NUTRITION HEALTH BENEFITS OF FLUTED PUMPKIN 

•Most people knows this vegetable; ugu (fluted pumpkin) and the fact that it’s a highly versatile plant but few of us know what it really does, its health benefits. Many also don’t know it’s common name to be ‘pumpkin’. When some people hear pumpkin, they’d probably think of the round orange-colored squash plant used for Halloween decorations.

•Ugu as a vegetable can be seasoned with condiments to make a soup, minimally boiled, and eaten plain or blended into a smoothie.

FLUTED PUMPKIN NUMEROUS BENEFITS:

✓ It is rich in protein and Iron thus, aids blood production and prevents and treats anaemia. It is highly recommended for pregnant women and lactating mothers. It is administered as blood tonic to the weak or ill.

✓Like any other vegetable, ugu contains a healthy amount of vitamins.

✓Lowers cholesterol.

✓Boosts fertility: The plant seeds are an excellent source of nutrients

 for the prostate, contain libido boosting vitamins, essential sex drive minerals and high level of zinc necessary for optimal testosterone production.

The young leaves are used for the prevention and treatment of convulsion when sliced and mixed with salt and coconut water

Other benefits include; possession of antibacterial effect, helpful for diabetic patients as it has sugar reducing effects and boosts the immune system.

How to Eat Pumpkin Leaves:

Pumpkin leaves can be eaten raw, as salad, prepared as vegetable soup or used to garnish. It is commonly used as the main vegetable in Egusi soup and I also use it to garnish egg while frying and garnish noodles.

How to Eat Pumpkin Seeds:

Pumpkin seeds can be eaten raw, straight out of the pumpkin. They can also be fried on a skillet with a bit of olive oil, or cooked.

Pumpkin seeds can also be roasted and or salted. They also make a great addition to salads, pesto’s, granola mix and of course make an excellent “eat anywhere” snack.

How To Prepare Fluted Pumpkin Blood Tonic:

Crush leaves with hand and squeeze out water, sieve with cheesecloth or strainer to remove leaf particles, add milk and drink.

How To Prepare Fluted Pumpkin Smoothie:

Blend leaves and milk together. You can also add ice cubes if you want it chilled. Blend all together until smooth. Serve and drink.