This write-up is the result of my personal research on the Internet, drawn from a multitude of sources...

(A). INTRODUCTION
Yorubas of south-western Nigeria call it "Ewedu". You may be surprised to know that it is actually very popular in many parts of the world including West Africa, the Middle East, Asia, East Africa, North Africa, Australia, South America and some parts of Europe.

(B). NAMES
Its Botanical name is Corchorus olitorius Linnaeus. Here are the names by which it is known in various parts of the world:

Igbo: Ahinghara, Kerenkeren
Hausa: Rama, Lalo, Ayoyo
Yoruba: Ewedu
English: Jute leaves, Jute mallow, Nalta jute, Jew's mallow, Tossa jute, Bush okra, West African sorrel.
French: Corète potagère
German: Langkapseljute
Italian: Juta
Chinese: Chang shouo huang ma
Spanish: Gute malevaceo
Swedish: Tossajute
Ghana: Ayoyo
Uganda: Otigo
Northern Sudan: Khudra
Francophone W/Africa: Krinkrin
Fulbe: Rama
Egypt: Malukhiyah
Songhay (Mali): Fakohoy
Derja (Tunisia): Mulukhiyah
Luyhia (Kenya): Mrenda / Murere
Swahili: Mlenda
Cameroon: Tege
Zimbabwe: Derere
Togo: Ademe
Israel: Molohiya
Arabic: Molokhia
Thailand: Bai Po
Philippines: Saluyot
Cyprus: Molocha
Japan: Molohiya
India: Nalita, Nalta Sag
...etc

(C). NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS
Dietary jute is reported to have the following benefits:
1. Low calorific content - good for weight loss.
2. Strengthens the immune system.
3. Contains antioxidants for fighting stress, heart disease, diabetes etc.
4. Has beta-carotene, good for eyesight.
5. Anti-inflammatory properties, useful against arthritis, acne, asthma, cold, etc.
6. Has Vitamin A - for repairing body cells & improving eyesight
7. Has Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) - improves circulation & lowers risk of cataracts/ other eye disorders
8. Has Vitamin E - attenuates aches & pains associated with aging, holds infertility at bay & increases stamina.
9. Has Vitamin K which -reducies risk of bleeding in the liver, poor nutrient absorption, jaundice or the combination of long term use of antibiotics / aspirin.
10. High percentage of calcium - for strong teeth & bones.
11. Contains iron, protein, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate & dietary fibres.
12. Helps control blood pressure/cholesterol & lowers risk of asthma, cancer, diabetes & heart disease.
13. Its dried leaves can be made into a tea believed to cure headaches, dysentery, stomach aches & ulcers
14. Considered a remedy for pregnant women experiencing prolonged labour.
15. Aids milk secretion in lactating mothers.
16. Helps in overcoming problems from premenstrual symptoms (PMS) & in maintaining regular menstrual cycle.
17. Also recommended for women going through menopause.
...etc

(D). ADVERSE EFFECTS
1. This vegetable should be avoided when taking antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, in order not to reduce their effectiveness.
2. Should also be avoided in the 1st & 2nd trimesters of pregnancy.

(E). OTHER USES OF JUTE
Jute is the second most important vegetable fibre after cotton, due to its versatility. It is a natural fibre with golden and silky shine and hence called The Golden Fibre. It helps make best quality industrial yarn, fabric, net, and sacks used as raw materials in packaging, textile, non-textile, construction, and agricultural sectors.

It is used for making a variety of robust products including carpet backing, tarpaulins and rope. Curtains and other upholstery textiles are also made from jute, interwoven with other fibres such as cotton.

The stem of the plant can be burnt as firewood while the stalks are used for industrial products like pulp, paper, fibre and composites. The plant's wood is light and soft and is used in making sulphur matches. Jute leaves can be used to make cosmetics like face masks, creams and serums.

Jute is fully sustainable; it is estimated there is enough jute to provide everybody in the world with 2 jute bags per year!

(F). History
Corchorus cultivation dates to ancient times. 4th century Greek botanist Theophrastus referred to cultivation of the plant, and Pliny the elder (Roman naturalist and philosopher) was aware that the Egyptians grew Corchorus.

The renowned 1849 text "The Genera of the Plants of the U.S.", written by American botanist Asa Gray, includes a description of Corchorus and states the etymology derived from the ancient Greek name for wild asparagus, or some other wild herb, of unexplained meaning.

Educative. Thanks for sharing.

Good job. I learnt something

Nice. Good share

nice!

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