EWEDU [JUTE LEAVES]

Jute or saluyot leaves are popularly known as Ewedu among the Yoruba, Ahihara amongst Ibos and Rama among the Hausa. Well, growing up in Lagos Nigeria, the name ‘ewedu’ was always ringing as ‘crain-crain’. Anything you choose to call the leaves, it is pertinent to note that these leaves are used as good food sources in many parts of the world, and of course in Nigeria.

Ewedu leaves are popular vegetables in West Africa.

They are not just rich in nutrition but also have plenty of health benefits.

Nutritional Value & Health Benefits

Eating ewedu leaves help in protecting the body from various diseases.
The main vitamins found in ewedu leaves are vitamin A, C and E, and these vitamins are key in the protection of the body from certain degenerative diseases.
Nutrition-wise, these vegetables are low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals.
They are also good sources of fibre. especially as fibre keeps the intestinal tract in good health.
The ewedu leaves are adequate source of fibre, and they are helpful in dealing with weight management and in the promotion of intestinal health. This also helps in bowel movement.
Reports say ewedu leaves can help to reduce the risk of some cancers and diseases.
The leaves contain almost all of the nutrients needed by humans and are said to be high in antioxidant property, especially Vitamin E.
Ewedu leaves could as well be used as herbal medicine to control or prevent dysentery, worm infestation and constipation.
Ewedu leaves are rich in vitamins, carotenoids, calcium, potassium and dietary fibres.
Although grown for food, in recent times it has been discovered that ewedu has many anti-ageing benefits.
Ewedu leaves are good sources of weight loss. Serving ewedu without meat or fish only has 97 calories. So, for those trying to lose some weight, eating ewedu is a very good idea.
Ewedu is good for pregnant women . Historical records show that ewedu is known to be a remedy for pregnant women experiencing prolonged labour. When a pregnant woman is experiencing prolonged labour, a bunch of ewedu leaves squeezed with the stem can be given to her to drink. And in a jiffy, labour starts and the baby is born!
It has also been discovered that eating ewedu leaves help to aid milk secretion in lactating mothers.
Jute plant consists of considerable amount of Vitamin K which is helpful in reducing the threat of bleeding in the liver, poor nutrient absorption, jaundice or the combination of long term use of antibiotics or aspirin.
Some of the problems related with the gastrointestinal system due to a decrease of this vitamin include colitis, obstructions, sprue and Crohn’s disease. All these problems are due to a reduced content of Vitamin K.
Ewedu consists of 0.496 mg Vitamin B6
Regular consumption of Jute plant is believed to help slow the start of certain eye diseases, like age-related macular degeneration.