Jute leaf also known as ‘Ewedu’ in Nigeria is an edible leafy vegetable that’s slimy in nature. It is common in Asia and parts of Africa and it is usually eaten as a soup. A popular combination is with Gbegiri soup and Amala which is native to the people of Ibadan in Oyo State, South-West, Nigeria.
Ewedu is rich in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. It 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.
Here are some of its benefits to the body and why you should eat it more often.
8 Health Benefits Of Jute Leaf Popularly Known As ‘Ewedu’
1.Improves digestion
Ewedu leaves are rich in fibre which helps bowel movement. By regularly eating jute leaves, you can avoid constipation, bulk up stool, and speed up digestion.
2.Promotes weight loss
Ewedu has properties like fatty acids vitamins B, magnesium and zinc, and omega 3 which help in managing body weight.
3.Reduces PMS symptoms
Premenstrual syndrome or PMS that most women experience as a result of hormonal changes before their menstrual periods can also be alleviated by consuming Ewedu.
It has been proven that Ewedu helps to regulate the menstrual cycle, reduce the incidence of hot flashes, and protect against other vaginal disorders because of its effect on estrogen levels in the body.
4.Supports healthy skin and hair
Ewedu has an abundance of vitamins that are very important as an antioxidant. Eating them regularly can help prevent various skin conditions like poor complexion, acne, and wrinkles by producing more collagen thereby keeping your skin looking young and healthy.
It also protects your skin from damage that could be caused by ultraviolet rays and helps to promote healthy growth of hair as well.
5. Prevents Cancer
Vitamins A, C, and E contained in Ewedu is the key to ward off tissue damage that can cause cancer. Now studies have found Ewedu is also beneficial in the fight against prostate, ovarian, skin, and colon cancer.
6. Improves eye health
The vitamin A or beta carotene contained in Ewedu contributes greatly to the health of your eyes and could even provide a great source of eye vitamins that helps manage eye conditions like macular degeneration and cataracts. This means that eating it can also lower your risk of having cataracts.
It’s also important to know that deficiency of vitamin A in your diet can even lead to blindness so take that first step by trying Ewedu.
7. Helps reduce blood pressure & cholesterol
Researchers discovered that Ewedu contains Omega 3, a very useful fatty acid that is important in preventing and even managing diseases of the heart. It has been shown to help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels and even reduce your chances of having a heart attack or a stroke.
8.Strengthens bone and teeth
In addition, calcium is very important in strengthening bone and teeth which is present in Ewedu. Also, the useful phosphorus in Jute leaf is important in maintaining bone density.
