The pumpkin plant leaves have large, round and deep lobes with an alternate arrangement. Generally, more than three veins originate from the same point.
The leaves can be yellowish, light green, or greyish-green, depending on the variety of the pumpkin.
Almost every part of the pumpkin plant, including fruit, seeds, leaves, and stems, are edible, providing different health benefits. People popularly use the delicate pumpkin leaves with other green leafy vegetables in tangy chutneys or as a main course savoury dish.
Rich in vitamins A and C
High in calcium
Rich in iron and protein and other minerals.
. PROMOTES HEART HEALTH
The pumpkin leaves are rich in soluble fibre that helps reduce cholesterol absorption. Low cholesterol reduces the risk of heart disorder.
Calcium may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular failure.
Moreover, potassium content helps prevent irregular heartbeat.
. ENHANCES LACTATION
These fibrous leaves are also high in iron, making them a healthy and beneficial addition to one’s diet. Iron aids the muscles in storing and using oxygen, and also helps in carrying oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body. Women and children, especially, need to maintain healthy levels of iron, and pumpkin leaves can help provide it naturally. The leaves are also rich in protein, making them an excellent supplement for enhancing the body’s daily requirement.
Pumpkin leaves are also believed to enhance lactation in nursing mothers, lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar levels.
. SUPPORTS IMMUNE SYSTEM
The pumpkin leaves have abundant natural minerals that plays an essential role in strengthening the body's immune system.
A strong immune system enables the body to fight against several disorders and infections.
. RED BLOOD CELL
These fibrous leaves are also high in iron, making them a healthy and beneficial addition to one’s diet. Iron aids the muscles in storing and using oxygen, and also helps in carrying oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body. Women and children, especially, need to maintain healthy levels of iron, and pumpkin leaves can help provide it naturally. The leaves are also rich in protein, making them an excellent supplement for enhancing the body’s daily requirement.
Pumpkin leaves are also believed to enhance lactation in nursing mothers, lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar levels.
Moreover, iron helps heal the red blood cells, allowing better oxygen flow in cells, tissues, and organs.
. REDUCES THE RISK OF CHRONIC DISEASES Pumpkin contains essential antioxidants, like beta-cryptoxanthin, beta-carotene, and alpha-carotene. It helps protect against the damage caused due to free radicals.
It plays a vital role in preventing chronic heart and cancer diseases.
. PROMOTES WEIGHTLOSS
Pumpkin leaf is a nutrient-dense food. It means it has low calories but high nutrients. The lower calories make it an ideal weight-loss food. Moreover, fibre content helps keep you satiated for a long time.
. LOWERS THE SYMPTOMS OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
The Vitamin B6 content in the pumpkin plant leaves helps curb pain in muscles and joints caused due to arthritis.
. ALLEVIATES PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME
Manganese in the pumpkin leaves help manage and reduce the situations of headache, mood swings, irritability, and depression.
. RETAINS DENTAL HEALTH
Phosphorus is vital for bone and gum health. The pumpkin leaves contain Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus, vital for maintaining gum and teeth health.
These nutrients support jaw bone mineral density and tooth enamel that helps hold the tooth in place.
Pumpkin leaves contain a high amount of calcium, which is crucial for healthy bones and teeth.
. PROVIDES SUPPLE AND SOFT SKIN
One cup or 39 g of pumpkin leaf contains Vitamin A, helping fulfil approx 4% of the Daily Value. It helps keep away the free radicals and toxins that often damage the skin. Moreover, the high water content in the leaves helps retain moisture, providing soft and supple skin. Moisture retention also helps prevent some skin conditions like psoriasis.
. STRENGTHENS BONES
The leaves have a high amount of calcium and phosphorus, essential for the bones. Consuming it regularly also helps avoid bone and stiff joint pain. Women, especially, need enough calcium to prevent osteoporosis and maintain strong bones.
. HELP FIGHT COLON CANCER
The pumpkin leaves help in treating colon cancer. But how? It contains soluble and insoluble fibre that eases bowel movement. Smooth bowel movement ensures a healthy intestine, preventing cancerous tumour growth in the colon.
FEW WAYS TO PREPARE PUMPKIN LEAVES
As Juice;
You can blend pumpkin leaves, sieve out the juice and drink
Soup
You can also cut pumpkin leaves in pieces, add into your soup, put the pot down immediately and let the steam cook it, so that the nutrients will still be intact
Creamy Pumpkin Leaves Sauce
Cut in pieces add it into you creamy sauce
Vegetables Sauce
Cut in pieces and add it to your tomato sauce
Porridge
You can also add pumpkin leave to potatoes, yam, plantain etc porridge.
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