ISMA’IL MUHAMMED
U13MM1178
Telfairia occidentalis popularly known as (Ugwu leaf) in Nigeria is a tropical vine well grown in West Africa as a leaf vegetable. It belongs to a member of the Cucurbitaceae family and is indigenous to Southern Nigeria. Ugwu is mostly cultivated in Nigeria by the South Eastern people. It is mainly used in soups and herbal medicines. It is widely cultivated in the West and Central Africa (Benin Republic, Cameroon, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Angola, and up to Uganda in East Africa). It is called ‘Ugu’ by the Igbos, ‘Ugwu’ by the Yoruba and ‘Ekobon’ by the Cameroonians.
Many studies have shown that increasing consumption of plant foods like pumpkin decreases the risk of obesity and overall mortality. It can also help starve off diabetes, heart disease, increased energy, and overall lower weight.
Besides, Ugwu leaves serve the following functions in human body.
Blood pressure
Eating pumpkin is good for the heart. The fibre, potassium, and vitamin C content in pumpkin all support heart health.
Fertility
For women of child-bearing age, consuming more iron plant sources such as pumpkin promotes fertility, according to Harvard Medical School’s Harvard Health Publications. The Vitamin A in pumpkin (considered as beta-carotene is then converted to Vitamin A in the body) is also essential during pregnancy and lactation for hormone synthesis.
Eye health
The antioxidants Vitamin C, E, and Beta-Carotene (all of which are found in pumpkin) have been shown to support eye health and prevent degenerative damages.
Immunity
Plant foods like pumpkins that are high in both Vitamin C and Beta-Carotene offer an immunity boost from their powerful combination of nutrients.
U13MM1178
Telfairia occidentalis popularly known as (Ugwu leaf) in Nigeria is a tropical vine well grown in West Africa as a leaf vegetable. It belongs to a member of the Cucurbitaceae family and is indigenous to Southern Nigeria. Ugwu is mostly cultivated in Nigeria by the South Eastern people. It is mainly used in soups and herbal medicines. It is widely cultivated in the West and Central Africa (Benin Republic, Cameroon, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Angola, and up to Uganda in East Africa). It is called ‘Ugu’ by the Igbos, ‘Ugwu’ by the Yoruba and ‘Ekobon’ by the Cameroonians.
Many studies have shown that increasing consumption of plant foods like pumpkin decreases the risk of obesity and overall mortality. It can also help starve off diabetes, heart disease, increased energy, and overall lower weight.
Besides, Ugwu leaves serve the following functions in human body.
Blood pressure
Eating pumpkin is good for the heart. The fibre, potassium, and vitamin C content in pumpkin all support heart health.
Fertility
For women of child-bearing age, consuming more iron plant sources such as pumpkin promotes fertility, according to Harvard Medical School’s Harvard Health Publications. The Vitamin A in pumpkin (considered as beta-carotene is then converted to Vitamin A in the body) is also essential during pregnancy and lactation for hormone synthesis.
Eye health
The antioxidants Vitamin C, E, and Beta-Carotene (all of which are found in pumpkin) have been shown to support eye health and prevent degenerative damages.
Immunity
Plant foods like pumpkins that are high in both Vitamin C and Beta-Carotene offer an immunity boost from their powerful combination of nutrients.
So when next you visit the market, please do make sure to get pumpkin leaf to garnish your meal.
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