Recently, jute leaf (ewedu) has
been raved about for a lot of things – as a stellar component in healthy
eating, as Cleopatra’s beauty secret, as a potent anti-wrinkle and as a
super food which is being incorporated into health products.
In Japan, dried jute leaves are even made into pills which women take as beauty supplements.
In African and Middle Eastern countries
where healthy eating is the norm, jute leaves are the main ingredients
in mucilaginous and very slimy potherb called molokhiya.
Jute leaves, also known as Saluyot leaves in the western part of Nigeria, are used in the preparation of ewedu soup. Once grinded, it’s got a slimy consistency just like okra.
It’s a good source of fibre, low in
calories but high in vitamins. In herbal medicine, it is used to control
or prevent dysentery, worm infestation and constipation.
In Ayurveda (an ancient Hindu system of healing), jute leaves are used for pain, piles, and tumours.
Elsewhere, the leaves are used for
cystitis, dysuria, fever, and gonorrhoea. The cold infusion is said to
restore the appetite and strength.
Jute leaves pack the antioxidant trio of
Vitamins A, C and E which fend off free radicals, thereby protecting
from cancer and other degenerative diseases. The ACE vitamins also
happen to be the most beautifying vitamins, increasing collagen
production to keep the skin firm and young-looking
Source: behealthyandwell.com.
