There are many edible plants around us, and Jute is one example of an edible plant that contains many health benefits. The leaf of this plant is commonly used by people. But what are the health benefits of the jute leaf? Well, later on, we will discuss the benefits of this plant, but let’s discuss first the characteristics and uses of this plant first.
Jute or saluyot is widely used as a food source in numerous parts of the world. This herbaceous leaf is popular in South East Asia and West Africa. Based on historical facts, Cleopatra was eating this plant because of its health and beauty benefits. Furthermore, for about centuries Corchorus Olitorius, which is the scientific name of Jute, is proven to be effective in the improvements of certain conditions of the body. Aside from the health benefits of jute leaf, jute fibers are also used for handicrafts like bags, ropes, hats, mats, foot wears and others.
Jute Plant
Jute plant grows up to 10 to 12 feet (3 to 3.6 meters). This herbaceous plant typically grows in a tropical place with humid and warm climate, which provides sufficient water. Jute grows in well-drained and sandy loam soil and can basically found everywhere. The leaf of jute is broad, apically acute, elliptic-lanceolate, serrate and glabrous that is 6-10 cm long and 3.5-5 cm broad. It also consists of small yellow flower that is 2-3 cm wide and a capsule-like fruit with greyish black seeds. Moreover, this plant can survive easily without much attention and care.
Jute is a green leafy plant that is rich in phosphorus, calcium, potassium, and iron. It has been discovered that a hundred grams of Jute contain sufficient amount of Vitamin A, riboflavin, ascorbic acid, thiamine, and fiber. This plant is a safe food for pregnant mothers and for those who are physically weak people. Since one of the health benefits of Jute leaf is the sufficiency of fiber, regular intake of the leaves may help to control cholesterol build up, blood pressure, diabetes. It also helps to lower the risk of having cancer or asthma and it is also good for the heart because it prevents heart disease.
As an edible plant, the slimy texture of Jute when cooked is a powerful content that treats various digestive issues like stomach ache, dysentery, diarrhea, ulcers, and constipation. This is usually boiled or fried and added to any soup with beef, chicken, pumpkin and many more. You can see below the nutrition facts of Jute or Saluyot (Corchorus olitorius).
Nutrition Facts of
| Amount Per 100 grams | % Per Daily Value | |
| Calories | 37 | |
| Total Fat | 2 grams | 0% |
| Saturated Fat | 0% | |
| Monounsaturated fat | 0 gram | |
| Polyunsaturated fat | 0.1 milligram | |
| Cholesterol | 0 milligram | 0% |
| Sodium | 11 milligram | 0% |
| Potassium | 550 milligram | 15% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 7 grams | 2% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 grams | 8% |
| Sugar | 1 gram | |
| Protein | 3.7 grams | 7% |
| Vitamin A | 130% | |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0% | |
| Vitamin D | 0% | |
| Calcium | 21% | |
| Vitamin C | 55% | |
| Vitamin B-6 | 30% | |
| Iron | 17% | |
| Magnesium | 15% |
The nutrition facts are mainly on a diet that has a calorie of 2,000. But it depends if you will consume lower or higher amount of jute dependent on your calorie requirements.
The Top 10 Amazing Health Benefits of Jute leaf
As Mentioned above, Jute has many nutritional and health benefits. Thus, the daily intake of Jute leaf will give amazing help in our daily lives. The health benefits of jute leaf are the following:
Jute plant has 0.222 mg of copper this amount of copper is 24.67% of the daily recommended amount of copper in the body. Copper is an essential help in decreasing bad cholesterol level in the body and upsurges good cholesterol. It also helps in the reduction of the danger of having cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks, strokes, and atherosclerosis.
Maintains Cell Growth and Skin Health
Jute plant is evidently having vitamin A which is essential for skin regeneration and skin health. Vitamin A is the nutrient responsible for wound healing and skin re-growth. It supports all the epithelial or skin cells externally and internally, which prevents the occurrence of skin cancer. Moreover, Vitamin A is an important agent for fighting Acne and helps to reduce wrinkles. It is also essential in hair health.
Restless Leg Syndrome
Iron is an essential nutrient that is needed by our body and the low level of iron in our blood may cause restless leg syndrome. Therefore, the regular consumption of Jute (Corchorus Olitorius) will help to treat this kind of syndrome because it consists of 34.13% of the daily recommended Iron value or 2.73 mg of Iron. One of the popular symptoms of Iron deficiency is muscle spasms.
Jute plant consists of many nutrients and one of the nutrients that it has was magnesium. Magnesium helps in the normalization of breathing for those who are suffering from asthma. It regulates breathing and it also aids in the relaxation of bronchial muscles. This is one of the best health benefits of jute leaf.
Cures Internal Bleeding
Jute plant contains sufficient amount of Vitamin K which is an essential help in reducing the risk of jaundice, poor nutrient absorption, and bleeding of the liver. It also aids diseases like sprue, obstructions, colitis and Crohn’s disease that is related to the deficiency of Vitamin K.
The presence of Vitamin B9 in Jute is an essential element for reducing the risks of having cancer. Jute plant also consists of Vitamin B9 which is 22.50% of the daily recommended amount. The likelihood of having a colon cancer, lung cancer and cervical cancer can vanish through Vitamin B9.
Sustains Healthy Gums and Teeth
Calcium is a popular nutrient essential for the teeth. It helps to make our jaw bone strong that guarantees tight-fitting teeth that hinders the growth of bacteria. Jute plant has sufficient amount of calcium this consists of about 184 mg of calcium. High intake of calcium is advisable especially for young ages so that they will grow up with strong teeth.
Helps to Fight Flu and Colds
Vitamin C is an important nutrient for our immune system and has a significant role in the ability of our body to fight viruses and colds. An intake of Vitamin C during flu or colds can help to minimize the risk of having more complications like lung infections and pneumonia. Jute plant may not have a sour taste but it also contains Vitamin C.
Protects hair and Skin
Since Vitamin B2 is neccessary for the skin and hair, jute also provides Vitamin B2. Vitamin B2 has also known as riboflavin it has an essential role in maintaining collagen levels in our body. According to some researchers, the existence of riboflavin or Vitamin B2 can reduce the healing time of a wound. It also helps in the reduction of skin inflammation as well as cracked lips and also a powerful anti-aging agent.
Various nutrient deficiencies or poor diet are the main reasons for having various eye diseases. Based on some research, the intake of Vitamin B6 along with other vitamins such as folate will likely prevent vision loss and eye disorders. Thus, the Jute plant also has 0.496 mg of vitamin B6 which is 38.15% of the daily needed nutrient value. Just like the other health benefits of Jute leaf, the regular consumptions of Jute plant will lessen the risk of having eye diseases including those eye diseases related to aging.
