Pumpkin Leaf “Ugu” For Hair and Skin Health; See Others

Pumpkin Leaf

This leaf is scientifically called Telfaira occidentalis and popularly referred to as fluted pumpkin which belongs to the leafy vegetable family.

It has no season as it is found throughout the year but mostly found during the rainy season. Due to its sweet taste, health benefits, and how it perfectly fits into all recipes it has become a favorite and one of the most frequently used vegetables in most homes.

Pumpkin leaf got its origin in West Africa, and more dominant in Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana as well as Sierra Leone.

This leaf is popularly referred to as Ugu leaf by Nigerians and most especially the Igbos who have been using this leaf for cooking and medications for centuries.

It is specifically called sokoyokoto in Yoruba, kabewa in Hausa, ikong-ubong in Efik. Pumpkin leaf contains a lot of nutrients with a major source of iron, calcium, potassium, manganese as well as some vitamins like Vitamin A, C, B2, and E.

The Nutritional Component of Pumpkin Leaf

Most people use this leaf but are not aware of its nutritional content. Here is the list of the nutritional components of pumpkin leaf (Ugu).

Calcium
Potassium
Folic acid
Iron
Vitamin E
Vitamin B6
Magnesium
Phosphorus
Thiamine
Niacin
Copper
Manganese
Protein
Dietary fiber
Vitamin C
Riboflavin

The low calories with a lot of these nutrients can help serve our hunger along with keeping us healthy.

Read Also; How To Get The Best From Your Fruits And Vegetables

The Skin Benefits of Pumpkin Leaf

Help treat dry skin

Pumpkin leaves can be used to treat dry skin. To do this mix 2 teaspoons of pumpkin leaf puree, half teaspoon of milk, half teaspoon of honey, and a quarter teaspoon of heavy whipping cream. Apply properly and evenly on your face without allowing it to enter your eye. Leave it for about 10 – 15 minutes to allow it exfoliates, nourish, and condition your skin. Wash off with warm water and apply your skin type moisturizer.

A good treatment for oily skin

If you have oily skin, you can try a face mask missed with a tablespoon of pumpkin leaf puree and one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Mix thoroughly and apply it on a damp face and leave it till it dries up. Leave it on your face for about 30 minutes and rinse off with warm water.

Helps improve your skin texture

Ugu leaf is a good source of vitamin C which is a strong antioxidant and also contains beta carotene capable of reversing ultraviolet rays skin damage and help improve your skin texture. It also helps to improve your skin tone and elasticity. It protects your skin against skin cancer and prevents radical damages which are responsible for causing wrinkles.

For treating Dark Sport

Pumpkin leaves can also be used to fade out your dark spot. To achieve this mix 1 tablespoon of pumpkin puree, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil, and 1 teaspoon of honey. Apply it gently on your face and leave it for 30 minutes and rinse it off. Do this about four times a week until you get your desired result.

The Hair Benefits of Pumpkin Leaf

This leaf is a good source of minerals and other nutrients which is very important for healthy hair growth.

Pumpkin Leaf Helps promote hair growth

Pumpkin contains potassium and zinc which are key nutrients when it comes to hair health and growth. Potassium is a mineral that helps improve hair growth and also keep it healthy. Zinc also promotes healthy hair as it helps to maintain collagen.

A good conditioner for dry hair

For someone having dry hair, prepare a conditioner using pumpkin. Do this by simply mixing 2 cups of chopped and cooked pumpkin with one tablespoon of coconut oil, a tablespoon of yogurt, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Blend the pumpkin and yogurt using a blender to form a puree then add the honey and coconut oil. Mix it thoroughly and apply it to damp shampooed hair. Cover the hair with a shower cap and leave it for about 20 minutes and wash it off.

Pumpkin Leaf “Ugu” For Hair and Skin Health; See Others — Pumpkin

Other Benefits of Pumpkin Leaf “Ugu” to the Body

It improves the production of Blood
It is a good source of calcium and magnesium and hence helps improve the bones and teeth.
It can be used to treat convulsion
It helps promote fertility
It can help you check and lose weight
It reduces the body cholesterol levels
It controls the body sugar levels
Fight against cancerous cells
Boost immune system
Help aids Digestion

The Benefits of Pumpkin Seed to Pregnant Women

It controls gestational diabetes
Helps in the brain development of the fetus
It may help them sleep better
It helps to control their mood swing
It helps to keep their heart healthy

The Possible Side Effects of Eating Pumpkin Leaf

The consumption of pumpkin leaf in large quantities may lead to Allergic reactions, shortness of breath, vomiting, wheezing, abdominal cramps and stomach ache due to the presence of high fiber contents.

Hence it is advised to use this ugu leaf moderately to prevent probable health complications.

Pumpkin Leaf “Ugu” For Hair and Skin Health; See Others