Scientists
from Mexico's top university, UNAM, have found a possible cure for gastrointestinal diseases , such as gastritis .
The Mexican scientists , led by Irma Romero Álvarez , from the UNAM's Medicine Faculty , found that “ quelites ”, an edible plant that is regularly eaten in Mexico , are able to suppress the presence of the Helicobacter pylori bacteria , the one that causes gastritis .
According to the scientist , quelites “Suppress the bacteria , even better than metronidazole does; it does not only stops its development, but it also kills the bacteria . That is, there is a bactericide effect in the extract of these plants.”
Also, quelites present, along with its mucus, a moderate non-adhesive activity, therefore, bacterias don't adhere to the gastric mucosa and it doesn't suppress urease .
This was discovered after the scientists analyzed three types of quelites : alache , chepil , and chaya .
The word “ quelite ” comes from the Náhuatl “quilitl” and means “edible herb ”, therefore, every plant with edible foliage, found in the central region of Mexico is called quelite . The most known are the hu auzontle , watercress , quintoniles , pápalo , purslane , hoja santa , and the romeritos .
The potential medicinal effect of quelites is still present after they are cooked. Therefore, the regular consumption of this plant could help keep gastritis at bay and prevent other diseases linked to this bacteria .
Quelites
are not only cheap, but they are also rich in vitamins , but they also help boost your immune system , and they are easy to cook.
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