Note: You should wipe the leaves of your Monstera with a damp cloth every few weeks to remove any dust that has built up on the leaves.
Should you wipe Monstera leaves?
Many of us are still under the illusion that a healthy diet means depriving ourselves of delicious food. While it’s good to be selective regarding the food we consume, it’s imperative not to deprive ourselves of the joy of eating what we want. There are certain vegetables and fruits that, if not treated right, can cause serious illness. One such fruit is the Monstera plant. Let’s explore the various aspects of this tropical fruit, its role in our diet, and whether you should keep it in or take it out of your grocery list.
What Is It?
There are several species of Monstera. The most common one is Monstera deltoidea, a type of holly tree. This particular plant can grow up to 15 feet in height and has leathery, glossy green leaves that are about 7 inches long and 6 inches wide. The fruit is a globose tomato-sized fruit with a single, large seed. When fully mature, these fruits can weigh up to 1 pound and contain roughly 2 inches of edible flesh. According to the USDA, these plants are non-toxic and can be eaten by humans without any problems.
Where Does It Come From?
The Monstera plant originated in northeastern Brazil, but is now cultivated in a number of tropical areas including Hawaii, the Caribbean, and Florida. You might be familiar with the fruit because, back in the day, people in Brazil would use them to make wine. They also used to make hats and other items out of the wood of the holly tree. When Columbus “discovered” the Americas, he brought the fruit back with him to Europe, where it was initially hailed as a type of tomato. Indeed, the fruit very closely resembles a tomato, but is somewhat more fragrant. In some Spanish regions, this particular fruit is referred to as a mora, which is another name for the tomato. There is also a legend that this type of vegetable was named after the mythical creature, the man-eating, shape-shifting plant, the Moray. Some sources say the fruit was first cultivated in Italy, but it was in Spain that it really made its mark. The Romans apparently used to call this particular vegetable by the name, capicu. Interestingly, the French also have a name for this fruit; they call it ‘pêche Melon’ or ‘melon-pièce.’
Should you wipe Monstera leaves?
Monsteras are a type of tropical plant that are known for their large, glossy leaves. To keep them thriving, regular cleaning is required. Good thing is it’s not hard. There are a few different ways to keep your Monstera’s leaves dusty-free and vibrant. The simplest way is to simply take a damp cloth and wipe down the foliage while supporting the underside with your other hand. For a deeper clean, you can use a mixture of warm water and dish soap. Gently rub the mixture onto the top and bottom of each leaf, being careful not to scrub too hard and damage the delicate leaves. Rinse the mixture off with clean water and dry the leaves with a soft cloth. If your Monstera has any yellowing leaves, you can use a mixture of one part vinegar to three parts water to help clean and brighten them up.
Is It Good To Eat?
The answer to this question is a bit more complicated than you’d think. While the fruit is quite tasty when fresh, cooking the vegetable reduces its nutritional value. Let’s explore how.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are substances that act as natural protectors in the human body. They can combat and defend our bodies against free radicals, unstable molecules that can lead to cell damage and premature aging. Free radicals are often the result of toxins such as pollution, cigarette smoke or radiated drinking water. While there are many antioxidants in food, the most beneficial for human health come from natural sources such as fruits and vegetables. This is why many nutritionists recommend eating lots of fruits and vegetables. According to studies, the antioxidants in the flesh of the tomatoes contribute to its cancer-fighting abilities. There is also some evidence that tomato ketchup and tomato juice can help lower cholesterol levels. While it’s true that these foods are low in fat, they are high in antioxidants, which contribute to their overall nutrition value. So it’s a good thing!
Vitamin C
This vitamin C is an essential nutrient that contributes to healthy immune function, tissue regeneration, and the formation of collagen. Because of its many health benefits, most people believe that vitamin C intake should be maximized. However, in certain situations, too much vitamin C can be harmful. For example, large doses of vitamin C can cause kidney stones and gastric irritation. According to the National Cancer Institute, high levels of vitamin C can reduce the effectiveness of tamoxifen and other forms of hormone therapy for breast cancer treatment. For those interested in keeping their teeth healthy, there is evidence that vitamin C can increase the strength of the enamel and prevent tooth decay. However, for those who suffer from gingivitis, too much vitamin C can cause the gums to become weaker and more susceptible to disease. According to some sources, vitamin C can prevent prostate cancer, but more research is needed to establish this claim. Nevertheless, it’s apparent that too much of this nutrient can be harmful, so it’s advisable to stick to the recommended daily allowance (RDA). The RDA for adults is 90 mg per day, though newborns and older people need more, about 120 mg per day. To put this into perspective, 1 orange gets you about 20 mg of vitamin C. So if you eat an orange a day, you’ll be getting the RDA for that day. Of course, you should not rely on food to get your vitamin C requirements; you should make sure that you get it from supplements that contain natural sources of this nutrient.
Folate
Folate is a B vitamin that plays a crucial role in the synthesis of DNA and RNA, which are the building blocks of all living cells. It’s also important for the health of our skin and the nervous system. Because of its multiple functions in the body, you’d think that everyone would be running to their local health food store and buying a bottle of folate to take each day. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Today, many people shy away from this vitamin because they believe that it is difficult to get the essential nutrients they need from food alone. While this may be true for some, there are multiple options available for those who want to supplement their diets with this essential nutrient. Folate supplements are available in a variety of forms including pills, liquid, or powder. This is important because different formulations can offer different benefits. For example, some liquid supplements may contain more iron than the pills do. So, it’s always best to look at the information that comes with the product you choose and read up on the potential side effects before taking it.
Iron
This mineral is an important component of hemoglobin, the protein in the blood that transports oxygen throughout the body. Because of its ability to carry oxygen, iron is crucial for athletic performance as well as the health of our brains. However, too much iron can cause serious problems. Some of these problems include liver damage, cancer, and heart disease. Fortunately, there are multiple food sources that contain iron. Chicken, beef, and pork are the primary sources, though grains like quinoa and amaranth are also high in this mineral. It doesn’t hurt to look at the nutrition facts label before buying the food, especially if you are a fan of lean meats and seafood. If you are concerned about your iron levels, it’s a good idea to have them checked by a professional. An iron deficiency can lead to a number of severe problems including anemia, which makes you feel light-headed and tired.
Should You Eat It Raw Or Cooked?
When it comes to cooking vegetables, some people swear by fire and seasoning while others prefer the oven. The general consensus is that the best way to cook most vegetables is steaming or boiling, but that certain others can be better left untouched. Take the Monstera plant for example, the consensus here is that it’s best eaten raw. This is strange because many types of vegetables contain antioxidants and nutrients that are best absorbed in their raw form. For example, the oxalic acid in cooked kale destroys many of the nutrients this vegetable provides. But there are exceptions to every rule, and sometimes we have to choose between what is convenient and what is nutritious. When it comes to the general rule about cooking vegetables, we usually advise people to choose the steaming or boiling method, as these are the safest and most productive when it comes to getting the nutrients out of the food. In some instances, this might not be convenient or practical, so it’s best to choose the option that suits you.