6 Health Benefits of Uziza Leaf

• Anu
• August 4, 2021
• Health
• nigerian vegetables, uziza leaf, Uziza Leaf Health Benefits
• 0 Comments

Uziza leaf is a common vegetable native to Central and West Africa. It is also semi-cultivated in Nigeria where the leaves are used for flavouring soups.

While It’s botanical name is Piper Guineense, other names for this spicy plant include West African pepper, Ashanti pepper, Uziza, Iyere, Guinea pepper, kale, Benin pepper, false cubeb, Guinea cubeb, and Sorowisa.

The Uziza leaves are pale green when fresh and turn darker when dried.

Its leaves give a peppery flavor to soups while the seeds give an aromatic and spicy flavor.

Uziza leaf has numerous health benefits and here are some of them.

1. It has anti-inflammatory properties

Free radicals and inflammation are the primary cause of diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Uziza contains an active substance called piperine that can help fight inflammation.

By consuming anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidants regularly, the free radicals will be neutralized, and the chances of your body developing diseases will be significantly reduced.

2. Aids digestion

Because of its high dietary fiber, Uziza leaf is high in aids digestion and reduces constipation.

Uziza also has carminative properties that help to reduce flatulence and stomach gas.

3. Helps with weight loss

Adding Uziza to your diet may help boost your metabolism and promote weight loss.

Also, drinking Uziza tea before meals promote satiety, and reduces overeating. It is best to drink the tea on an empty stomach for best results.

4. Acts as a natural painkiller

Conditions like toothaches, headaches, joint pain, and much more have been found to be alleviated with the use of Uziza leaves.

5. Promotes uterine contraction after childbirth

Uziza is added to soups and given to women after childbirth. It is believed to reduce or shrink the uterus, cleanse the uterus, and promote milk supply.

6. Relieves cold and cough

Uziza has been in use in ancient African medicine to treat cold and cough symptoms. Piperine in uziza helps to relieve congestion and clear out thick mucus.

Furthermore, Uziza is rich in essential nutrients that help strengthen immunity.

To do this, you’ll need to get some fresh Uziza leaves and put them in a clean bowl. Add some clean boiled water to the vegetable and allow to stand for at least ten minutes. Sieve the mixture and drink the filtrate and drink three times daily until symptoms clear completely.