HEALTH BENEFITS OF PUMPKIN LEAVES

 [Telfaira occidentalis] - Susa, Malenge

Nutritional Content Of Pumpkin Leaves:

Potassium, Calcium, Folic acid, Iron, Vitamin E, Vitamin B6, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Thiamine, Niacin, Dietary fibres, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Riboflavin, Copper, Manganese and Proteins

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1. Premenstrual Syndrome 

Many women suffer from premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which is manifest in mood swings, depression and irritability. Manganese, found in pumpkin leaf can be useful to reduce these monthly situations. Women who suffer from severe PMS symptoms are advised to consume manganese supplements as well as manganese rich foods. Pumpkin leaf is a good source for manganese.

2. Cures any testicular damage and also increase the spermatogenesis. 

This helps in increasing fertility and is a good news for people suffering from infertility!

3. Improves Eye Health

Vitamin A present in pumpkin leaves helps in preventing degeneration of some of the parts of the eye, which otherwise would degrade with age. 

3. Lowers Cholesterol

As there is a huge amount of fibre in these leaves, it reduces the absorption of bile acid and cholesterol, from the small intestines, thereby resulting in low levels of cholesterol and healthy heart!

4. Anti-Ageing

Makes you looking younger for longer!: Pumpkin leaf’s copper content is a powerful antioxidant used by the body to defend cell membranes from free radicals. Free radicals attack many organ systems causing premature aging of the skin (wrinkles, age spots), susceptibility to numerous types of cancer, macular degeneration, and kidney malfunctions. Having sufficient copper in your daily diet can keep you younger for longer.

5. Diabetes

Pumpkin leaves are known to have the hypoglycaemic effect which helps in reducing sugar levels in the blood, thus keeping diabetes under control!

6. Skin Benefits

Being a rich source of Vitamin C, which helps in healing wounds and forming scar tissues. It also helps in keeping bones and skin healthy.

7. Fights Against Cancer

Studies show that there is a direct relation between the intake of fibre and risk of cancer. This is because the foods containing the high amount of fibre are also rich in vitamins and minerals, all of which are required for preventing cancer. So, it is recommended that have these leaves through soups daily.

8. Keeps Your Bones Strong

It is very rich in calcium and phosphorus, therefore, it is recommended for children and mothers specially. It helps to keep the bones strong and healthy. Also, it helps in keeping away the deficiency of calcium, helping in the proper growth of teeth and bones.

9. Boosts Immune System

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As it helps in increasing haemoglobin in blood and keeping your bones strong, they increase your immunity . This decreases the risk of getting affected by diseases, thereby keeping you healthy.

10. Protein Supplement

Keeping in mind the amount of protein it contains, it can be used for fulfilling your daily requirements of protein. This will keep you strong and healthy.

11. Helps In Digestion

As it has high fibre content, it helps you in improving your digestion and easy passage of faeces. As there is a large amount of fibre, the stools are large and soft, making the muscles contract and pass the faeces without any additional pressure. As your stomach is clean, your body will be detoxified as well.

So include pumpkin leaf in your regular diet to prevent constipation.

12. Prevents Infections

As it possesses anti-bacterial properties, consumption of these leaves on a regular basis will keep you away from bacterial infections that are very irritating to have.

13. Helps In Lactating

As it is a rich source of calcium, it is a popular choice for lactating mothers. It maintains the calcium levels to normal, helping in lactating properly.

14. Treats Anemia

These leaves are a rich source of iron, which helps in increasing oxygen content in blood and lungs, thereby increasing the haemoglobin in the blood. It is also rich in folate, which is very essential for the production of red blood cells. As red blood cells and haemoglobin increases, the disorder named anaemia vanishes.

15. Convulsion

It is very effective in preventing convulsions. 

How Are Pumpkin Leaves To Be Eaten?

Some people use it in soups, while some eat it raw as salads. Here are some simple recipes, so that you can make it tastier!

Recipe 1

Ingredients

1. Fresh pumpkin leaves

2. Olive oil

3. Salt

4. Garlic

Procedure

1. In a hot pan, put few drops of olive oil. Now, put pumpkin leaves and some salt in the pan and fry it for 5 minutes.

2. Keep moving the vegetables while frying. At the time of putting the cooked leaves into the dish, add some garlic to it for taste.

3. Serve hot to enjoy its taste!

Recipe 2

Ingredients

1. Fresh pumpkin leaves

2. Water-120 ml

3. Peanut powder- 1 cup

4. Chopped tomato-2 cups

5. Chopped onion-1 cup

6. Palm oil

Procedure

1. Clean the leaves and chop them. Put water, fresh leaves, tomato and onion in a saucepan and cover the pan till the leaves are wilted.

2. When it gets reduced to half, add peanut powder and 2 tablespoons of palm oil to the pan. Keep it on the simmer for 10 minutes.

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