11 THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT UGU LEAF-TELFAIRIA OCCIDENTALIS

INTRODUCTION: The ugu leaf otherwise called TELFAIRIA OCCIDENTALIS  scientifically or FLUTED PUMPKIN LEAF is native to West Africa,  with particular reference to Southern Nigeria; Ghana, Cameron and Sierra Leone.  It is known to be rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It is commonly used to treat anaemia and diabetes. It is frequently used in soups and stews  and sometimes juiced, especially when an anemic case is treated. It is sliced or cut up in shreds before usage in soups and stews as depicted in the picture below

Shredded ugu leaves

It is rich in the following vitamins, minerals and antioxidants as stated in the components below:

COMPONENTS:

MINERALS ----Potassium,  Magnesium,  Iron,  Calcium

VITAMINS ---- Vitamin A,  C,  E,  B2

ANTIOXIDANT: Saponins, Indoles

HEALTH BENEFITS:

(1) GOOD FOR ANAEMIC PATIENTS: Eating or incorporating ugu leaves in your meals helps increase the body haemoglobin concentration,  and raises red blood cell numbers as well as the white blood cells.

(2) IMPROVES SEMEN QUALITY: The oil from the ugu seed, promotes the regeneration of cells in the testicle damaged due to excessive alcohol consumption. Equally, research has it that consumption of ugu leaves helps infertility, the ugu leaves does this by providing anti-oxidative properties such as oleic acid,  vitamin A, alkaloids,  tanins and linoleic acid,  this in turn help in boosting the functionality of the testicles for an increased sperm count. The ugu seed is as depicted in the picture below. It should be boiled before eating

Ugu seed

Ugu seed gourd

(3) HELPS PREVENT ALZHEIMER DISEASE AND DEMENTIA : The extract from the ugu leave according to various researches is said to have certain antioxidant compounds that can inhibit the enzymes involved in the development of Alzheimer disease.

(4) HELP PUT IN CHECK CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE: The ugu leaf or vegetable belong to the class of green coloured vegetables, hence is rich in antioxidant SAPONINS: This helps in lowering cholesterol level and reduces the risk of heart disease. The POTASSIUM content also helps in preventing and maintaining blood pressure.

(5) POSSIBLE REMEDY FOR DIABETES: Studies  have shown that the ugu seed contains a compound called GLOBULINS -- This possess glucose lowering properties. Incorporating these  seeds as snack may help protect consumers from type 2 diabetes. Note that the seeds are cooked before  consumption.

(6) MAY HELP TREAT NERVOUS SYSTEM RELATED DISORDER: The ugu leaf extract is rich in anti-convulsant and muscle relaxing properties; so may be useful in the treatment of the above disorder. In other words, this is basically saying that, it can be used to prevent or reduce the severity of epileptic fits or other convulsions.

(7) ANTI-CANCER: Ugu leaves extract is rich in antioxidant INDOLES --this has anti cancer properties  and helps in the prevention of cancer.

(8) GOOD SOURCE OF MAGNESIUM: Ugu leaves is rich in magnesium,  this helps in promoting and building of body muscles and keeping the normal level of blood pressure. It equally helps in maintaining a steady heart rhythm.

(9) RICH IN IRON AND PHOSPHORUS : Ugu leaves is rich in iron,  and iron helps in hormonal balance and prevents the weakness and dizziness of the body.  It's phosphorus contents helps to prevent the presence of kidney stones and other kidney related diseases.

(10) GOOD SOURCE OF CALCIUM AND DIETARY FIBER: Ugu leaves is rich in calcium, and calcium rich foods helps in promoting bone density and structure in the body. Broccoli, cheese, milk are also other sources of calcium. It is also rich in dietary fiber,  and fiber rich fruits and vegetables helps in normalizing bowel movement and bowel health.

(11) GOOD SOURCE OF VITAMIN A: The ugu leaves is rich in vitamin A, and vitamin A is a very essential natural antioxidant necessary in maintaining a healthy skin and eye health or good sight.

In all, green leafy vegetables incorporated in your daily diet plan is a great way to go;  this is because they afford you the luxury of an overall health benefits, bearing in mind that fiber rich foods, vitamins and mineral rich foods, and antioxidant rich foods have oxidative, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties which see to the general well being of the body. The ugu leaves extract has also been seen as an alternative natural treatment to anaemic cases. Fiber rich green vegetables are excellent for weight loss and maintenance. The ugu leaves and seeds  help curb the problem of infertility by increasing semen quality in men as well as sperm count. Embrace this common vegetable in your daily diet plan for a glowing health and a glowing lifestyle