Pumpkin seeds contain antioxidants like carotenoids and vitamin E (4, 5, 6). Raw pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, are a good source of magnesium, manganese, iron, zinc, and copper. Fluted pumpkin leaves are greenish leafy vegetables grown in Nigeria and other West African countries. Pumpkin seeds are also rich in B-vitamins, which are vital for moderating stress and its damaging effects on the immune system. That’s not all; the leaves of Telfairia occidentalis also contain chemo-suppressive properties, including chlorophyll, phenolic compounds, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides and phytosterols – all of which help in fighting against cancer. Collins Nwokolo is a human physiologist, writer and health enthusiast. In this article, you will learn about the nutritional value and  health benefits of fluted pumpkin leaves. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Fluted pumpkin leaves also contain calcium, niacin, folate, magnesium, iron, potassium, manganese, A, B2, B6, C2 and E, carotene, and flavonoids. They are extremely high in fibre and protein which can help you achieve weight loss if you add it to your diet. Fiber plays a vital role in controlling blood sugar levels, and consuming fiber-rich foods has been shown to reduce blood sugar control. Flax seeds are packed with beneficial nutrients, omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. May support blood sugar balance. Several studies have found that supplementing with pumpkin juice or seed powder reduced blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes (28). It plays a vital role in improving digestion, thereby reducing the chances of health conditions like an irritable bowel movement, constipation, and those caused by indigestion problems like ulcers. This is a detailed article about chia seeds and their health benefits. That’s why consuming foods rich in antioxidants can help protect against many diseases (7). Fluted pumpkin leaves are greenish leafy vegetables widely cultivated in West African countries, including Ghana, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, and of course, Nigeria. With 28 grams providing 18% of our RDA, pumpkin seeds can be useful for our magnesium levels, which are generally low across England, particularly in young adults. This is especially important for people with diabetes, who may struggle to control their blood sugar levels. However, you would need to eat around 7 ounces (200 grams) of pumpkin seeds to achieve the needed amount of tryptophan. The Health Benefits of Ugu (Fluted Pumpkin Vegetable) Do you know that “Ugu” leaf contains a healthy amount of vitamins including; Vitamin A, Vitamin B1 (thiamine), Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (nicotinamide), and even Vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Consuming around 1 gram of tryptophan daily is thought to improve sleep (34). Fluted Pumpkin leaves are rich in dietary properties like calcium, iron, potassium, and manganese. Sunflower Seeds Unlike the hard white seeds from a carving pumpkin, most pumpkin seeds bought at the supermarket don’t have a shell. Since pumpkin seeds are a rich source of zinc, they may improve sperm quality. This serving size will also provide you with a good amount of protein, healthy fats, fiber, zinc, magnesium and its other effective nutrients. [1]. What are the 6 main health benefits of pumpkin seeds? More research is needed to confirm these beneficial effects of pumpkin seeds on blood sugar levels. There are amazing health benefits of Ugu leaves (fluted pumpkin) which you probably are not aware of. Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds: 1. It’s thought that the high levels of antioxidants in pumpkins seeds are partly responsible for their positive effects on health. They may even protect against certain types of cancer. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Evidence from one study in mice suggests they may also protect human sperm from damage caused by chemotherapy and autoimmune diseases (33). Apples are easy to cultivate and tailor to certain tastes…. Besides eating them on their own, you can add them to smoothies, Greek yogurt and fruit. Fluted pumpkin leaves are a source of dietary fibre that helps in the healthy maintenance of the digestive system. You could incorporate them into meals by sprinkling them into salads, soups or cereals. They are edible when boiled or cooked with foods; it can also be taken as a vegetable salad or… These include improved heart health, prostate health and protection against certain cancers. Natural food energy | Pumpkin Seeds are a good source of healthful oils, magnesium, antioxidants, iron, zinc, and other nutrients. Other studies suggest that pumpkins’ ability to increase nitric oxide generation in your body may be responsible for its positive effects on heart health (26). Here are 6 super seeds to eat for better health. Pumpkin seeds are one of the best natural sources of magnesium — a mineral that is often lacking in the diets of many Western populations. Pumpkin seeds have been used in folk medicine to treat kidney, bladder, and prostate disorders for centuries now. In addition to that, Ugu leaves are also considered to be ideal for lowering not just stress alone but depression levels, too, making it a great food option for boosting your mood. Pumpkin seeds: Pumpkin seeds are rich in amino acids, alanine, glycine, and glutamic acid, as well as being a good source of zinc and omega-3 essential fatty acids. Good for Healthy Bones. Pumpkin is a very popular vegetable, but is it healthy? This article explores 10 science-backed benefits of eating flaxseeds. Health benefits of Fluted Pumpkin are unbelievable made in proteins, so that they are nice for feeder individuals round the world. [3]. They are scientifically known as, The plant is a tropical vine grown in West Africa as a leafy vegetable and its edible seeds, it also belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. A study in 2007 showed the antiplasmodial potential of fluted pumpkin leaves. The health benefits of raw pumpkin seeds are quite amazing. Pumpkin seeds can be readily available in the stores all around the year. This is attributed majorly to the free-radical-fighting antioxidants the plant contains, including tocopherol, dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, and ascorbic acid. Pumpkin seeds contain many antioxidants such as vitamin E and carotenoids, which play a vital role in good health. As with any healthy foods, pumpkin seeds won't miraculously cure all your ailments, but they can play a … It helps to produce GABA, an anti-stress neurochemical in the brain, nervous irritability and other mental conditions. Also it boosts fertility in women and improves post-natal health. Several studies in humans found that eating these seeds reduced symptoms associated with BPH (13). © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. In one study, pumpkin seed oil reduced inflammation in rats with arthritis without side effects, whereas animals given an anti-inflammatory drug experienced adverse effects (8). Summary Pumpkin is high in vitamins and minerals while being low in calories. Surprisingly, they may even reduce risks of breast, prostate, and colon cancers. In recent studies, it was discovered that fluted pumpkin leaves and seeds exhibit anticancer, anti-oxidative, and superoxide effects, meaning that it can help reduce the risk of the oxidative burst in the human blood. Prostate health: Pumpkin seeds are an excellent natural food for men. 11. About Health and Nutritional Benefits of Fluted Pumpkin Leaves (Ugu) Fluted pumpkin leaves are greenish leafy vegetables grown in Nigeria and other West African countries. Fluted Pumpkin leaves contains good amounts of dietary fiber, vitamins, protein, riboflavin, thiamine, manganese, magnesium, iron, potassium, and carotene, all of which play a vital role in the overall human health as well as the heart. Related: Health Benefits of Pumpkin; Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seed Enhance Immune system [, Each tribe in Nigeria has a different name for Fluted pumpkin leaves – The Yorubas call it ‘, This is why experts often suggest making use of plants and, 10 Powerful Health Benefits of Zobo Drink, 10 Intruiging Health Benefits of Garden Egg, 7 Potent Health Benefits of Nigerian Pear (, 10 Miraculous Health Benefits of Breadfruit (Ukwa), 6 Awesome Health Benefits of African Velvet Tamarind (, 5 Marvellous Health Benefits of Uziza Leaves and Seeds, 5 Smart Health Goals You Can Set and Achieve During Lockdown, Essential Safety Tips During The Rainy Season, Basmati Rice: Nutritional Content and Health Benefits, 6 Healthy Nigerian Leafy Vegetables You Should Eat Daily, 5 Paramount Health Tips for Fatty Liver Disease, 8 Shocking Health Facts About Monster Energy Drink. This includes properties like ethyl acetate and polysaccharides content. Here are the top 11 health benefits of pumpkin seeds that are supported by science. 10. You have entered an incorrect email address! Boasting the highest iron content in the seed world, they make a very nutritious nibble. Pumpkin seeds are also excellent source of protein, Vitamins A, Vitamin C and as well as Vitamin E. However, we hope the following benefits of pumpkin seeds will give you the nudge you need. Therefore, by having lactating properties, it will help nursing mothers to produce more milk for the baby. About Health and Nutritional Benefits of Fluted Pumpkin Leaves (Ugu) Fluted pumpkin leaves are greenish leafy vegetables grown in Nigeria and other West African countries. The health benefits of pumpkin seeds include improving heart health, regulating blood sugar, boosting sperm quality, and helping you get better sleep. Pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed oils provide preventative care for your prostate as well as a host of other health benefits to help you stay active. From chia seed pudding to roasted pumpkin seeds to pine nut pesto and beyond, there are endless ways to squeeze in your daily dose of the healthiest seeds while bumping up your intake of protein, fiber and heart-healthy fats.Which seeds are good for health? Pumpkin seeds may help relieve symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition in which the prostate gland enlarges, causing problems with urination. It also helps in preventing and treating of cardiovascular-related diseases, including heart attack and stroke. The high magnesium content of pumpkin seeds may be responsible for its positive effect on diabetes. If you eat seeds and nuts regularly, you may want to soak or sprout them to reduce their phytic acid content. Fluted pumpkin leaves are capable of boosting of blood in the body system and prevent anaemia because it contains a good amount of iron and other important minerals. Pumpkin seeds are a mixed bag of antioxidants – vitamin E, phytosterols, and zinc – that reduce inflammation. Health Guide NG is an online health and fitness magazine that provides Nigerians with helpful information to help them live healthy. Further test-tube studies found that a supplement containing pumpkin seeds had the potential to slow down the growth of prostate cancer cells (11, 12). Fluted pumpkin can help prevent oxidative stress in humans. Just by consuming a small amount of pumpkin seeds, you will be able to get a good amount of zinc, magnesium, and healthy fats. Cancer is among the leading causes of death across the countries of the world, and there are several opinions that it may grow continually if not curbed. Both the leaves, shoots and seeds of fluted pumpkin are an excellent source of protein, fat, β-carotene, carbohydrate, ascorbate, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, dietary fiber, copper, potassium, zinc, iron and calcium. Antioxidants are known to reduce the damage free radicals can cause on the body which can inhibit diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases. In addition, a 1-ounce (28-gram) serving contains (1): They also contain a lot of antioxidants and a decent amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids, potassium, vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and folate. This is your reliable Nigerian online health resource. Pumpkin seeds are small but each of those small seeds is a nutritional powerhouse. If you want to experience the benefits of pumpkin seeds, they’re easy to incorporate into your diet. Each tribe in Nigeria has a different name for Fluted pumpkin leaves – The Yorubas call it ‘Sokoyokoto,’ In Igbo it is called ‘Ugu’, in Hausa, it is called ‘Kabewa’ and in Efik ‘Ikong-Ubong’. Summary: Pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed oil are good sources of monounsaturated and omega-6 fats, and may help improve heart health and symptoms of urinary disorders. Pumpkin seeds are tasty, filling and provide a wide range of health benefits. Although people with cancer use orthodox medicine and chemotherapeutic treatment for combating this health condition, but the plain truth is that they are capable of triggering certain long-term side effects. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. They are edible when boiled or cooked with foods; it can also be taken as a vegetable salad or as juice when mashed as fresh leaves and the juice extracted. What’s more, these seeds can be easily incorporated into your diet. Because of this, pumpkin seeds have been associated with several health benefits. In fact, pumpkin seeds have been shown to improve heart health, blood sugar levels, fertility and sleep quality. Pumpkin seeds may be small, but they’re packed full of valuable nutrients. 10 Health Benefits Of fluted pumpkin leaves (Ugu) 1. Pumpkin seeds are also known as “pepita” — a Mexican Spanish term. Ring in the season by filling your house with the smells of a snack you can feel good about: roasted pumpkin seeds. Nitric oxide helps expand blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing the risk of plaque growth in your arteries. It also helps to prevent coronary artery …