One of the most commonly consumed vegetable is Pumpkin leaves (Ugwu).
In Nigeria, though it's consumed by people from all regions but its consumption is more predominant south eastern region.
Pumpkin leaves (Ugwu) belong to the leafy vegetable family. Scientifically it's known as Telfaira occidentalis.
These leaves are nutritious and are rich in vitamins and minerals. Let’s take a look at some of the health benefits of pumpkin leaves.
1. Boost Immune System
Pumpkin leaves are rich in vitamin C, other vitamins and minerals which are known for improving the immune system.
2. Anti-aging
Pumpkin leaves are rich in vitamin C. Studies have shown that vitamin C have anti-aging effects.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition examined links between vitamin C intakes and skin aging in 4,025 women aged 40-74. It found that higher vitamin C intakes were associated with a lower likelihood of a wrinkled appearance, dryness of the skin, and a better skin-aging appearance.
3. Lower Cholesterol Level
Because there is a huge amount of fibre in these leaves, it reduces the absorption of bile acid and cholesterol, from the small intestines, thereby resulting in low levels of cholesterol and healthy heart.
4. Fights against Cancer
Pumpkin leaves is rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants. The vitamin C which is an antioxidants in combination with other antioxidants in pumpkin leaves prevent development of cancer.
Studies show that there is a direct relation between the intake of fibre and risk of cancer. This is because the foods containing the high amount of fibre are also rich in vitamins and minerals, all of which are required for preventing cancer. So, it is recommended that have these leaves through soups daily.
5. Strong Bones
Pumpkin leaves contain reasonable amount of calcium and phosphorus, therefore, it is recommended for children and mothers specially. It helps to keep the bones strong and healthy. Also, it helps in keeping away the deficiency of calcium, helping in the proper growth of teeth and bones.
6. Hypoglycemic Effects
Pumpkin leaves are known to have the hypoglycaemic effect which helps in reducing sugar levels in the blood, thus keeping diabetes under control.
7. Increase Fertility
Some studies have indicated that consumption of pumpkin leaves have the potential to cure any testicular damage and also increase the spermatogenesis. This helps in increasing fertility.
8. Can Treat Anaemia
Anaemia which is a health conditions in which the transport oxygen to body tissues is impaired either due to few red blood cells or few haemoglobin can be treated with pumpkin leaves.
Pumpkin leaves are a rich source of iron, which helps in increasing oxygen content in blood and lungs, thereby increasing the haemoglobin in the blood.
It is also rich in folate, which is very essential for the production of red blood cells. As red blood cells and haemoglobin increases, the disorder named anaemia vanishes.
These are only but few of the health benefits of pumpkin leaves.
Your comments will be highly appreciated.
In Nigeria, though it's consumed by people from all regions but its consumption is more predominant south eastern region.
Pumpkin leaves (Ugwu) belong to the leafy vegetable family. Scientifically it's known as Telfaira occidentalis.
These leaves are nutritious and are rich in vitamins and minerals. Let’s take a look at some of the health benefits of pumpkin leaves.
1. Boost Immune System
Pumpkin leaves are rich in vitamin C, other vitamins and minerals which are known for improving the immune system.
2. Anti-aging
Pumpkin leaves are rich in vitamin C. Studies have shown that vitamin C have anti-aging effects.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition examined links between vitamin C intakes and skin aging in 4,025 women aged 40-74. It found that higher vitamin C intakes were associated with a lower likelihood of a wrinkled appearance, dryness of the skin, and a better skin-aging appearance.
3. Lower Cholesterol Level
Because there is a huge amount of fibre in these leaves, it reduces the absorption of bile acid and cholesterol, from the small intestines, thereby resulting in low levels of cholesterol and healthy heart.
4. Fights against Cancer
Pumpkin leaves is rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants. The vitamin C which is an antioxidants in combination with other antioxidants in pumpkin leaves prevent development of cancer.
Studies show that there is a direct relation between the intake of fibre and risk of cancer. This is because the foods containing the high amount of fibre are also rich in vitamins and minerals, all of which are required for preventing cancer. So, it is recommended that have these leaves through soups daily.
5. Strong Bones
Pumpkin leaves contain reasonable amount of calcium and phosphorus, therefore, it is recommended for children and mothers specially. It helps to keep the bones strong and healthy. Also, it helps in keeping away the deficiency of calcium, helping in the proper growth of teeth and bones.
6. Hypoglycemic Effects
Pumpkin leaves are known to have the hypoglycaemic effect which helps in reducing sugar levels in the blood, thus keeping diabetes under control.
7. Increase Fertility
Some studies have indicated that consumption of pumpkin leaves have the potential to cure any testicular damage and also increase the spermatogenesis. This helps in increasing fertility.
8. Can Treat Anaemia
Anaemia which is a health conditions in which the transport oxygen to body tissues is impaired either due to few red blood cells or few haemoglobin can be treated with pumpkin leaves.
Pumpkin leaves are a rich source of iron, which helps in increasing oxygen content in blood and lungs, thereby increasing the haemoglobin in the blood.
It is also rich in folate, which is very essential for the production of red blood cells. As red blood cells and haemoglobin increases, the disorder named anaemia vanishes.
These are only but few of the health benefits of pumpkin leaves.
Your comments will be highly appreciated.