A nutritionist at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagalada, Olugbenga Jagun, has said that consumption of antioxidants and phytochemicals-rich ‘ewedu’ leaf can prevent cancer and coronary diseases.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja, the nutritionist said ‘ewedu’ leaf known formally as jute leaf, is called ‘pharmacy on your plate’ because of its rich nutritional benefits.
“It is a good source of vitamins and mineral elements such as calcium, potassium, iron, vitamin C, B, K, Folic acid.
“These vitamins and mineral elements have great therapeutic effects on our body such as the lowering of blood pressure and neural tube defects in pregnant women.
“It is rich in both essential and non-essential amino acid, example is Lysine,” Jagun said.
He added that the leaf helps to prevent constipation due to the presence of fibre, making it a natural laxative.
He also said ‘
“The leaf is a good anti-anemic which prevents anaemia due to high iron content and also facilitates the production of red blood cells.
“Excellent and appropriate food for the elderly because of its calcifying action, that is the supply of calcium,” he said.
