Jute leaf is one of nature’s best gifts to humankind; it is a green leafy vegetable that’s low in calories but rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is a good source of fiber, iron, calcium, sodium, phosphorus, potassium, proteins, Vitamins A, B, C, E, and Folic Acid. It’s no wonder why ewedu is excellent for pregnant women. These are nutrients that help the body fight diseases and maintain good health.

Jute leaf (Corchorus olitorius) is locally known as Ewedu/Ewe Abiwere In Yoruba, Achingbara in Igbo, Rama/Lalo in Hausa, Malukhiya/Molohiya in Egypt/ Northern Africa, Murere/Mrenda in Kenya, Delele in South Africa, and Ayoyo in Ghana.

Ewedu is commonly prepared as a delicious slimy soup in Nigeria, and the dried leaves are made as tea. It is used in herbal medicine for appetite and strength after illness. It’s also great for skin and hair.

Here are the reasons why you must add Jute leaves to your diet:

Health Benefits of Ewedu.

• Helps with skincare:

  Ewedu leaves contain vitamins and antioxidants, which increase the production of collagen in the skin; this makes the skin firmer and gets rid of wrinkles, thereby preventing aging. The essential fatty acids in Ayoyo helps preserve moisture in the skin. Regular consumption of Ewedu also helps prevent Acne and improves complexion.

• Aids weight loss:

  The fatty acids and fiber in ewedu makes one feel full and reduces appetite. Ewedu contains only 97% calories, which makes it perfect for weight loss.

• Ewedu for pregnant women:

  Ewedu has been known as a remedy for prolonged labor in pregnant women, a bunch of ewedu leaves squeezed with the stem can be
  given to her to drink. It has also been discovered to aid milk secretion in lactating mothers. It is best taken by Pregnant women from eight months and above. It can cause miscarriage in any early pregnancy.

• Improves Eye Health:

  Ewedu contains vitamins and minerals, which helps prevent the generation of eye disorders and loss of vision.

• Supports Healthy cell growth:

  Ewedu contains vitamin A which is excellent for wound healing and skin cell regrowth. It is also a powerful aid in fighting skin cancer.

• Prevents Internal Bleeding:

  Jute plant consists of a considerable amount of Vitamin K, which helps reduce the threat of bleeding in the liver due to poor nutrient absorption, jaundice, or the combination of long term use of antibiotics or aspirin.

• Fights off cold and Flu:

  Jute plant consists of Vitamin C, which is hugely beneficial for the immune system and plays a vital role in the body’s ability to fight off colds and viruses. Vitamin C, when taken during colds and flu, can help to decrease the risk of developing further complications, like pneumonia and lung infections

• Manages blood pressure and cholesterol levels:

  Several research studies have shown that copper help to reduce the levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) and helps to increase beneficial cholesterol (HDL cholesterol). The jute plant consists of 0.222 mg of copper, which is 24.67% of the daily recommended value. Omega 3 content in Ewedu is useful in normalizing blood pressure when consumed. Disorders of the body, such as dizziness, can sometimes be caused by high blood pressure or too low blood pressure. This helps to lower the chances of cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, hypertension, hypotension, and strokes.

• Acts as a Pain Relief:

  Vitamin E in Ewedu can work to reduce pain, such as injuries, body aches, and cramps. It can also increase Energy.

• Maintains healthy Teeth and Bones:

  Calcium helps to protect your teeth by keeping the jaw bone healthy and robust throughout your life, which in turn ensures tight fitting teeth where bacteria cannot grow well. The calcium and phosphorus content in ewedu also helps improve bone health and avoid osteoporosis. So, consuming ewedu every day will give health to bone and teeth.

• Other traditional uses of Jute leaves are:

  Provision of relief in Asthma, fever, dysentery, enteritis, pectoral pains, cystitis, dysuria, fever, gonorrhea, tumors, ascites, pain, and piles. Restoration the appetite and strength after recovery from an ailment.