Proven Health Benefits of Ewedu. The Jute leaf, known to the Igbos as Achingbara, to the Hausa as Rama, and to the Yoruba as Ewedu leaf is a beautiful green leafy vegetable that is used by different cultures to prepare an utterly delicious soup known as Ewedu soup.

This somewhat slimy soup is usually eaten alongside various starch-based foods like Amala or Eba, and can even be combined with Gbegiri, a local Nigerian bean soup for an absolutely mouth-watering meal.

Despite the Ewedu leaf being a common African vegetable that is grown in household gardens and farms, very little is known by the general public of its other uses.

But did you know that besides its attraction as a meal, Ewedu actually has great benefits for your health? Here are some of the health benefits that Ewedu possesses that you probably had no idea about:

1.It deters cancer

Ewedu contains the vitamins A, E, and C which are key vitamins that prevent damage to tissue, thereby preventing cancer. Not to mention, it contains powerful antioxidants that protect your cells from developing into cancer cells, reduce the incidence of tumors and even increase the life span of patients currently treating cancers like prostate, breast and colon cancer.

So if you want to protect yourself from developing cancer, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to include Ewedu in your diet.

2. Can help reduce blood pressure & cholesterol

Researchers discovered that Ewedu contains Omega 3, a very useful fatty acid that is important in preventing and even managing diseases of the heart. It has been shown to help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels and even reduce your chances of having a heart attack or a stroke.

It’s about time you start thinking differently about Ewedu.

3. Protects your skin

As was stated earlier, Ewedu contains antioxidant compounds that protect your body from the negative effects of free radicals, and this applies to your skin as well. If your body is lacking in antioxidants, oxidative processes occur which could lead to skin cancer, among other health conditions.

In fact, these antioxidants also protect your skin from damage that could be caused by ultraviolet rays. Awesome right?

4. Controlling acne

Consuming Ewedu can do wonders for your skin besides preventing skin cancer and protecting you from UV rays. It can help prevent and control acne.

Acne is a skin condition that happens when your hair follicles are clogged with oil, dead skin cells and a build-up of bacteria and studies show that eating Ewedu can help to prevent this.

5. Protect your prostate

Contained in Ewedu are fatty acids that are quite useful in reducing the chances of having prostate disorders and to protect men of all ages from infertility.

6. Prevents constipation

According to a nutritionist at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Ewedu has great potential in preventing constipation as a result of all the fiber it contains making it a natural laxative that accelerates the rate at which food moves through the intestines.

As it helps with bowel movement, it also promotes intestinal health.

7. Ideal for Obese people

Ewedu is known to be an ideal food for obese people and for people trying to lose weight because it contains almost no fat and because of its low cholesterol content. Other substances it contains like the fatty acids and lignans work to reduce your appetite while the abundant fiber gives you that feeling of being full all day.

In addition, the B vitamins, magnesium, and zinc that it contains also play an active role in weight management, making it perfect as an addition to a weight loss diet program.

8. Keeps your red blood cells going

Ewedu is a really good anti-anemic product because of its high iron content and the fact that it is heavily involved in the production of red blood cells which make up part of your blood.

9. Protects your eyes

The vitamin A or beta carotene contained in Ewedu contributes greatly to the health of your eyes and could even provide a great source of eye vitamins that helps manage eye conditions like macular degeneration and cataracts. This means that eating it can also lower your risk of having cataracts.

Its also important to know that deficiency of vitamin A in your diet can even lead to blindness so take that first step by trying Ewedu.

10. Helps during labor and menstrual periods

Another interesting fact about Ewedu is its potential as a remedy for pregnant women in prolonged labor. It was discovered that the juice obtained from squeezing Ewedu leaves along with the stem could be given to the woman to ease her labor. Would you even believe it’s been known to aid the secretion of milk in lactating mothers? Yes, it does.

On the other hand, the premenstrual syndrome or PMS that most women experience as a result of hormonal changes before their menstrual periods can also be alleviated by consuming Ewedu. It has been proven that Ewedu helps to regulate the menstrual cycle, reduce the incidence of hot flashes and protect against other vaginal disorders because of its effect on estrogen levels in the body.

11. Keeps your hair soft and supple

Still on Proven Health Benefits of Ewedu. The fatty acids contained in Ewedu are also beneficial for the health of your hair. It helps to prevent hair loss and baldness and keeps your hair strong and healthy. And because of the anti-inflammatory properties it possesses, Ewedu is also good for reducing the uncomfortable itch associated with dandruff.

In addition to all the points listed above, Ewedu also plays an active role in boosting your immune system, increasing the rate of collagen production in your body making your skin smooth and soft, contributing to the calcium content in your body giving you stronger bones and teeth and maintaining excellent brain health in both adults and children.

Overall, Ewedu makes a highly nutritious food that is extremely low in calories but high in fiber, vitamins, fatty acids, and minerals. Anyone regardless of age would benefit greatly from consuming this delicious leaf. Hopefully you now understand Proven Health Benefits of Ewedu.

EWEDU AND ITS HEALTH BENEFITS.

The post Proven Health Benefits of Ewedu appeared first on Naijaaparents.com | The Most Popular Destination For Parenting Tips|Marriage and Relationship Tips|For Nigerian Parents|Nigerian Mothers Community | Nigerian Food Recipes.