HEALTH BENEFITS OF PUMPKIN LEAVES (UGU)

Pumpkin is one the domesticated plant, Cucurbita peposimilar in growth pattern, 
foliage, flower, and fruit to the squash or melon.

Pumpkin Roots are potent poisons. It is botanically called Telfairia occidentalis (Cucurbitaceae).

Here health benefits of pumpkin (Ugu) 

1. Good Source of Dietary Fibre:
Pumpkin leaves are source of dietary fibre that helps in the healthy maintenance of the digestive system.

It plays an important role in improving digestion thereby reducing the chances of health conditions like an irritable bowel movement, constipation and those causes by indigestion problems like ulcers and gastroparesis.

2. Maintains the Body Tissues: 
Pumpkin leaf contents vitamin that helps in maintaining healthy tissues, cells, membrane as well as maintaining the skin and treating of wounds in the case of vitamin C.

The protein in fluted pumpkin leaves also helps in the improvement and maintenance of the body tissues which includes the connective tissues, muscles and the nervous systems.

3.  Rich in Antioxidants:
Pumpkin leaves are rich in alkaloids, resins, hydrocyanic acid, tannins and flavonoids which are powerful antioxidants that offer some immune system and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Foods that are rich in antioxidants are known to be effective in the prevention of cancer and other associated health conditions like ulcer due to its ability to prevent the damages which should have been caused by the oxidative stress in the body.

4.  Balances the Hormones:
Ugu contains the amount of protein needed for hormone balancing; tissue repairs and regulates the acidities of body cells and organs.

This is why consuming pumpkin leaves (ugu) is very essential as its content of protein will also help in improving the body cells as well as replacing broken ones in the body.

5.  Serve as Anti-Diabetic Agent:
Pumpkin has an anti-diabetic effect which means that it has the ability to treat diabetes mellitus by reducing the level of glucose in the blood.

This is made possible due to the content of polysaccharides and ethyl acetate which have been effective in lowering the blood sugar level. They are also effective in promoting glucose tolerance as well as the levels of serum insulin.

The extract of Ugu leaves have proved effective in this case, and it has been used as an anti-diabetic agent to regulate the blood glucose level.

6.  Improves Blood Production:
Pumpkin leaves are always recommended for patients who suffer from a shortage of blood due to the effect of certain illnesses; the presence of iron and other important minerals in it contribute in the boosting of blood in the body system and prevent anaemia.

For the effectiveness of helping boost blood production, ugu is recommended to be pounded, then strain the mashed vegetable to collect the juice. Most times milk is also added to the juice before drinking.

7.  Improves the Bones and Teeth
Pumpkin leaf contains calcium that the body needs for maintaining healthy bones and teeth also that will keep the skeletal systems in normal functioning conditions.

It also contains magnesium which plays a vital role in making the bone firm and strong.

Ugu leaf has potassium as one of the minerals it contains which also help in maintaining the bone mineral density which means that helps to make the calcium content in the bones intact avoiding the leaching of the mineral.

This helps to prevent osteoporosis, which affects the bones especially in the aged.

8.  Treat Convulsion:
Ugu leaves also be effective in treating convulsion in children. It becomes medicinal in this case when sliced and mixed with coconut water and with a small amount of salt.

9.  Effective for Weight Loss:
Pumpkin leaves (ugu) contain a high amount of dietary fibre which can help you lose weight as it makes one fuller and lowers their appetite.

Also, it contains little or no calories which eliminate the chances of storing more calories in the body.

Not withstanding that calories are good for the body which helps provide energy, if they are not totally utilized can start accumulating in the body thereby leading to weight gain.

10.  Promotes Fertility:
Ugu leaf contents so many of vital nutrients and compounds which have proven effective in its use to boost sperm count in men and the overall functioning of their testicles.

Also boosts fertility in women and improves post-pregnancy health as it helps nursing mother to adequately feed their babies by increasing breast milk production.

11.  Can Improve Memory: 
Ugu leaf contains vital nutrients such as vitamins and magnesium which aid in the improvement and normal functioning of the brain and nervous system.