I was shuffling through the internet as usual and I stumbled upon “jute leaf”. For some seconds I was wondering ‘what kind of leave is that’, so I decided to open the page and read the information. I was surprised to find out that it is the popular “ewedu leaf”. Knowledge and wide reading is indeed really important as this article has opened up to me what I never knew about ‘ewedu’.
Jute leaf known as Ewedu in Yoruba, Achingbara in Igbo and Lalo or Ayoyo in Hausa is a long, soft, slimy and shiny vegetable fiber that can be spun into coarse, strong threads with so many nutritional values. The leaf with the botanical name Corchorus olitorius which was initially a Yoruba soup ingredient is now recognized and eaten by many people in Nigeria. Jute leaves; rich in minerals, vitamins and antioxidants also contains iron, calcium, sodium, phosphorus, potassium, proteins, fibers, Vitamins A, C and E, riboflavin, niacin and folate. These are nutrients that help the body to fight diseases and maintain good health.
Research has shown that the leaf has different varieties that possess vitamins and antioxidant that are of immeasurable nutritional and therapeutic value to our body system. These vitamins are crucial in protecting the body from degenerative diseases such as Cancer.
Nutritional Health Benefits
Jute leaves contain vitamin A, C and E, which are key in protecting the body from certain degenerative diseases.
For the skin Ewedu leaves contain vitamins that increase the production of collagen which makes the skin more firm and beautiful. You should take this soup more if you desire to have and maintain a naturally beautiful skin.
Jute leaf is an adequate source of fibre, thus making the plant very helpful in addressing weight management issues and also promotes intestinal health by helping with bowel movement.
The leaves are also known to help boost immunity and nourish the body system.
Due to the vitamins and minerals present in the leaves, they have also been said to be used in the management of stomach related conditions such as dysentery, constipation etc.
Jute leaves are also used to relief pains as they contain some anti tumour properties.
The Ewedu leaf is rich in beta-carotene which supports good eyesight.
You can get jute leaf in the market as it doesn’t cost a fortune. You can also grow it in your garden.
Eat healthy and be healthy.
By Pupwaya Timothy Dibal
