Did Know That?

Photo credit: fresh plaza

That Ugu leaves (fluted pumpkin leaves)...

• Has high protein content

• Contains essential vitamins and nutrients for proper regulation of the body systems. 

• Vitamins A and C, calcium and iron are all part of ugu leaf’s components. Eating ugu leaf, therefore means that your bones and teeth are nourished and you are protected from anaemia, amongst other things.

• It aids digestion as it very rich source of dietary fibre

• Contains antioxidants which boosts the immune system. 

• Promotes Heart Health and increases Blood Volume

• Ugu leaf lowers cholesterol and regulate blood supply to the body.The leaves has hypolipdemic effect and may be a useful therapy in hypercholestolemia.

• It has an hypoglycaemic (sugar reducing) effect. It is good for diabetics

• Boost fertility: A particular study showed that pumpkin has the potential to regenerate testicular damage and also increase spermatogenesis.

There are a number of ways that you can avail your body of the nourishment of ugu leaf. Ugu soups are delicious, so eating it is no hardship. Ensure you do not over cook it to avoid loss of nutrients. Ugu leaf should form part of your daily diet, add it (steamed) to rice dishes, yam, beans, anything! Some people make juice of it or add it to smoothie.