Ewedu Leaf is one of the many vegetables used to make soups, particularly by the Yoruba people of Nigeria.

Also called Achingbara in Igbo, Rama in Hausa or Jute leaves as in the English Language.

Ewedu leaf is botanically known as Corchorus Olitorius, molokhia leaves (in Egypt and in other northern Africa), Saluyot (in the Philippines and other southern Asian countries), and also, Jews mallow.

Please Read: Bitter Leaf Soup (Ofe Onuigbu) – How to Cook Nigerian Soups

Jute leaf is a shrub-like plant with small dark green, glossy leaves. It is these leaves that are picked and processed into food.

Health Facts of Ewedu Leaf

(Based on 100 g of picked leaves)

Calories: 41.2 k cal

Dietary fiber: 1.2 g

Carbohydrates: 2.6 g

Protein: 1.3 g

Fat: 2 g

Vitamins: C,E, A, Thiamin, Riboflavin

Minerals: Calcium, Iron

Health Benefits of Ewedu Leaf

For weight loss

The green leaf has been described as a source of weight loss. It contains 97 calories and is an adequate source of fiber.

Jute leaf aids in dealing with weight management and may also promote intestinal health by helping with bowel movement.

For pregnant women

Saluyot leaf is widely used as a remedy for pregnant women experiencing prolonged labor.

When a pregnant woman is in such condition, a bunch of saluyot leaves can be squeezed to extract the juice and taken as a drink.

It has also been discovered to aid milk secretion for lactating mothers.

Fertility

Many couples are grappling with infertility without knowing what to do.

A naturopath, Dr Solomon Abutoh, says there is no cause for alarm because the condition can be treated.

According to him, vegetables, such as water leaf, pumpkin leaves (ugu), Ewedu, lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, Brussels sprout, and carrots can help to correct the condition.

Prevents aging

Also important, this vegetable is very good at maintaining youthful skin.

It contains vitamins and minerals that are very important as an antioxidant. Also, the essential fatty acids in Ewedu can preserve the skin moisture.

Just as, it prevents the loss of water through the skin, it also reduces the wrinkles that are the main cause of aging.

More Ewedu Health Benefits

Improve eyes vision Accelerate the regenerate of body cells Maintain the nail clean Lower the risk of cataracts and other eye disorders. Improve the immune of the body Improves brain health Helps in hormone stabilization in women Stabilizes blood pressure Strengthens bone and teeth

Uses:

Firstly, Ewedu fresh leaves are most commonly used to make soups or smoothies in Nigeria.

Secondly, they have been reported to be added to curries and served with rice in other parts of the world

Also, the leaves tend to get gluey or sticky, like Okra and sometimes act as a thickener in soups because of their mucilaginous texture.

Besides, dried Ewedu leaves are used to brew a type of herbal tea which is drunk for its various health benefits. This is quite common in Japan.

Other Ewedu Uses

Manufacturing: The stem/stalk of the cochorous plants is also used in the manufacturing of ropes and jute sacks.

Health & Beauty: Ewedu leaves can be used to make face masks.

Extracts of the leaves are also known to be added to beauty products such as creams and serums.

Above all, some food supplements are also believed to contain Ewedu leaves extracts.

Popular Ewedu Recipe in Nigeria

Nigerian cuisine most of the time, serves soup/stew, with a carbohydrate rich accompaniment. A typical example is:

Ewedu Soup and Amala