One of the many concerns most Nigerians face is “How to stay healthy” while going through the hustle and bustle of life. Despite the struggle we may go through trying to make a living, it would be of no use if our health is put on the line.
One way to stay healthy is to feed your body with healthy food and nutrients to give you the required strength and vitality to lead a healthy life.
Consistently consuming junks does more harm to your system than good. A great way to avoid this and keep you healthy is by taking Vegetables.
But What Are Vegetables?
It is important to note that vegetables are not only greens. While most vegetables are green, as in, a green leaf, most vegetables are not.
Vegetables are any plant or part of a plant that is used for food. It is any part of a plant that is edible or can be consumed for food. These plants are usually eaten fresh or prepared in a number of ways which could be savoury, rather than a sweet dish.
Here are some healthy Nigerian vegetables you can start having or including in your meals today, and their health benefits.
Scent Leaf
Scent leaf is a powerful vegetable with a unique colour, a distinct scent which is due to its high concentration of camphor of about 22%, and a plethora of nutritional and medicinal benefits. It is grown in Nigeria and is known by the Igbos as Nchuanwu, the Hausas as Daidoya, and the Yorubas as Efinrin. Soups, pepper soups, soups, and yam are all common uses for scent leaf.
Health Benefits
- It can be used as a repellant
- The juice from the leaf can also be used to treat vomiting, cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery and cholera.
- It is excellent for bone growth and blood production.
- It is also used to prevent and treat cough, cold, catarrh, fever and malaria.
Carrot
The carrot is a root vegetable that has been said to be the perfect health food. It is usually crunchy, tasty, and very nutritious. In Nigeria, carrots are usually orange in colour. But they vary in other colours such as white, yellow, red and even purple.
Health Benefits
- They can help you lose weight.
- Carrots can lower cholesterol levels and improved eye health.
- The carotene antioxidants in carrots have been said to reduce the risk of cancer.
- Orange carrots get their bright colour from beta carotene, an antioxidant that your body converts into vitamin A.
Bitterleaf
Like the name, bitter leaf, it is a common vegetable known in Nigeria for its bitter taste. The Igbos refer to it as onugbo, Hausas refer to it as shiwaka, and Yorubas refer to it as Ewuro. This leaf is beneficial to the body and contains many health benefits. No Nigerian market is complete without the bitter leaf, particularly in the east and south.
Health Benefits
- It helps in the reduction of high blood sugar levels and is also helpful for diabetic patients.
- Bitterleaf is a powerful antioxidant that is high in phytochemicals that can help prevent cancer.
- Bitter leaf cleanses the blood, protects against indigestion and scurvy, and moisturizes the skin.
- The juice derived from the bitter leaf can be used to treat nausea, dysentery, and other digestive and appetite issues.
Garlic
Garlic is used more like a spice or herb than a vegetable. It comes from an edible plant with a bulb, stem and leaves, therefore, it is botanically considered a vegetable. You can cook with it at home as an additional and nutritious ingredient, taste it in sauces and/or eat it in dishes. Unlike other vegetables, garlic is rarely consumed in large amounts or on its own. Instead, it’s usually added to dishes in small amounts because of its strong taste.
Health Benefits
- It reduces cholesterol
- Lowers the risk of blood pressure
- It decreases the risk of blood clots.
- It is a beneficial treatment for infections from the respiratory organs such as bronchitis, asthma and cough.
- It also enhances immune function.
Fluted Pumpkin Leaves
The fluted pumpkin leaves, also known as the ‘Ugu/ Ugwu’ leaf, are arguably the most common leafy vegetable in almost every part of the world. The greenness and health properties of this vegetable support soups, stews, and other staple Nigerian dishes. Many people on a diet consume this leaf alone, steamed with a little seasoning.
Health Benefits
- This leaf is high in dietary fibre and low in calories.
- Aids in infertility treatment
- Assists in the elimination of stress and tension
- They are high in iron, which aids in the formation of red blood cells. Anemics should take this supplement as it is highly recommended.
- Using this leaf in your diet will help you avoid premature ageing.
