Ewedu Leaves (Jute Leaves): Facts, Health Benefits and Uses
Ewedu leaves also known as jute leaves in English, is a special herb packed with lots of nutrients and also has an immense benefits on the body. This leave, is mostly used by the Yorubas during special occasions. In fact, it is very rare not to find ewedu soup in any yoruba occasions.
However, the name ewedu was originally gotten from the yoruba tribe. It is commonly used for making ewedu soup. It is also known as rama by the hausa’s. Above all it’s uses it’s just meant for making ewedu soup.
The ewedu leave is not only limited to Nigerians alone, as it has gotten popularity due to its immense benefits and delicious taste. Jute leave also known as ewedu is botanically known as Corchorus Olitorius.
Jute leave is very healthy and nutritious and there are so many benefits that ewedu offers that you may not know about, some of which we’ll be looking into in this article.
Some of the nutrients and minerals contained in this herb fat, fibre, protein, calcium, thiamine, riboflavin, phosphorus, Vitamins A, C, E and much more. From what we have seen, eating ewedu would do a lot of good for your body.
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8 Health Benefits of Jute Leaves (Ewedu Leaves)
(1) Acne Prevention and Treatment
By adding ewedu to your diet, does not only make your meal delicious and tasty but also can help prevent the propagation of acne on the skin and may also help treat it. However, acne is said to be caused by the over secretion of sebum by sebaceous glands in the body.
You should also know that ewedu contains vitamins such as vitamin c, that can greatly contribute in preventing the sebaceous glands from secreting too much sebum.
(2) Strengthening Bones and Teeth
Jute leaves are very healthy, as they contain an optimal amount of calcium that is needed in strengthening bones and teeth’s in the body. It also contains phosphorus which plays a major role in maintaining the density of bones and prevent the risk of osteoporosis.
(3) Aids Digestion
By eating ewedu, it helps your digestive system, reduces the chances of getting constipation and also the bowel movement. This is due to the presence of fibre content in ewedu. Generally, foods with fibres are very good as they make it easier to digest food and pass waste out of the body easily.
(4) Aids Weight Loss
If you’re looking for a way to lose your weight then we recommend you try out ewedu, as it contains fibre content which in turn aida aids digestion and also improves the metabolism process in the body. Ewedu also contains other nutrients like vitamin B and magnesium that also help one maintain weight.
(5) Maintains The Skin
As mentioned earlier ewedu helps in the preventing of acne on the skin. However, this is due to the presence of vitamin c in it, which helps in the production of collagen in the body.
Also it contains fatty acids, which obviously helps in moisturizing your body and also preventing cracks and wrinkles. It is rich in vitamin C which is very good for the skin.
(6) Improves Hair Health
There is alot to gain by just adding ewedu to your diet, as it can also be of benefits to your hair. Ewedu is also capable of boosting hair growth due to the presence of Omega-3 in it, it can also keep your hair healthy and strong.
The anti-inflammatory properties in the plant also help to keep dandruff away from the hair by preventing scalp exfoliation.
(7) Reduce Cholesterol Levels
Ewedu also known as jute leave also play a major role in reducing bad cholesterol level in the body which in turn improves heart health. This is possible because of the presence of Omega-3 acids in this herb.
You should also know that when you reduce your cholesterol level, you stand a chance of reducing the risk of heart diseases. If you are looking for a Nigerian food with low cholesterol then, ewedu soup is what you might need.
(8) Prevents Cancer
Jute leaves also contains compounds and minerals that contains anti-oxidants that may help alleviate free-radicals from the body. These free radicals are what infect cells and cause them to become cancerous.
However, the more you allow these free-radicals infects cells in your body. The infected cells begin to spread and the more they spread the greater the risk of cancer. These anti-oxidants also help in preventing tumors. Ewedu contains properties that protect the prostate and colon, keeping them free and safe from toxins.
There are so many health benefits of ewedu out there, as it is very versatile and can be used in doing so many things.
However, jute leaves are very rich in beta-carotene, which is very vital and essential to our body, as it helps in improving good eyesight and also it contains a notable amount of iron which is great for healthy red blood cells. It might also reduce the risk of chronic diseases, liver issues and heart problems.
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Bottom Line
Lastly, you should add ewedu leaves to your soup as it very nutritious and contains so may nutrients and minerals which are very essential and needed for the proper growth and development of your body.
Also it can be used in the preparation of ‘Ewedu Soup’, a very popular Nigerian delicacy enjoyed by the yoruba people. It is very delicious and can also be of benefits.
The health benefits of ewedu includes its ability to aid in weight management, digestion and many more.
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