Pregnant women should take care of their diet and health in order to ensure healthy development
of their child and themselves as well.
Ewedu provides pregnant women with vital nutrients that are necessary for the proper growth of the fetus, which is why pregnant women should include this leaf in their diet, if possible every day or at least several times per week. But what are the
benefits of ewedu? Let’s take a look at them below!
1) Ewedu Contains Calcium
Pregnant mothers should consume 1000 mg to 2000 mg of calcium daily. This will enable their
babies to grow strong bones and teeth, which are needed for their entire life. For an expecting
mother, it is crucial that she gets enough calcium in her body because her baby will take what it
needs from her body. It is recommended that a woman consumes as much as 1200 mg of calcium
each day during pregnancy, which is equivalent to 6 servings of dairy products or about 1 cup of yogurt.
However, if a woman doesn’t like consuming dairy products then she can opt for other
foods that contain high amounts of calcium such as kale, spinach, almonds, fortified orange juice
and ewedu.
Calcium is a very important nutrient in pregnancy as it helps develop and maintain strong bones,
teeth, and muscles in both mother and baby. ewedu is a very good source of calcium: 1 cup
cooked contains 36mg (or 9% RDA) of calcium. It’s also a great source of iron, magnesium,
phosphorus, potassium and manganese. The high levels of potassium help reduce blood pressure
which can be elevated during pregnancy. It also helps with muscle cramps that are often
experienced during labor due to low levels of magnesium. It’s also known for helping with
constipation that many pregnant women experience during their pregnancies due to hormonal
changes in their bodies.
Women who consumed sufficient amount of calcium had less risk for developing gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and other complications.
A 2007 study in Diabetes Care found that women who consumed more than 1,000 milligrams
(mg) of calcium daily had a 42 percent lower risk for developing gestational diabetes, compared
with those who consumed less than 500 mg. Another study from 2006 in The American Journal
of Clinical Nutrition reported that consuming more than 1,000 mg was associated with a 24
percent lower risk for preeclampsia and 10 percent lower risk for gestational hypertension.
Ewedu’s high amount of calcium and phosphorus helps improve bone density in pregnant
mothers, helping them reduce their risk for fractures later in life. Pregnant mothers should eat
ewedu that can help increase bone mass during pregnancy. Not only will your baby benefit from
a healthier mother who is less likely to suffer from a fracture, but your bones will also benefit
from improved density. Bone fractures are not just painful; they’re expensive too. Depending on
how severe your fracture is, you could be out of work for months or even years—and if you have
children at home, it could mean an added burden on family finances as well as childcare
arrangements while you recover.
It is well known that calcium intake during pregnancy is important for both baby and mother. A
lack of calcium in a woman’s diet can have serious repercussions for her bones, her baby’s
bones, and her overall health. For example, babies born to mothers with low calcium intakes are
more likely to be underweight at birth. Women who consume high amounts of calcium (through
their diets or supplements) while pregnant experience less weight loss after giving birth than
those who don’t get enough calcium.
2) Ewedu Prevents Anemia
Due to its calcium and Vitamin C content, it prevents anemia in pregnant women. Ewedu leaves
are also packed with folate and iron, which helps improve blood supply to unborn babies through
umbilical cord. These leaves also have anti-diabetic properties that help reduce risk of gestational
diabetes among expectant mothers. They also improve muscle strength in a mother after delivery,
which makes it easier for her to recover from natural delivery. Moreover, these leaves contain
antioxidants like carotenoids and flavonoids, which protect against oxidative stress during
pregnancy. Moreover, they also have diuretic properties that help prevent fluid retention in
mothers. Additionally, both carotenoids and polyphenols present in these leaves help fight off
infections by boosting immunity. It is believed that vitamin C contained in ewedu boosts
collagen production to tighten loose skin around the stomach area due to excessive weight gain
during pregnancy. The fiber present in these leaves helps keep bowels healthy while aiding the
3) Maintains Blood Pressure
During pregnancy, your body is working hard on behalf of your baby. First and foremost, you’re
providing nutrients and oxygen through your blood, which makes up about 60 percent of your
body weight at full term. But as you grow more hydrated—whether from a large glass of water
or small sips throughout the day—your blood volume can increase by about 30 percent.
This herb has been used in India for centuries to treat indigestion and heartburn, says Dr. Andrew
Weil, M.D., founder of integrative medicine program at University of Arizona College of
Medicine in Tucson. It’s also considered an anti-inflammatory agent. While it may not be right
for everyone (those with gallbladder disease or taking anticoagulants should avoid it), many
people find relief when they take 1/2 teaspoon mixed into a cup of hot water three times per day
before meals.
4) Ewedu Increases Breast Milk Production
Increase breast milk production – a cup of ewedu tea has about 39 calories and provides 16.4%
(SDA) iron, an essential nutrient for helping your body produce more breast milk.
Iron also helps prevent anemia, which can make you feel weak, irritable and tired during
pregnancy. This is especially important if you’re breastfeeding because it will affect how quickly
your baby’s brain develops and impacts cognitive development later in life.
There are many ways to ensure you get enough iron in your diet, but consuming green tea such
as those made from ewedu leaves as part of a healthy balanced diet alongside whole grains, fresh
fruit and vegetables with lean meat or fish can provide extra benefits.
5) Ewedu Improves Digestion and Maintains Healthy Bowels
Ewedu helps to maintain a healthy digestive system and relieves constipation. The leaves are
generally used as a laxative. Ewedu is thought to help relieve constipation by causing bowel
movement in those who regularly consume it.
The leaves possess mild purgative properties, and so can be used as an excellent remedy for
constipation, particularly during pregnancy. It is also believed that consumption of ewedu leaves
aids digestion, thereby preventing nausea and vomiting associated with morning sickness. In
addition to these effects on digestion, ewedu has been found to have anti-diarrheal properties that
may prove useful in preventing diarrhea caused by bacterial infections such as cholera or
dysentery.
6) Ewedu Lowers Cholesterol Levels and Improves Overall Heart Health
Cholesterol is an essential component in a healthy heart, but elevated levels can lead to damage
and inflammation. ewedu works by reducing overall cholesterol levels and improving HDL, or
good cholesterol levels. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation within
your heart tissue.
One 2008 study published in Nutrition Research found that ewedu extract reduces total
cholesterol and LDL, or bad cholesterol, while increasing HDL, which is beneficial for those
who have been diagnosed with high cholesterol or are at risk for developing it.
Ewedu also has anti-microbial properties that help fight infection and protect you from bacteria
that could cause heart disease. If you’re looking for a natural way to improve your heart health
and prevent chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer and heart attacks, try adding ewedu to your
diet.
Conclusion
Although the benefits of this leaf is very profound, it should be taken with caution and in the
knowledge of the health care provider. Pregnancy is a very delicate state that requires frequent
and consistent observation.
