JUTE LEAF : What You Don't know About This Leaf

December 09, 2017

JUTE LEAF : What You Don't know About This Leaf

Health is Wealth

Jute - corchorus olitorius

Mother Earth is full of great 'greenie' things created by God for the use of Man.

Many things which are of the ground are of great use to man, some of which we know and some of which we don't. One of those that we know is the JUTE leaf, popular among the yorubas as Ewedu.

The truth is that I really haven't been able to get the name till four days ago when my small mummy actually helped me out with it, #grin. No man is an island of knowledge na, sebi? Lolz

Well, it actually propelled me to make a research on this leaf and let you know what I'm 99.9% sure you don't know about this leaf because some people finds it disgusting especially those that are not Yoruba. And even those that are taking it just don't have an idea what lurks in the belly of the leaf as they only see its tasty part with little or no interest in the healthy fact!

Just as I mentioned earlier that it is popular among the yorubas as Ewedu, the Igbos call it Achingbara , and the Hausas call it Rama. To the scientists, the botanical name given to it is called Corchorus Olitorius... (sounds like the name of a Greek gods... Lol )

Cooking with jute leaves

It is that green leafy edible vegetable that is prepared into the delicious slimy soup called ewedu. Jute is one of the strongest natural plant fibers. It’s the second most important vegetable fiber after cotton in terms of usage, global consumption, production and availability. It grows best in warm, humid climates.

If you have been to the South-West and you've never had a taste of this nutritious soup served with Amala, nna mehn, bia, you are missing! To kill it... They should serve it with gbegiri... Wu awu paw-paw mehn, yo!... Just like heaven on earth! Lolz

Serving Jute with stew and amala

Yes I agree Yorubas doesn't have soup compare to her tribal counterparts, like the Igbos and the Calabars, but this one soup has distinguished the yorubas out.

It isn't only Yorubas that knows the core usage of this leaf though, it is also a popular dish in the northern provinces of the Philippines, where it is known as saluyot. Jute leaves are also consumed by the Luyhia people of Western Kenya, where it is normally known as ‘mrenda’ or ‘murere’.

Japan has been importing dry jute leaf from Africa and using it as the substitute of coffee and tea. In Europe, jute leaves are used as soup. It can be steamed and pureed, mixed with chicken, or prepared into soup. Jute leaves are used to flavour soups, stews, teas, and vegetable dishes. Dried leaves can be used as a thickener in soups. Young leaves are added to salads.

Apart from the tasty part of this leaf, there's a side attraction which makes it stand out from other consumable plants.

It contains;

Vitamin K of about 78.33%,
Vitamin B6 of about 38.15%,
Iron of about 34.13%
Vitamin A of about 32.14%
Vitamin C of about 31.89% all in nutrients measurement.

Preparation of jute leaf

After the raggae play the blues

Lolzzzzzz... After knowing all the nutritional contents of this unique vegetable, guess it's high time we knew the health benefits.

Here are 10 detailed benefit of this leaf:

1. For Internal Bleeding
As you may know, this plant consists of considerable amount of Vitamin K which is helpful in reducing the threat of bleeding in the liver, 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, and Crohn’s disease amongst other.

2. Protect the Health of the Eyes

Most eyes diseases is due to no other reason than the inadequacy of nutrients. Research has proven that taking vitamin B6 together with other vitamins, like folate, can help with the prevention of eye disorders and loss of vision. Jute plant consists of 0.496 mg Vitamin B6 which is 38.15% of the daily recommended value. Regular consumption of Ewedu is believed to help slow the start of certain eye diseases.

Jute leaf helps for healthy eyes

3. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)

The inadequate amount of iron in the body is the major cause of the restless leg syndrome. Low level of iron within the blood is a main reason of the condition, so proper intake of iron supplements is necessary as per doctor’s recommendation, can cure this problem. Regular consumption of Ewedu (Jute plant) helps to get rid of this problem because it consists of 2.73 mg of Iron which is 34.13% of the daily recommended value. Muscle spasm is also a major risk in the low intake of iron.

4. Supports Skin Health and Cell Growth

Vitamin A is essential for wound healing as well as skin re-growth. It is required to support all of the skin cells both internally and externally and is a powerful aid in fighting skin cancer. Ewedu - Jute plant consists of ample amount of vitamin A which is essential for better skin health and cell growth. As deficiency of vitamin A can result in a poor complexion, as indicated by research that prove that vitamin A can fight acne and improve overall skin health. Vitamin A helps to keep the lines and wrinkles on your skin away by producing more collagen, which is liable for keeping the skin looking young. Vitamin A can also contribute to healthy hair too.
You desire a baby skin? Make Ewedu your soupy drink!

5. Fends off Cold and Flu

This plant consists of Vitamin C which is extremely beneficial for immune system and plays an important role in the body’s ability to fight off colds and flu. When you take Vitamin C during colds and flu, can help to decrease the risk of developing further complications, like pneumonia and lung infections. Got Catarrh? Have a regular intake of Ewedu! #winks

Jute leaves

6. Reduces Cholesterol

Several research studies have shown that copper help to reduce the levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) and help to increase beneficial cholesterol (HDL cholesterol). Jute plant consists of 0.222 mg of copper which is about 24.67% of the daily recommended value. This helps to reduce the chances of having cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. So my brothers, my sisters, please, take more of Ewedu!

7. Cancer Prevention

Vitamin B9 present in Jute is considered to be an essential component for reducing the occurrence of cancer in the human body. It helps eliminate the likelihoods of cancer in various forms, including colon cancer, cervical cancer and lung cancer. Some of the renowned doctors have recommended that one should include this vitamin in sufficient amount in our daily diet plan. Jute plant consists of 90 µg of vitamin B9 which is 22.50% of the daily recommended value from the doctors and nutritionists.

8. Maintains Healthy Teeth and Gums

We all know that calcium helps to protect your teeth by keeping the jaw bone strong which in turn ensures tight fitting teeth where bacteria cannot grow nor breed. Therefore, before your teeth and gums start giving you any trouble, be sure to maintain a calcium rich diet. Sufficient amount of calcium can be obtained by the regular consumption of Jute plant which consists of 184 mg of calcium which is 18.40% of the daily recommended value. Calcium intake should be high, particularly at young ages, so that kids naturally grow up with strong teeth. So moms, please encourage your young children in taking more of Ewedu soup!

Jute leaf helps for healthy teeth and gum

9. Prevents Asthma

Those that are suffering from chronic asthma may be able to normalize their breathing with the help of magnesium supplements which aid in relaxing the bronchial muscles and regulates breathing. This Ewedu (Jute plant) consists of sufficient amount of magnesium that is required for the body. Therefore frequent consumption is recommended to normalize the asthma problems. Even when someone is having difficulty in breathing, encourage the person to be taking more of this Jute plant as a soupy juice.

10. Protects Healthy Hair and Skin

Responsible for this is Vitamin B2 which is also known as riboflavin. This vitamin plays an important role in maintaining collagen levels, which helps to make up healthy skin and hair. Collagen is required to maintain the youthful structure of skin and to prevent fine lines and wrinkles. Some researches suggest that riboflavin can decrease the time needed for wound healing, that is, accelerate the rate of healing up of a wound. It can also decrease skin inflammation and cracked lips, and can help naturally slow signs of aging.