Will eating kang kong make your legs weak?

Chinese superstition has it that eating kang kong (water spinach) will give one weak legs because of the hollow trailing stems, which make the person weak like the plant itself.

But there is no scientific evidence that eating kang kong gives you weak or tired legs, said Dr Roger Tian, a consultant sports medicine physician at the Singapore Sports Medicine Centre at Novena Medical Centre and the Changi Sports Medicine Centre at Changi General Hospital.

“Such a condition is more likely to be caused by poor muscle strength or endurance,” he said.

If anything, eating this local favourite will add lots of nutrition to your diet.

It is rich in beta carotene, which acts as an antioxidant, and it also provides dietary fibre which prevents constipation.

It also contains calcium, which contributes to strong bones.

Even so, one has to eat a variety of calcium-rich food and not depend on only one source.

Source: Mind Your Body, The Straits Times

Category: Wellness and Complementary Therapies