4 possible health benefits of Ugwu juice and milk

There is a popular notion that our forefathers lived long because they lived in an era where many of the things they eat were in their fresh, natural, and unadulterated forms, which in turn gave them maximum nutritional benefits and immunity against many of the ailments that have become common nowadays. The early man, and by extension, our forefathers had to rely on games from the wild, as well as plants and herbs for their nutritional and health needs.

Many of these plants are still in existence today but we seem to underrate them nowadays and instead opt for the many other options we have, which in most cases, are not good for the long-term benefits of the body. However, one of these plants that have continued to be widely utilised by humans is the popular Ugwu vegetable, which is scientifically called Telfairia occidentalis. It is a highly loved and cherished vegetable that has gained rave reviews from many Nigerians, especially in recent times.

Thanks to its rich nutrient profile, not only is the Ugwu leaf utilised as food but is also utilised as herbal medicine by many people. Some of the nutrients found in the Ugwu leaf include the considerable protein content of its leaves, minerals such as iron, calcium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, and magnesium; as well as vitamins such as thiamine, nicotinamide, riboflavin and ascorbic acid. In addition to these, Ugwu also possesses certain antioxidant properties, as well as important phytochemicals such as phenols.

Although Ugwu leaf on its own can be utilised for nutritional and health benefits, you would be getting even more nutrients and health benefits when you mix it with milk, another food ingredient that is rightfully considered a nutrient powerhouse. So, when you mix the extracted juice of the Ugwu leaf with milk, you are only going to get so much more than just utilising just one of the two ingredients. Some of the health benefits of drinking both as a mixture are presented below:

1. Improved Fertility

The combination of Ugwu leaf and milk has always been used for treating infertility issues in men and women. This is in no small thanks to many of the vital nutrients and compounds derived from Ugwu such as oleic acid, alkaloids, and vitamin A.

2. Effective for Treating Anaemia

The combination of these two ingredients can also help to increase blood levels in the body due to their high iron content, with the mixture capable of treating and preventing anaemia caused by iron deficiency in children, as well as in pregnant women.

3. Improved Bone and Teeth Health

The intake of this mixture may just be the thing you need for giving your teeth and bones the nutrients they require to stay strong and prevent the wear and tear that often sets in as people age. This is because of their high calcium, phosphorus and magnesium content.

4. Reduction of Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress is linked to the damage of cells in the body, as well as the increased risks of certain ailments such as diabetes, cancer, etc. However, due to the antioxidant properties present in both milk and Ugwu leaf, oxidative stress is fought off and reduced, thus improving general health.