What does ugu do in the body?

Fluted pumpkin leaves are greenish vegetables in Nigeria and other West African countries.

They are edible when boiled or cooked with foods; they can also be taken as a vegetable salad or juice when mashed as fresh leaves and the juice extracted.

It is called sokoyokoto in Yoruba, Ugu in the Igbo language, kabewa in Hausa, and Ikong-Ubong in Efik. It contains calcium, iron, potassium, and manganese and provides many vitamins C, A, B2, and E.

Here are some nutritional benefits of fluted pumpkin leaves or vegetables;

1. Good Source of Dietary Fibre

Fluted pumpkin leaves are a source of dietary fiber that helps maintain the digestive system's health.

It plays an essential role in improving digestion, thereby reducing health conditions like irritable bowel movement, constipation, and those caused by indigestion problems like ulcers and gastroparesis.

Green leafy vegetables such as fluted pumpkin leaves are rich in dietary fiber and should form a part of our daily meals to gain the benefits of this fiber.

2. Maintains the Body Tissues

The vitamin contents in this vegetable help maintain healthy tissues, cells, membranes, and skin and treat wounds in the case of vitamin C.

The protein in fluted pumpkin leaves also helps improve and maintain the body tissues, which include the connective tissues, muscles, and nervous systems.

3. Rich in Antioxidants

They are rich in alkaloids, resins, hydrocyanic acid, tannins, and flavonoids, powerful antioxidants that offer some immune system and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Foods rich in antioxidants are known to be effective in preventing cancer and other associated health conditions like ulcers due to their ability to avoid the damages that oxidative stress should have caused in the body.

Oxidative stress and inflammation are some of the underlying causes of cancer and other age-related illnesses and can cause changes in the DNA, resulting in cancer formation.

4.  Balances the Hormones

Vegetable is known to have high protein content. Ugu contains the protein needed for hormone balancing; tissue repairs and regulates the acidities of body cells and organs.

Consuming fluted pumpkin leaves is essential, as their protein content will also help improve the body cells and replace broken ones.

5.  Serve as an Anti-Diabetic Agent

It has an anti-diabetic effect, which means it can treat diabetes mellitus by reducing glucose in the blood.

It is possible due to the content of polysaccharides and ethyl acetate, which have effectively lowered blood sugar levels. They also effectively promote glucose tolerance and serum insulin.

The extract of Ugu leaves has proved effective in this case, 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 certain illnesses; the presence of iron and other essential minerals contributes to boosting blood in the body system and prevents anemia.

Iron, one of the essential minerals in red blood cells, can cause adverse reactions such as the one stated above when there is a deficiency. Therefore fluted pumpkin leaves have been used to improve the blood level in the body.

For the effectiveness of helping boost blood production, it is recommended to be pounded, then strain the mashed vegetable to collect the liquid/juice. Most times, milk is also added to the juice before drinking.

7.  Improves the Bones and Teeth

Fluted pumpkin vegetables contain a good amount of calcium needed to maintain healthy bones and teeth and keep the skeletal systems functioning normally.

It also contains magnesium, which is vital in making the bone firm and strong. It might be surprising to say that calcium is almost ineffective to bones without magnesium as it 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 make the teeth stronger and firm.

Ugu also has potassium as one of the minerals it contains, which also helps maintain bone mineral density, which helps to make the calcium content in the bones intact, avoiding the leaching of the mineral.

It helps to prevent osteoporosis, which affects the bones, especially in the aged.

8.  Treat Convulsion

Ugu leaves have been found effective in treating convulsions in children. It becomes medicinal when sliced and mixed with coconut water and a small amount of salt.

Scientifically, there might be no proof of this, but it was used hundreds of years ago to treat high fever and convulsion and remedy many other health conditions.

9. Effective for Weight Loss

Foods that help in weight loss are recommended for their effectiveness in weight management. Vegetables such as fluted pumpkin leaves contain a high amount of dietary fiber, which can help you lose weight as it makes you fuller and lowers your appetite.

It contains little or no calories, eliminating the chances of storing more calories in the body.

Since calories are suitable for the body and help provide energy, they can start accumulating if they are not utilized, leading to weight gain.

10. Promotes Fertility

Fluted Pumpkin leaves have been used locally to treat infertility issues in both men and women.

Its content of many vital nutrients and compounds has 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 the nursing mother adequately feed their babies by increasing breast milk production.

11. Can Improve Memory

Fluted pumpkin leaves, just like most green leafy vegetables, contain certain compounds that help to improve memory.

It also contains vital nutrients such as vitamins and magnesium, which aid in improving and normal functioning of the brain and nervous system.

It can help to improve cognitive reasoning, memory loss (Dementia), and other health conditions associated with memory health, such as Alzheimer's disease.

Nutritional Values of Fluted Pumpkin Leaves (Ugu) (90g)

They are rich in dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins A, B6, and 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 are mainly grown in southern Nigeria and used in various local cuisines and soups. Still, it is also grown in other West African countries like Ghana, Sierra Leona, and others.

Its scientific name is Telfairia occidentalis, and it is grown for its edible seeds and green leafy vegetable.

Fluted Pumpkin Seeds

The seed can be found in the gourd and is edible, as it can be used as a snack by roasting or boiling it. It can sometimes serve as a soup thickener by drying and grinding it into fine particles.

The seeds are beneficial and contain oil (fats) and other vital minerals and nutrients like protein, carbohydrates, fiber, and more.

Is it Safe to Eat Fluted Pumpkin Leaves Raw?

Pumpkin contains many nutrients found in its raw form, as some might be killed during cooking. But it is still necessary to be cooked a little to destroy some of the bacteria that might be present and can’t be seen by the physical eyes.

Except for this, it is generally considered safe to eat.

Culinary and Medical Uses

They are known to be used for culinary purposes. Still, most people are yet to see that they jointly or separately produce practical benefits to human health, which are not limited to treating several health issues, replenishing dead cells, and maintaining the tissues and membranes.

Side Effects

Fluted pumpkin leaves are generally considered safe as no recorded proven side effects exist.

Conclusion

Fluted Pumpkin leaves help protect the body against disease and improve overall health. Therefore it has to form a part of our daily meals to gain these necessary benefits it offers.

Fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) popularly known as “Ugu” is one of the commonly consumed vegetables in Nigeria, especially in the eastern part of Nigeria and without knowing its health benefits, many of us eat ugu on daily basis .

Telfairia occidentalis is a tropical vine grown in West Africa as a leaf vegetable and for its edible seeds. Common names for the plant include fluted gourd, fluted pumpkin, ugu (in the Igbo language), and ikong-ubong (in the Efik and Ibibio languages). T. occidentalis is a member of the family Cucurbitaceae and is indigenous to southern Nigeria

Therefore I decided that it is necessary for us to discuss some of the health benefits of our dear “Ugu” vegetables below according to Study:

Do you know that “Ugu” leaf contains a healthy amount of vitamins including; Vitamin A, Vitamin B1 (thiamine), Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (nicotinamide), and even Vitamin C (ascorbic acid).

Amino acids like: Glutamine, Histidine, Lysine, Methionine, Alanine, Aspartate, Glycine, Tryptophan, Cystine, Leucine, Arginine, Serine, Threonine, Phenylalanine, Valine, Tyrosine and Isoleucine have been found in Ugu leaves and seeds.

Ugu leaves are also very rich in minerals such as potassium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, calcium and magnesium

Ugu is also has been proven that UGU helps to promote the formation of new sperm cells.

Read Also: 30 Proven Health Benefits of Okra (Lady Finger)

Ugu is used to prevention convulsion: Slice the young leaves, mix it with coconut water and salt, and then store it in a bottle to take care of your convulsion problems.

The Ugu leaf extract is useful in the treatment of high cholesterol level in the blood.

Ugu leaves lowers cholesterol: Study shows that, the leaves contains hypolipdemic effect and may be a useful therapy in hypercholestolemia.

Research has also shown that UGU leaves have the ability to regenerate testicular damage in men, increase spermatogenesis which Boosts fertility. SHOCKING!

Ugu leave possesses HEPATOPROTECTIVE action which protects the liver.

The seeds of Ugu are highly nutritious as the seeds are rich in unsaturated fatty acids and can be eaten after boiling or roasting.

Ugu leaves have antibacterial effect.

Related: The Different Types of Fertilizers and How they Work

Ugu is very rich in iron and can be used to cure anemia and chronic fatigue.

Ugu juice is excellent in boosting a weakening immune system.

The juice extract of Ugu leaf helps to reduce blood glucose level in diabetic patients.

Ugu leaves dissolve blood fats and promote blood circulation which leads to Increases in blood volume.

The Vitamin A content in Ugu can be employed as a part treatment protocol for the treatment and management of sexual and urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, vision problems, skin diseases etc.

Diabetic patients should take note that Ugu seeds even contain more blood glucose lowering action than the leaves.

The high protein content Ugu leaves cannot be questioned.

Ugu leaves provide high antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties.

Read Also: Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables

Considered an “oil seed”, the fluted gourd is high in oil (30%). Shoots of T. occidentalis contain high levels of potassium and iron, while seeds are composed of 27% crude proteins and 53% fats. The leaves contain a high amount of antioxidants and hepatoprotective and antimicrobial properties.

The young shoots and leaves of the female plant are the main ingredients of a Nigerian soup, ofe egwusi. The large (up to 5 cm), dark-red seed is rich in fat and protein and can be eaten whole, ground into powder for a kind of soup, or made into a fermented porridge.

Read Also: The Basics of Planting and Growing a Vegetable Garden

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Telfairia occidentalis known as ugwu in Ibo is in the family cucurbitaceae, the calabash family.  This vegetable has gained acceptability across Nigeria as a prime vegetable and this has improved its status as a utility pot herb and a medicinal herb.  The cucurbitaceae is also the family of water melon citrulluslanatus, Cucurbitapepo (pumpkin) and the melons which refers to any of the plants of this family that has sweet edible fleshy fruit.  Cucumeropsisedulis is one of the melons whose fruits are not edible but the seeds are valuable as source of oil, spice and as condiment for soup. Incidentally, the fruits of the gourds and calabashes Lagenariasiceraria are used as melons while their tender leaves are also used as pot vegetables.  This column will look at all of these resources for culinary purposes from the family Cucurbitaceae.

The leaf of Telfairia occidentalisis rich in minerals such as iron, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium; antioxidants, vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin, nicotinamide and ascorbic acid; phyto-chemicals such as phenols. The high protein content in the leaves could have supplementary effect for the daily protein requirement of the body. The seeds are highly nutritious and are roasted or boiled; it can also be fermented and added to ogiri. They are also sometimes used as soup thickeners. The seed is rich in oil, especially unsaturated fatty acids.  Though not a vegetable of my ethnic group, still, I enjoy eating it.

When T. occidentalis is prepared for herbal medicine, it is used to treat sudden attack of convulsion, malaria and anaemia; it also plays a vital and protective role in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In Nigeria, the herbal preparation of the plant has been employed in the treatment of chronic fatigue and diabetes. In a study at the Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Cross Rivers State, by Okokon et al., it was shown that the ethanol root extract of T. occidentalis possesses antiplasmodial potential. The blood schizontocidal activity of the root extract was rated comparable to that of chloroquine.

The ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Telfairia occidentalis have been reported to show inhibitory effect on growth of some of the commonly encountered Enterobacteriaceae in Nigeria, namely Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Proteus sp. and Salmonella typhii. However, both extracts did not inhibit the growth of the fungi tested, which are Aspergillusflavus, Aspergillusfumigatum, Penicilliumitalium and Geotrichumalbidum.

The use of Telfairia occidentalis in reproduction and fertility in traditional medicine is gradually becoming a thing of interest in medical science. A study shows that Telfairia occidentalis has the potential to regenerate testicular damage and also increase spermatogenesis.

The leaves contain essential oils and vitamins; the root contains cucubitacine, sesquiterpene and lactones. 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. The leaf extract is useful in the management of cholesterolemia, liver problems and impaired immune systems. The roots are used as rodenticide and an ordeal poison. The essential amino acid contents compared favourably with those of important legumes. The amino acid profile of T. occidentalis had also been shown to be very rich and it includes alanine, aspartate, glycine, glutamine, histidine, lysine, methionine, tryptophan, cystine, leucine, arginine, serine, threonine, phenylalanine, valine, tyrosine and isoleucine.

A study reveals that the long-term feeding of T. occidentalis-supplemented diet caused a significant increase in weight of animals, which may be due to its content of rich nutrients. Aqueous extracts of Telfairia occidentalis had been reported to reduce blood glucose level and also to have antidiabetic effects in glucose-induced hyperglycemic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.

Many researchers especially in the field of medical sciences have reported free radical scavenging ability and antioxidant property in Telfairia occidentalis. The darkish-green leaves of Telfairia occidentalis and extracts (such as aqueous and ethanol extracts) from the leaves have been found to suppress or prevent the production of free radicals and scavenge already-produced free radicals, lower lipid peroxidation status and elevate antioxidant enzymes. The plant has also been found to protect and ameliorate oxidative brain and liver damage induced by malnutrition in rats.

Some of its benefits are:

Good Source of dietary fibre: Fluted pumpkin leaves are a source of dietary fiber that helps in the healthy maintenance of the digestive system. It plays an important role in improving digestion thereby reducing the chances of health conditions like irritable bowel movement, constipation and those caused by indigestion problems like ulcers and gastroparesis (inability to empty the stomach properly).

Maintains the body tissues: The vitamin C content in this vegetable helps in maintaining healthy tissues, cells, membrane as well as maintaining a good skin and treating of wounds. The protein in fluted pumpkin leaves helps in the improvement and maintenance of the body tissues which includes the connective tissues, muscles and the nervous system.

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.

Lowers blood sugar: It has an anti-diabetic effect. This is made possible due to the content of polysaccharides and ethyl acetate which have been effective in lowering the blood sugar levels.

Improves blood production: The leaves are always recommended for patients who suffer from a shortage of blood. The presence of iron and other important minerals in it contributes to the blood-boosting effect.

Rich in calcium: The vegetable contains a good amount of calcium that the body needs for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. It also contains magnesium which plays a vital role in making bones firm. Without magnesium, calcium is almost ineffective. It is magnesium that helps bones in the absorption of calcium.

Treat of convulsion: Ugwu 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 for many years.

Effective for weight loss: Foods that help in weight loss are recommended for their effectiveness in weight management. Vegetables such as fluted pumpkin leaves contain a high amount of dietary fiber which can help you lose weight as it makes one fuller and also lowers appetite.

Promotes fertility: Fluted Pumpkin leaves have been used locally in the treatment of infertility issues in both men and women. Its content of many vital nutrients and compounds have proven effective in its use to boost or 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 the nursing mothers to adequately feed their babies by increasing breast milk production

This leafy vegetable is filled with nutrients ranging from calcium, iron, potassium, manganese, vitamin C, A, B2, E, and more. Here are important reasons to include them in your diet:

Pumpkin leaves contain oleic acid, vitamin A, alkaloids, tannins, and linoleic acid which makes it a local treatment for infertility in both males and females. These nutrients have made it effective in improving sperm count in men and the overall functioning of their testicles.

It also helps women in the post-pregnancy stage as it increases breast milk production due to its rich source of calcium.

Surprisingly, pumpkin leaves can help to improve cognitive reasoning, Dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other memory-related conditions because it contains vitamins and magnesium.

These nutrients also help to improve the functioning of the brain and nervous system.

If you really want to age effortlessly, you should add pumpkin leaves to your diet. Consumption of pumpkin leaves will help slow down your aging process because it has antioxidants in abundance.

Pumpkin leaves also help to improve the digestive system and make digestion easy due to the dietary fibre present in them. You can reduce the risk of irritable bowel movement, constipation, indigestion problems like ulcers by taking pumpkin leaves.

There is a great amount of calcium, potassium, and magnesium in ugu. These nutrients are needed by the body to maintain healthy, strong, firm bones and teeth.

To also prevent deficiency of calcium in children and mothers, it is recommended.

Pumpkin leaves are a “natural blood tonic” which is why it is usually recommended to people who suffer from a shortage of blood due to certain sickness. It acts as a blood booster due to its rich iron and minerals properties.

In regards to blood-related conditions, ugu also prevents and treats anaemia. The folate nutrient present in it helps increase the hemoglobin and red blood cells in the body.

Ugu also serves as an anti-diabetic agent. The polysaccharides and ethyl acetate in it helps to reduce the level of glucose in the body and also make the body glucose tolerant enough thereby keeping diabetes in check.

It acts as a blood booster due to its rich iron and minerals properties. In regards to blood-related conditions, ugu also prevents and treats anaemia. The folate nutrient present in it helps increase the hemoglobin and red blood cells in the body. Ugu also serves as an anti-diabetic agent.