What Is Pandan, and What Health Benefits Does it Have for Your Body?

Pandan is a plant with spiky leaves that thrives in tropical climates. The health benefits of pandan include that it prevents heart disease, relieves joint and arthritis pain, manages blood pressure, and other benefits.

Pandan is a plant with spiky leaves that thrives in tropical climates and is commonly found in South and Southeast Asian countries. It is an excellent source of bioactive compounds and is known for its unique fragrance and flavor. Vitamin C and beta-carotene are just some of the vitamins in pandan plants. Pandan is most commonly used as a powder, paste, or essential oil. Except for a few select dishes, pandan leaves are rarely eaten alone. Instead, they are sold fresh or preserved and can be found in specialty markets.

Modern research has recently begun to take an interest in this plant that non-Western practices have made use of for centuries. 

Pandan leaves, roots, and fruit can reportedly provide a wide array of health benefits. Not all of these potential health benefits are currently supported by scientific research, but some of the potential benefits you could derive from pandan include the following: 

Preventing heart disease 

Polyphenols are a class of antioxidants known to reduce the risk of heart disease. When arteries in your heart narrow due to plaque buildup that could lead to atherosclerosis, the antioxidants that pandan contains could potentially support a healthy heart.

Relieving joint and arthritis pain  

Relieve joint discomfort and painful symptoms by adding pandan leaves to your diet. These leaves contain natural anti-inflammatory properties. Ease joint stiffness by grinding leaves down into a paste or creating an oil that you can apply topically. 

When you’re experiencing cramps or swelling, consuming pandan can help and may even improve mobility, flexibility, and bone strength in the long run.

Managing blood pressure 

Pandan leaf tea may also treat high blood pressure, alleviating symptoms of dizziness and preventing strokes. Keep your blood pressure levels under control while taking care of your heart health by considering pandan as an addition to your regular diet.

Boosting oral health 

The pleasant aroma of either dry or fresh pandan leaves can help keep your breath fresh. You can also try using pandan leaves to treat bleeding gums.

Calming effect on headaches 

Thanks to chemicals contained in its oils, pandan leaf extract may be a suitable remedy to address headaches and earaches.

Addressing respiratory issues and illnesses 

Enhance respiratory functions by consuming pandan leaf powder or paste in your regular meals. If you’re battling a cold, fever, or respiratory illness, pandan may aid in breathing.

Resolve dandruff and scalp irritation 

Pandan paste contains antibacterial characteristics that may eliminate dandruff when used as a shampoo. Try to ward off dandruff and other scalp infections by mashing fresh pandan leaves into a thick paste and applying an even layer on your scalp. After 30 minutes, wash off the paste with lukewarm water. 

Reduce symptoms of kidney stones 

Pandan tea contains compounds that may dissolve some of the calcium that makes up kidney stones.

Alleviate anxiety and stress 

Drinking tea made from pandan leaves can have a calming effect on the mind and body and mitigate stress and anxiety. The first step to making pandan tea is slicing pandan leaves and washing them thoroughly. Next, in a pot of boiling water, brew the leaves and strain the water once cool. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a cup of pandan leaf tea whenever you feel a bit stressed or have an anxiety attack.

Treat diabetes

You may be able to treat conditions like diabetes by eating pandan fruit or leaves. Reap the potential wellness benefits of pandan by adding it to your diet. 

Pandan-flavored desserts, candy, and processed foods often contain high amounts of sugar, so you should do your best to avoid these products.  

Pandan fruit and leaves are incredibly versatile and can be used in many ways. You can wrap meats in these leaves before steaming or grilling. Leaves can be juiced or boiled. The fruit can be turned into marmalade or eaten raw. 

The fragrance of pandan leaf powder has been described as sweet vanilla, so using pandan leaf powder or extract in cooking is a great way to add natural flavor to any dish or dessert. Try adding pandan leaves next time you cook a stew or a pot of rice, but remove remnants of the leaves before eating.