You can also use it as a garnish on soups or sprinkle it over cooked vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower.
The recommended daily intake of wolfia globosa powder is around two tablespoons (10 grams).
Conclusion
The benefits of consuming wolfia globosa are vast, ranging from promoting weight loss to regulating blood sugar levels.
Mankai plants are easy to care for, making them an ideal choice for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.
If you’re looking for a new plant to add to your collection or want to improve your diet, consider adding the mankai plant.
