Health is wealth. This is why we need to be intentional about what we take into our bodies. Some plants are packed with a lot of nutrients that would keep your body healthy. One of such plants is Utazi.
Utazi is a plant native to the tropics in West Africa. It is known as Utazi in South-Eastern Nigeria, while those from the South West (Yorubas) call it arokeke.
Biologically known as Gongronema latifolium, has a mildly bitter, spicy taste, that enhances the taste of the food it is used to cook. Utazi is widely used in the preparation of soups because it enhances both the taste and aroma of the food.
The Utazi leaves can be used for so many things, including food preparation and herbs. It is also used because of its immense health benefits. These include:
1. An antioxidants
Utazi is rich in powerful antioxidants, stored in saponins and flavonoids in the plant, that remove toxins from the body and get rid of free radicals that could damage cells.
2. Pain relief
Utazi is also used to relieve pains in parts of the body. For example, rubbing Utazi leaves on cuts and bruises can help to significantly reduce the pain from the injury as well as stop the bleeding, if any. It is also used to treat and manage internal pain, like pain in the muscles and joints
3. Anti-inflammatory properties
Utazi has properties that could help to treat and reduce inflammation in people. That is why it is used in the treatment of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions in the body.
