Soko Yokoto!

We are still on the discussion of Vegetables and their health benefits. Should in case you haven't read the first article, kindly click here. 

 

Play around with preparation and use different spices to bring out the taste of these gorgeous vegetables.

Remember that with vegetables, it is important that you avoid overcooking so as not to destroy most of the heat-sensitive nutrients in them

WATERLEAF: Fondly called Gbure. Mgbolodi in Igbo, in Edo, it is regarded as Ebe-dondon.

This vegetable contains lots of water and nutrients such as minerals, vitamins, crude fiber, lipids, crude protein and others which make them nutritious.

The sharp greenness of this vegetable alongside its health properties makes it one of the most common vegetables in the Nigerian food market.

BENEFITS:

* Improves the Blood Cells : It functions when it comes to blood cells in the body can’t be overemphasized. It is believed to help in the adequate pumping of blood and its supply and as such is used in many cases such as in the treatment of anemia.

* Enhances Cognitive Ability

Regular consumption of this vegetable has a good effect on the cognitive ability because of the presence of certain constituents which helps to improve cerebral blood flow and cognitive function.

*Eliminates Infections & Diseases

It has been proven effective for the treatment of some diseases like Atherosclerosis which results as the arteries in the body is been accumulated with fats and cholesterols thereby making the walls of the artery to be narrow

* Strong Bones and Teeth

The presence of calcium in this vegetable helps in maintaining strong bones and teeth, in general, gives support to the body skeletal structure and improve skeletal function.

You mostly find waterleaf used in cooking popular vegetable soup Edikang ikong. 

FLUTED PUMPKIN LEAVES:

Known locally as the ‘Ugu/ ugwu’ leaf, the fluted pumpkin leaves are arguably the most popular leafy vegetable in almost all parts of the country. Soups, stews and other staple Nigerian dishes benefit from the greenness and health properties of this vegetable. Many on a weight loss diet also steam this leaf with a little spice and eat alone.

Health Benefits Include:

This leaf has lots of dietary fiber and has very low calories.

- Helps in treatment of infertility

- Assists in stress reduction

- They contain a lot of iron, which helps in red blood cell production. Highly recommended for anemic

- Incorporating this leaf into your diet helps in preventing premature aging.

THE AFRICAN SPINACH also locally known as Soko is a Nigerian vegetable that is common in the food market. This perennial herb is used in the preparation of many Nigerian delicacies. Aside from its richness in Nigerian dishes, this leaf is called a functional food for its numerous nutritional and antioxidant properties.

Health Benefits:

- Filled with dietary fiber to keep you fuller and aid in easy digestion, this leaf is also very low in fat.

- Soko has a high level of calcium in it hence regular consumption of this veggie can reduce your risk of high blood pressure.

- It also improves bone health.

- Because of the zinc property in African spinach, it helps protect against viral infections, especially those that cause common colds.

I hope this Helps