Chlorophyll in a Cup
Recipe:
One handful of fresh ugu leaves
1 Banana
1 Mango
Telfairia Occidentalis (Scientific name) fluted pumpkin leaves [Ugu] are greenish leafy vegetables grown in Nigeria and other West African countries. They are edible when boiled or cooked with foods; it can also be taken raw as a vegetable salad or as juice or in smoothies.
It is called Ęfo-Iròkó in Yoruba, Ugu in Igbo language, kabewa in Hausa, and Ikong-Ubong in Efik. It contains calcium, iron, potassium, and manganese also provides a good amount of vitamin C, A, B2 and E.
Benefits of fluted pumpkin leaves:
1. Good Source of Dietary Fibre
Fluted pumpkin leaves are a source of dietary fibre that help in the maintenance of the digestive system.
It plays an important role in improving digestion thereby reducing the chances of several negative digestive conditions.
Green leafy vegetables such as fluted pumpkin leaves (ugu) are rich in dietary fibre and should form a part of our daily meal to gain its benefits.
2. Maintains Body Tissues
This vegetable helps in maintaining healthy tissues, cells, cell membrane as well as maintaining the skin and treating of wounds in the case of vitamin C.
The protein in fluted pumpkin leaves also helps in the improvement and maintenance of the body tissues which includes the connective tissues, muscles and the nervous system.
3. Rich in Antioxidants
They are rich in alkaloids, resins, hydrocyanic acid, tannins and flavonoids which are powerful antioxidants that offer some immune system and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Foods that are rich in antioxidants are known to be effective in the prevention of cancer and other associated health conditions like ulcer due to its ability to prevent the damages which should have been caused by the oxidative stress in the body.
Oxidative stress and inflammation are one of the underlying causes of cancer and other age-related illnesses and can cause changes in the DNA which could result in cancer formation.
4. Balances the Hormones
Fluted Pumpkins Leaves Ugu) Balances the Hormones
This vegetable has a high protein content. Ugu contains the amount of protein needed for hormone balancing; tissue repairs and regulates the acidities of body cells and organs.
This is why consuming fluted pumpkin leaves (ugu) is very essential as its content of protein will also help in improving the body cells as well as replacing worn out tissues in the body.
5. Serve as Anti-Diabetic Agent
It has an anti-diabetic effect which means that it has the ability to treat diabetes mellitus by reducing the level of glucose in the blood.
This is made possible due to the content of polysaccharides and ethyl acetate which have been effective in lowering the blood sugar level. They are also effective in promoting glucose tolerance as well as the levels of serum insulin.
The extract of Ugu leaves have proved effective and it has been used as an anti-diabetic agent to regulate the blood glucose level.
6. Improves Blood Production
Fluted pumpkin leaves are always recommended for patients who suffer from a shortage of blood due to the effect of certain illnesses; the presence of iron and other important minerals in it contribute in the boosting of blood in the body system and prevent anaemia.
Iron is one of the essential minerals in red blood cells.
Fluted pumpkin leaves have been used in improving the level of blood in the body.
For the effectiveness of helping boost blood production, ugu leaves can be added into a smoothie as in above recipe.
7. Improves the Bones and Teeth
Fluted pumpkin leaves contains a good amount of calcium that the body needs for maintaining healthy bones and teeth also keep the skeletal system in good condition.
It also contains magnesium which plays a vital role in making the bones strong. Magnesium helps the adequate absorption of calcium by the bones.
It also plays the same function on the teeth, as adequate magnesium in the body helps in making the teeth strong.
Ugu contains potassium which helps in maintaining bone mineral density thereby avoiding the leaching of minerals from the bone.
This helps to prevent osteoporosis, which affects the bones especially in the aged.
8. Treat Convulsion
Ugu leaves have been found effective in treating convulsion in children. It becomes medicinal in this case when sliced and mixed with coconut water and with a small amount of salt.
Scientifically there might be no proof of this, but it has been used hundreds of years ago in the treatment of high fever and convulsion, and serve as a remedy to many other health conditions. (Anecdoctal and trusted locally)
9. Effective for Weight Loss
Vegetables such fluted pumpkin leaves (ugu) contain a high amount of dietary fibre which can help you lose weight as it makes one fuller and lowers appetite.
It contains no calories.
10. Promotes Fertility
Fluted Pumpkin leaves have been used locally in the treatment of infertility in both men and women.
Its content of many vital nutrients and compounds have proven effective in its use to boost/improve sperm count in men and the overall functioning of their testicles.
It boosts fertility in women and improves post-pregnancy health as it helps nursing mother to adequately feed their babies by increasing breast milk production.
11. Can Improve Memory
Fluted pumpkin leaves (ugu) just as most green leafy vegetables contain certain compounds which help to improve memory.
It also contains vital nutrients such as vitamins and minerals which aid in the improvement and normal functioning of the brain and nervous system.
This can help in improving cognitive reasoning, preventing memory loss and other health conditions associated with memory.
Nutritional Values of Fluted Pumpkin Leaves (Ugu) (90g)
Nutrient Values
Calories 42
Total fat 1.6g
Saturated fat 0g
Trans fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 48mg
Potassium 2500mg
Total Carbohydrate 7g
Protein 3g
Vitamin A7%
Vitamin C240%
Vitamin K136%
Calcium3%
Iron78%
Ugu is rich in dietary fibre, minerals, vitamins A, B6, C, phosphorus, protein, riboflavin, thiamine, manganese niacin, folate, magnesium, iron, potassium, antioxidants and vitamins flavonoid, poly-phenolic antioxidants such as lutein, xanthins and carotene.
Where are Fluted Pumpkin Leaves Grown?
Fluted Pumpkin Leaves (ugu) is mainly grown in the southern part of Nigeria where it is used in various local cuisines and soup, but it is also grown in other West African countries like Ghana, Sierra Leona and others.
Its scientific name is Telfairia Occidentalis and is grown for its edible seeds and green leaves.
Fluted Pumpkin Seeds
The seed can be found in the gourd (fluted pumpkin) and is edible, as it can be used as snacks by roasting or boiling it. It can also serve as a soup thickener if dried and grounded into fine powder.
The seeds are beneficial as well and contain oil (fat), and other vital minerals and nutrients like protein, carbohydrates, fibre and more.
Is it Safe to Eat Fluted Pumpkin Leaves Raw?
Pumpkin contains lots of nutrients which can be found mostly in its raw form as some might be killed during cooking. But it is still necessary to be cooked a little in order to destroy some of the bacteria which might be present and can’t be seen by the physical eyes if you dont have what it takes to clean raw leaves for consumption.
It is generally considered safe to eat.
Side Effects
Fluted pumpkin leaves are generally considered safe. There are no recorded or proven side effects.
References
1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25961368/