Health Benefits of Ugu leaf (Telfairia occidentalis)

Fluted pumpkin (Ugwu) is one of the commonly consumed dark green leafy
vegetables in Nigeria and many of us in Nigeria have been eating Ugwu without
really realizing the benefits.

This type of dark green leafy vegetable is so versatile and can be recognized as a
panacea to cure some of our hunger as well as illness if only we can look deep into
its benefits.

While many people prefer to cook it as a vegetable with all the condiments that help
wet the appetite, some just boil and eat it plain like that or blend it into a shake.

Whatever the case may be, there are guaranteed level of various nutrients with any
style.

See the following health benefits of Ugwu:

1. Contains a healthy amount of vitamins.

2. Prevention of convulsion- the young leaves are sliced and mixed with salt and
coconut water and then stored in a bottle for treatment of convulsion.
3. Lowers cholesterol- leaves have hypolipdemic effect and may be a useful
therapy in hypercholestolemia.
4. Boosts fertility- a study shows that ugu has the ability to regenerate
testicular damage and increase spermatogenesis.
5. Protects the liver.
6. It has antibacterial effect.
7. Rich in iron and can be used to cure anaemia.
8. Can be used by nursing mothers to lactate properly.
9. Is good for diabetics as it has sugar reducing effects.
10.Increases blood volume.
11.Boosts immune system.
12.Has high protein content.
 1. The seed are used in making cakes which are high in protein and are suitable
for fortifying foods
2. Pregnant women suffering from anemia is advised to use the leaf to
strengthen the blood
3. The oil seeds have lactating properties and are therefore in high demand by
women with young babies.
4. The sliced young leaves mixed with coconut water and salt can be stored in
bottle and used for the treatment of convulsion
5. The Telfairia occidentalis juice used in the management of
hyperchelsterolaemia, liver problems, and impaired immune system
6. The Telfairia occidentalis juice has the potential to regenerate testicular
damage and therefore can be used used to remedy reproductive and fertility
issues
7. Telfairia is high in anti- oxidant and free radical scavenger properties and
that may contribute to why many use the leave extract in oxidative damage
condition such as cancers, liver and liver diseases.
8. Nursing mothers are advised to drink the Telfairia occidentalis juice in other
to replenish lost blood, due to its high iron content
9. The Telfairia occidentalis can also be used for the treatment of malaria

Yes, lots of Nigerians 'think' consuming Pumpkin leaves is beneficial but a large
percent of them do not really know the exact benefits it has.

10 Health Benefits Of Pumpkin Leaves (Ugwu) Freshly plucked Ugwu leaves

Popularly called 'Ugwu' in Nigeria, pumpkin leaves have various species but the
one we will be talking about is the commonest one that Nigerians are used to,
which is called 'telfaira occidentalis'.

While many people prefer to cook it as a vegetable with all the condiments that
help wet the appetite, some just boil and eat it plain like that or blend it into a
shake. Whatever the case may be, there are guaranteed level of various nutrients
with any style. Pumpkin leaves has a healthy amount of Vitamin A, Vitamin C,
Calcium, and Iron, while still staying very low on the calorie front.

Aside from the vision benefits in Vitamin A that the leaves provides, there are also
numerous skin benefits. Vitamin C helps to heal wounds and form scar tissue, and
maintain healthy bones, skin, and teeth.
However since the body cannot produce this vitamin on its own or even store it,
you should be consistently getting enough vitamin C in your diet. As for calcium,
your mother probably already told you growing up that you need a healthy dose of
calcium for your bones and teeth as a child.

However, if you are a female, it is important to consume enough calcium to help

prevent osteoporosis and keep your bones strong. There have also been studies
showing that calcium may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular failure.

Iron helps our muscles store and use oxygen, and helps carry oxygen from our
lungs to other parts of our bodies as part of hemoglobin. If youve ever heard the
term anemia, this can be caused by iron deficiency.

Women and children in particular need a healthy dose of iron consistently, and
these leaves help provide that nutrient naturally.

1. Prevention of convulsion: The young leaves sliced and mixed with coconut
water and salt are stored in a bottle and used for the treatment of convulsion
in ethno medicine.
2. Lowers cholesterol: leaves has hypolipdemic effect and may be a useful
therapy in hypercholestolemia.
3. Boost fertility: A particular study showed that pumpkin has the potential to
regenerate testicular damage and also increase spermatogenesis.
4. It has a liver protecting effects.
5. It has antibacterial effects
6. The leaves are rich in iron and play a key role in the cure of anaemia, (my
mother used to mix the leaf extract with milk)
7. They are also noted for lactating properties and are in high demand for
nursing mothers.
8. It has an hypoglycaemic (sugar reducing) effect. It is good for diabetics
9. Increases Blood Volume and Boost Immune System
10.The high protein content in leaves of plants such as pumpkin could have
supplementary effect for the daily protein requirement of the body.