Fruity Thursday
Pumpkin Leaves (Ugu/ Alefo/ mfang-ubere)

                    
Pumpkin plant is a fast-growing vine that creeps along the ground surface in a similar fashion like that of other Cucurbitaceae family vegetables and fruits such as cucumber.

It is one of the most popular field crops cultivated around the world,
Pumpkins vary greatly in shape, size and colors. They generally weigh 4–6 kg with the largest capable of reaching a weight of over 25 kg.
Pumpkins, in general, feature some varieties of colours like dark to pale green, brown, white, red and gray and even yellow.

           
          
Telfaria Occidentalis is the specie that is popular in Nigeria known as Ugwu, fluted pumpkin, alefo, Ugboguru, mfang-ubere, is an African tropical vine planted in more in the eastern part of the country.

            
In some parts of Nigeria, the big yellow pumkin (ugboguru) is cooked with yam as porridge, the leaves is best prepared with okro and even the seed is either fried and eaten as a snack or it is prepared by fermentation for use as seasoning ( ogiri)
          
                    
Pumpkin juice has several health benefits due to which it can be used as a healthy substitute for carbonated drinks. Moreover, pumpkin has a high content of vitamin D as well as minerals like copper, iron and phosphorus. Juicing is a suitable way to obtain these nutritional benefits of pumpkin. This juice is highly regarded by vegetarians because of its delicious taste and versatility of use. Besides consumption, it is also used as an active ingredient in many sweets and pharmaceutical preparations.

Here are some benefits:

Anti oxidants
Pumpkin is a storehouse of many anti-oxidant vitamins such as vitamin-A, vitamin-C and vitamin-E.
 Zea-xanthin is a natural anti-oxidant which has UV (ultra-violet) ray, Thus, it helps protect from "age-related macular disease" (ARMD) in the elderly.

Digestion and cures constipation
Pumpkin juice is beneficial for the digestive system and is helpful in curing both constipation and loose motions due to its laxative action.

Lowers Blood Pressure
It minimizes the risk of high blood pressure. It contains pectin which helps in reducing cholesterol.

Relieves morning sickness during Pregnancy
Pumpkin juice is effective in providing relief from morning sickness in pregnant women.

Immune Boaster
Vitamin C and other minerals present in the juice act as immunity boosters and thus protect the body from various diseases.

Skin care and Facials
Its high nutritional value makes it an active ingredient in many anti-wrinkle and hydrating creams. It is widely used in facials in combination with other ingredients like honey, yoghurt, lemon juice and vitamin E oil for different skin types.

Help in the treatment of Aneamia
 The fruit is a good source of B-complex group of vitamins like folates, niacin, vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), thiamin and pantothenic acid.
Enjoy!