Fluted pumpkin leaves are one of the commonly consumed dark leafy vegetables in Africa and many people in Africa have been eating pumpkin leaves without really realizing the benefits.
This type of dark green leafy vegetable is so versatile and can be recognized as a panacea to cure some of our hunger as well as illness. While many people prefer to cook it as a vegetable with all the condiments that help with the appetite, some just boil and eat it plain like that or blend it into a shake. Whatever the case may be, there is a guaranteed level of various nutrients with any style.
Fluted pumpkin leaves have a lot of health benefits if only we can look deep into its benefits.
With all these nutrients intact, I am sure these leaves have a huge set of benefits! So, why don’t we have a detailed look at it and try using it to maintain good health!
1. Anti-aging
Due to the presence of anti-oxidants in abundance, these leaves are known to slow down the aging process. So, if you want to look younger, start consuming these leaves and experience your beauty again!
2. Improves Eye Health
Vitamin A present in pumpkin leaves helps in preventing degeneration of some of the parts of the eye, which otherwise would degrade with age. This can lead to a condition known as Age-related Macula Degeneration (ARMD).
3. Convulsion
It is very effective in preventing convulsions. In ethnomedicine, the tender leaves are chopped and mixed with coconut water and salt. It is stored in a bottle for further use.
4. Lowers Cholesterol
In this world of high cholesterol problems, these leaves can be considered a boon. As there is a huge amount of fiber in these leaves, it reduces the absorption of bile acid and cholesterol, from the small intestines, thereby resulting in low levels of cholesterol and a healthy heart!
5. Increases Fertility
It is known to cure any testicular damage and also increase the spermatogenesis. This helps in increasing fertility and is good news for people suffering from infertility!
6. Diabetes
Only a diabetic person knows how painful it is to have diabetes. Pumpkin leaves are known to have the hypoglycaemic effect which helps in reducing sugar levels in the blood, thus keeping diabetes under control!
7. Skin Benefits
Being a rich source of Vitamin C, these leaves have a lot of skin benefits. Vitamin C helps in healing wounds and forming scar tissues. It also helps in keeping bones and skin healthy.
8. Fights Against Cancer
Studies show that there is a direct relation between the intake of fiber and risk of cancer. This is because the foods containing the high amount of fiber are also rich in vitamins and minerals, all of which are required for preventing cancer. So, it is recommended that have these leaves through soups daily.
9. Keeps Your Bones Strong
It is very rich in calcium and phosphorus, therefore, it is recommended for children and mothers especially. It helps to keep the bones strong and healthy. Also, it helps in keeping away the deficiency of calcium, helping in the proper growth of teeth and bones.
10. Boosts Immune System
As it helps in increasing hemoglobin in the blood and keeping your bones strong, they increase your immunity. This decreases the risk of getting affected by diseases, thereby keeping you healthy.
11. Protein Supplement
Keeping in mind the amount of protein it contains, it can be used for fulfilling your daily requirements of protein. This will keep you strong and healthy.
12. Helps In Digestion
As it has high fiber content, it helps you in improving your digestion and easy passage of feces. As there is a large amount of fiber, the stools are large and soft, making the muscles contract and pass the feces without any additional pressure. As your stomach is clean, your body will be detoxified as well.
13. Prevents Infections
As it possesses anti-bacterial properties, the consumption of these leaves on a regular basis will keep you away from bacterial infections that are very irritating to have.
14. Helps In Lactating
As it is a rich source of calcium, it is a popular choice for lactating mothers. It maintains the calcium levels to normal, helping in lactating properly.
15. Treats Anemia
These leaves are a rich source of iron, which helps in increasing oxygen content in blood and lungs, thereby increasing the hemoglobin in the blood. It is also rich in folate, which is very essential for the production of red blood cells. As red blood cells and hemoglobin increase, the disorder named anemia vanishes.
Harvesting Pumpkin Leaves
Pumpkins are annual plants that grow in warm weather. Using pruning shears or scissors to make a clean cut from the vine, pumpkin leaves can be harvested year-round in warm climates or during the summer and early fall in temperate areas.
How to Preserve and Store Pumpkin Leaves
Fresh pumpkin leaves will start to decrease in quality and nutritional value almost immediately after harvest. However, they can be frozen and stored for up to three or four weeks in plastic freezer bags by separating each row with paper towels.
Additionally, it is a popular custom to sun-dry pumpkin leaves for later medicinal and culinary use throughout many regions of Africa particularly South Africa, where the dried leaves are harvested and packaged with the pumpkin's flowers for added decoration.
First, chop the leaves and place them in hot water for three or four minutes to preserve their deep color. Then drain the pumpkin leaves and arrange them on a raised drying rack in direct sunlight, covering with light mesh netting to protect from outside pests. Oven drying is also permissible.
Preparations with Pumpkin Leaves
Always remember to devein pumpkin leaves before use in them the following preparations:
Medicinal Preparations
Decoction. Boil leaves in hot water over medium heat for half an hour. Consume the warmed liquid twice daily. This preparation is used for reducing fever and treating intestinal parasites.
Facial mask. In a food processor, blend pumpkin leaves and a small amount of coconut oil. Add honey to the newly-formed paste and apply directly to the face and neck before rinsing in warm water. This preparation is used to treat skin conditions, like acne.
Culinary preparations
Salads. A good source of iron, pumpkin leaves are comparable to other dark green, leafy veggies like spinach, collard greens, and kale. The fresh leaves cooked or consumed raw in a number of healthy salads
Smoothies. For an added energy boost, blend fresh pumpkin leaves into delicious fruit and vegetable breakfast smoothies.
Soups. Pumpkin leaves can be added to a number of hearty soup recipes. For best results, prepare the pumpkin leaves with beans and healthy oils and fats.
FINAL WORD.
A leaf with such an amount of nutrients plus available throughout the year is a boon to mankind. I think everybody should try having it once in life!
Go green and stay healthy with pumpkin leaves!