What Are Fluted Pumpkin Leaves?
In order to maintain a healthy body, there is now a growing awareness of the importance of having more veggies in our diet. A number of researchers have uncovered various reasons the rate of producing vegetables and fruits should greatly rise, the need to incorporate more fruit and vegetables in our diet, and the endless benefits of eating more fruit and vegetables on a daily basis.
Fluted Pumpkin, also known as Telfairia Occidentalis Hook F. and a member of the cucurbitacase family, is one of these essential vegetables. The tropical fluted pumpkin is a perennial dioecious plant that originated on the West African continent, specifically in the southern part of Nigeria, before expanding to Ghana, Cameroon, and Sierra Leone.
Greenish leafy veggies and fleshy fluted gourds with hard edible seeds distinguish this creeping vine-like plant. If left unattended and coiled through stakes, fluted pumpkins generate tendrils that creep and spread on the surface of the ground when planted. The fluted pumpkin leaves (Telfairia Occidentalis), which have broad lobed leaves, are locally known as ugu leaves and are used in stews, soups, yam and vegetable dishes, sauces, and even medicine. The leaves contain vitamins A, B2 and C, and C2, in addition to being antioxidants. Minerals including calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron are also present. Ugu leaves also contain antibacterial qualities, allowing them to protect the body from infections
The ugu seeds are also edible, however, they must be well boiled before eating. Cooked fluted pumpkin seeds can be dipped in palm oil or local sauces before eating, and they can also be used to make soap and native spices called ogiri or ogili. Fluted pumpkin seeds are high in protein and oil, making them extremely helpful to human health.
Due to the numerous nutritional benefits that fluted pumpkin leaves, seeds, and shoots provide, their consumption has skyrocketed in recent years. Let’s look at some of the health benefits of this plant.
14 Health Benefits of Fluted Pumpkin Leaves
Highly Nutritious
The consumption of fluted pumpkin leaves is beneficial to one’s health. Carbohydrates, fat, protein, and minerals including calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron are abundant in these leaves. The protein in this vegetable aids in the development of new cells to replace those that have worn out. It also promotes neurological activities and helps to balance hormones in the body. Its carbohydrate and fat composition can help you gain energy and develop muscle. Calcium is found in ugu leaves, which helps to maintain bone structure and density. Iron also helps to avoid dizziness and fatigue. What’s more? It helps to avoid anemia and enhances focus. Magnesium helps to keep your heart rate and blood pressure in check.
Potassium is good for bone and muscle growth, as well as heart health. It also helps to maintain a healthy blood pressure level.
Great Source of Dietary Fibre
Fluted pumpkin leaves are high in dietary fiber, which aids in the proper functioning of the digestive system. It helps to improve digestion and lower the risk of health problems like irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, ulcers and gastroparesis, which are caused by indigestion difficulties.
High in Antioxidants
They’re high in alkaloids, resins, hydrocyanic acid, tannins, and flavonoids, which are potent antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
Antioxidant-rich foods are useful in preventing cancer and other related health disorders such as ulcers due to their ability to reduce the damage produced by oxidative stress in the body.
Reduces Stress
Humans can be protected from oxidative stress by eating fluted pumpkin. The presence of antioxidants in the plant, such as tocopherol, dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, and ascorbic acid, protects the body from free radicals. In addition to this, Ugu leaves are said to be effective in reducing not only stress, but also depression, making it a good dietary choice for improving your mood.
Maintains Body Tissues
The vitamin content in this vegetable aids in the maintenance of healthy tissues, cells, and membranes, as well as the maintenance of the skin and the treatment of wounds as in the case of vitamin C. The protein in fluted pumpkin leaves also aids in the improvement and maintenance of the body’s connective tissues, muscles, and neural systems.
Contains Anti-Malaria Properties
Plants and herbs have long been seen to be a better treatment option for malaria symptoms. Fluted pumpkin is one of these malaria-treatment plants. Fluted pumpkin roots have antiplasmodial and schizonticidal effects, making them useful in the treatment of parasite malaria. Unlike the normal malarial treatment, the average survival time has been reported to remain low.
Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Agent
The fluted pumpkin leaves have the ability to reduce inflammation’s negative impacts. Due to their analgesic properties, they can also prevent the sensation of pain in an inflamed area of the body. This vegetable also protects the body from illnesses by inhibiting the growth of dangerous microorganisms in the intestine.
Prevents Diabetes
It has an anti-diabetic effect, which means it can help people with diabetes by lowering blood glucose levels. This is due to the presence of polysaccharides and ethyl acetate, both of which help to reduce blood sugar levels. They also help with glucose tolerance and serum insulin levels.
Enhances Blood Production
Fluted pumpkin leaves are always suggested for patients who have blood shortages as a result of various illnesses; the presence of iron and other vital minerals in it helps to improve blood levels in the body system and prevent anemia.
Aids Weight Loss
Weight loss and weight management are aided by fluted pumpkin leaves. They’re high in fiber and protein, which can help you lose weight if you include them in your diet.
Improves Fertility
These leaves are effective in the treatment of infertility in both men and women. Its various essential nutrients and chemicals help men increase their sperm count and improve the overall function of their testicles.
Increases Breast Milk Production
Another group of people who enjoy the full health benefits of fluted pumpkin leaves is lactating and nursing mothers. The reason for this is that the oily seeds of this plant aid in increasing milk flow in women who are currently breastfeeding their children. It also improves women’s fertility and post-natal health.
Anti-Cancer Properties
Cancer has been identified as the greatest cause of mortality around the world, and it is expected to continue to rise if not checked. Despite the use of conventional medicine to treat cancer, it has been observed that these medicines and chemotherapy treatments can cause long-term negative effects in patients. As a result, scientists have suggested that plants and herbs should be used to treat cancer, and fluted pumpkin is one of these plants (Telfairia occidentalis).
The fluted pumpkin leaves and seeds have anticancer, antioxidative, and superoxide properties that help prevent oxidative bursts in the blood. The leaves also contain chemo-suppressive substances such as chlorophyll, phenolic compounds, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, and phytosterols.
Improves Memory
Fluted pumpkin leaves, like most green leafy vegetables, have chemicals that enhance memory. It also contains essential elements like vitamins and magnesium which help the brain and nervous system strengthen and function normally. This can aid with cognitive reasoning, memory loss (dementia), and other memory-related health issues like Alzheimer’s disease.
Now that you Know…
Fluted pumpkin leaves are generally deemed safe because no known negative effects have been reported. The leaves serve to protect the body from sickness and to improve overall health. As a result, it must become a regular part of our diet in order to enjoy the health benefits it provides.
