There are amazing health benefits of Ugu leaves (fluted pumpkin) which you probably are not aware of. In Nigeria, cultivation of this plant is heavily practised in the Southern and Eastern part of Nigeria.
As a matter of fact, fluted pumpkin derived its popular local name Ugu in Nigeria from the Igbo language. The botanically name for Ugu is Telfairia Occidentalis which belongs to the cucurbitacase family.

Here are some nutritional benefits of fluted pumpkin leaves or vegetables;

1. Good Source of Dietary Fibre
Fluted pumpkin leaves are a source of dietary fiber that helps in the healthy maintenance of the digestive system.

2. Maintains the Body Tissues
The vitamin contents present in this vegetable helps in maintaining healthy tissues, cells, membrane as well as maintaining the skin and treating of wounds in the case of vitamin C.

3. Rich in Antioxidants
They 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
The vegetable is known to have high protein content. 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 fluted pumpkin leaves 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
It 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 has proved effective in this case, and it has been used as an anti-diabetic agent to regulate the blood glucose level.
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https://bibiorganics..com/2020/05/11-wonders-of-amazing-fluted-pumpkinugu.html?m=1

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