This is a tree that Vietnamese people often eat as fruit, but its leaves are a valuable medicine for the liver.

In home gardens, chili leaves are often considered a side dish, few people think of adding them to daily meals.

However, according to experts and scientific research, this seemingly forgotten leaf is a valuable source of nutrients: rich in calcium, vitamins, antioxidants and supports the liver, eyes and bones.

Chili leaves are rich in nutrients

According to nutritionists, chili leaves contain a much higher amount of calcium than many common vegetables, even comparable to milk.

A study published in the scientific journal Journal of Food Biochemistry noted that the Scotch Bonnet pepper variety of the Capsicum family is not only rich in vitamins A, C, and E, but also has very high calcium and magnesium content.

This study was conducted in Southeastern Nigeria where chilli leaves are used as a nutritious green vegetable in daily meals.

Loại cây người Việt thường ăn quả, nhưng lá lại là thuốc quý cho gan - 1 — Chili leaves are very nutritious (Photo: Getty).

Not just minerals, chili leaves are also a powerful source of antioxidants such as flavonoids, luteolin, beta-carotene and capsaicinoids.

A report published in Frontiers in Pharmacology shows that these compounds have the effect of neutralizing free radicals, protecting the liver, fighting inflammation and slowing down the aging process of cells.

In particular, according to data from USDA FoodData Central , 100g of chili leaves can contain more than 200mg of calcium, along with beta-carotene content equivalent to many dark green vegetables such as spinach or water spinach.

Outstanding effects on eyes, liver and bones

Chili leaves help protect eyesight thanks to their rich beta-carotene content. This is a precursor of vitamin A, an essential micronutrient in maintaining retinal function, preventing macular degeneration and reducing the risk of night blindness.

When taken into the body, beta-carotene will convert into vitamin A, supporting healthy eyes, especially for people who work a lot with screens.

For the liver, chili leaves are a valuable source of natural chlorophyll. Chlorophyll plays an important role in the regeneration and repair of liver cells, while also helping to eliminate toxins.

Along with that, vitamin C and E in chili leaves act as powerful antioxidants, protecting liver cells from oxidative stress. One of the main causes of hepatitis and fatty liver.

As for the skeletal system, thanks to its high calcium and magnesium content, chili leaves help maintain bone density, preventing osteoporosis in the elderly. This is a natural mineral supplement solution for those who cannot drink milk or need to increase nutrients from plants.

Three easy-to-make chili leaf soups at home

Although chili leaves are rich in nutrients, few people know how to incorporate this vegetable into their daily meals. Below are three delicious and simple chili leaf soups that anyone can try.

Chili leaf soup with chicken gizzards combined with century eggs is a dish with a unique flavor, the broth is smooth and has a beautiful opaque white color.

Chicken gizzards add natural sweetness, while chili leaves retain their green color and refreshing taste. Century eggs not only enhance the flavor but also reduce the pungent taste of the organs. This dish is perfect for cool days.

Chili leaf soup with pork is a simple and easy-to-prepare choice. Chili leaves are cooked with thinly sliced pork, stir-fried with ginger and garlic. When cooked, the soup has a light, refreshing taste, is easy to eat and is rich in nutrients. In particular, this dish is suitable for people who eat healthily or need to recover after illness.

Chili leaf soup with pork offal includes pork liver, small intestine and pork strips. The ingredients are carefully prepared to remove the smell, then cooked with chili leaves until the leaves turn emerald green.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/loai-cay-nguoi-viet-thuong-an-qua-nhung-la-lai-la-thuoc-quy-cho-gan-20250909085519383.htm