BENEFITS OF JUTE LEAVE(Ewedu) ahingbara in Igbo English Name: Jute leaves, saluyot leaves, Egyptian spinach Local Name: ahingbara in (Igbo) Ewedu (Yoruba), Ayoyo (Hausa/Fulbe) Botanical Name: Cochorus olitorius Family name : Malvaceae
It is a popular vegetable in West Africa and is not just rich in nutrition but also has a lot of health benefits, including protecting us from various diseases. Nutrition-wise, vegetables are low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals. They are also good sources of fibre. Fibre keeps the intestinal tract in good health and may even reduce the risk of some cancers and diseases.
Nutritional Fact of ewedu leaves.
The leaves contain almost all of the nutrients needed by humans and are high in antioxidant property, primarily in the form of Vitamin E.
It is also used as herbal medicine to control or prevent dysentery, worm infestation and constipation.
Ewedu leaves are rich in vitamins, carotinoids, calcium, potassium and dietary fibres. Although it has been grown for food, in recent times it has been discovered that ewedu has many other benefits, including anti-ageing benefits.
This leaf (Ewedu) is clearly rich in micro nutrients, and these micro nutrients aid in reducing the chances of illness in the consumer.
The main vitamins found in Jute leaves are vitamin A, C and E, and these vitamins are key in the protection of the body from certain degenerative diseases.
>>Health benefits of jute (ewedu) leaves<<
1. Ewedu and weight loss
The green leaf has been described as a source of weight loss. Serving ewedu without meat or fish only has 97 calories. So, for those trying to lose some weight, include ewedu in your diet. The ewedu leaf is an adequate source of fibre, thus making the plant very helpful in dealing with weight management and may also promote intestinal health by helping with bowel movement.
2. Ewedu for pregnant women
This jute leaf has been known to be a remedy for pregnant women experiencing prolonged labour. When a pregnant woman is experiencing prolonged labour, a bunch of ewedu leaves squeezed with the stem can be given to her to drink. It has also been discovered to aid milk secretion in lactating mothers.
3. Internal Bleeding
Jute plant consists of considerable amount of Vitamin K which is helpful in reducing the threat of bleeding in the liver, poor nutrient absorption, jaundice or the combination of long term use of antibiotics or aspirin. Some of the problems related with the gastrointestinal system due to a decrease of this vitamin include colitis, obstructions, sprue and Crohn’s disease. All these problems are due to a reduced content of Vitamin K.
4. Protects Eye Health
Poor diet or nutrient deficiencies are the fundamental reasons of numerous eye diseases. Research has proven that taking vitamin B6 together with other vitamins, like folate, can help with the prevention of eye disorders and loss of vision. Jute plant consists of 0.496 mg Vitamin B6 which is 38.15% of the daily recommended value. Regular consumption of Jute plant is believed to help slow the start of certain eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration.
5. Restless Leg Syndrome
Iron deficiency is one of the main causes of the restless leg syndrome. Low levels of iron within the blood are a main reason of the condition, so proper intake of iron supplements in necessary as per doctor’s recommendations can cure this problem. Regular consumption of Jute plant helps to get rid of this problem because Jute plant consists of 2.73 mg of Iron which is 34.13% of the daily recommended value. Muscle spasms are also one of the main symptoms of iron deficiency.
6. Supports Skin Health and Cell Growth
Vitamin A is essential for wound healing as well as skin re-growth. It is required to support all of the epithelial (skin) cells both internally and externally and is a powerful aid in fighting skin cancer. Jute plant consists of ample amount of vitamin A which is essential for better skin health and cell growth.
A deficiency of vitamin A can result in a poor complexion, as indicated by research that prove that vitamin A can fight acne and improve overall skin health. Vitamin A helps to keeps the lines and wrinkles in your skin away by producing more collagen, which is liable for keeping the skin looking young. Vitamin A can also contribute to healthy hair too.
7. Fights off Colds and Flu
Jute plant consists of Vitamin C which is extremely beneficial for immune system and plays an important role in the body’s ability to fight off colds and viruses. You can take 1000 mg of Vitamin C to fight off an oncoming cold and 4000 mg per day to get rid of a cold which is previously in your system.
Vitamin C when taken during colds and flu can help to decrease the risk of developing further complications, like pneumonia and lung infections.
8. Reduces Cholesterol
Several research studies have shown that copper help to reduce the levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) and help to increase beneficial cholesterol (HDL cholesterol). Jute plant consists of 0.222 mg of copper which is 24.67% of the daily recommended value. This helps to lowers the chances of cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.
9. Cancer
Vitamin B9 present in Jute is considered to be an essential component for reducing the occurrence of cancer in the human body. It helps eliminate the likelihoods of cancer in various forms, including colon cancer, cervical cancer and lung cancer. Thus, it is recommended by doctors to include this vitamin in sufficient amounts in your daily diet plan. Jute plant consists of 90 µg of vitamin B9 which is 22.50% of the daily recommended value.
10. Maintains Healthy Teeth and Gums
Calcium helps to protect your teeth by keeping the jaw bone strong and robust throughout your life, which in turn ensures tight fitting teeth where bacteria cannot grow well. Therefore, before your teeth and gums start giving you any trouble, be sure to maintain a calcium rich diet. Sufficient amount of calcium can be obtained by the regular consumption of Jute plant which consists of 184 mg of calcium which is 18.40% of the daily recommended value. Calcium intake should be high, particularly at young ages, so that kids naturally grow up with strong teeth.
11. Prevents Asthma
People who are suffering from chronic asthma may be able to normalize their breathing with the help of magnesium supplements which aid in relaxing the bronchial muscles and regulating breathing. Jute plant consists of sufficient amount of magnesium that is required for the body. Therefore frequent consumption is recommended to normalize the asthma problems. Even wheezing and breathlessness can be relieved through administration of intravenous magnesium.
12. Protects Healthy Hair and Skin
Vitamin B2 also known as riboflavin plays an important role in maintaining collagen levels, which helps to makes up healthy skin and hair. Collagen is required to maintain the youthful structure of skin and to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, thus a riboflavin deficiency can make us look aged earlier. Some research recommends that riboflavin can decrease the time needed for wound healing, can decrease skin inflammation and cracked lips, and can help naturally slow signs of aging.
>>How to Eat<<
It is occasionally consumed as boiled vegetable with lemon and olive oil. Is used for making soup in the west and North of Nigeria. It is a popular dish in the northern provinces of the Philippines, where it is known as saluyot. Jute leaves are also consumed by the Luyhia people of Western Kenya, where it is normally known as ‘mrenda’ or ‘murere’It is eaten with ‘ugali’, which is a staple for most communities in Kenya.Japan has been importing dry jute leaf from Africa and is using it as the substitute of coffee and tea. In Europe, jute leaves are used as soup. It can be steamed and pureed, mixed with chicken, or prepared into soup like how the Japanese prepare it as molohiya. Like spinach as well as other leafy greens, jute leaves can be cooked whole as a major component of a dish, or loosely chopped so that they can blend better with other ingredients. Leaves and tender shoots are eaten in India. Leaves are boiled in water like cabbage and eaten together with other foodstuff or on its own just with some additional salt. Jute leaves are used to flavor soups, stews, teas, and vegetable dishes. Dried leaves can be used as a thickener in soups. Young leaves are added to salads.
>>Other traditional uses and benefits of Jute<<
Jute is a traditional remedy for aches and pains, fever, dysentery, enteritis, pectoral pains, and tumors.Leaves are used for ascites, pain, piles, and tumors.The cold infusion is said to restore the appetite and strength. An infusion is used in the treatment of dysentery, fevers, liver disorders and dyspepsia. A decoction of the roots and unripe fruits is used in the treatment of dysentery.Leaves are also used for cystitis, dysuria, fever, and gonorrhea.
>>Other Facts<<
Stem of the plant can be burned as firewood.Stalks are used for industrial products like rope, pulp, paper, fiber, and composites.Fiber is used for making gunny bags, rugs, ropes, carpets, rough cloth and many other similar articles of daily use.Light and soft wood is used in making sulphur matches.
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