Pandan leaves: Health benefits of this fragrant herb

By:Sandhya Raghavan, Updated: Dec 2, 2021 | 13:52 IST
pandan health benefits
Pandan is a sweet-smelling tropical herb featured mostly in Southeast Asian cuisines. In fact, it is so aromatic that in Vietnam, the leaves are used as a natural air freshener.

Closer home, pandan leaves are also used in Ayurvedic medicines. In Sri Lankan cuisine, these leaves are used extensively in curries and rice preparations.

Health benefits of pandan leaves

Pandan leaves are known to be nutritious, promoting immune health and preventing heart diseases, cancer and diabetes. However, kidney patients should be wary about pandan leaves as they may lead to indigestion and nausea. In Sri Lanka, pandan leaves are often used as remedies for cold and flu.

Some key health benefits of pandan leaves:
  1. Good for skin: Crushed Sri Lankan pandan leaves are used to treat skin problems like sunburn and minor burns. The tannic acid present in the leaves helps to soothe minor burns faster than other home remedies.
  2. Maintains blood sugar levels: Consumption of Sri Lankan pandan leaf tea after a meal may help lower the blood sugar levels.
  3. It acts as a pain reliever: Sri Lankan pandan leaves help to relieve aches and pain in the ear, head and joint. Since it is rich in phytochemicals, pandan may also alleviate symptoms of arthritis.
Other benefits of pandan leaves:

  • Detoxifies the body
  • Maintains cholesterol levels
  • Has antiseptic effects
  • Relieves constipation
  • Soothes headache
  • Heals wounds
  • Boosts immunity
Nutritional composition of pandan leaves

Nutrients in 56gm of pandan leaves.

NUTRITIONAL FACT

MEASURE%(DV)
Calories

20
Carbohydrates

1%
Fat

0%
Calcium

2%
Vitamin A

 0%
Vitamin C

0%
Iron

0%
Fiber

11%
Cholesterol

0%

How to use pandan leaves

Pandan leaves are prized mainly for their flavour and fragrance. The leaves are sold fresh and dried and are used extensively in Thai and other South Asian cooking. Fresh ones are stronger in taste and aroma, but the dry ones are easier to store.

Pandan leaves can be used to wrap food like chicken and paneer and steamed to infuse flavour.

It can also be used in rice dishes as an aromatising agent. Pandan syrup is also used to flavour mocktails, jams and desserts.

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