- Scent leaf is more than a flavourful herb; it is a nutrient-dense superfood with significant health benefits
- It has long been used to treat everyday ailments such as coughs, stomach aches, and infections
- Here is why you should include scent leaf in your diet and how to incorporate it
Scent leaf, known as Efinrin in Yoruba, Nchanwu in Igbo, and Daidoya in Hausa, is a fragrant herb staple in Nigerian households. It is often found in backyard gardens or available in local markets.
This leafy green plant is more than just a culinary ingredient. It plays a vital role in both traditional medicine and everyday Nigerian cooking. Whether you're adding it to soups, stews, or teas, scent leaf elevates dishes with its distinctive aroma and flavour while also delivering a wealth of health benefits.
The great thing about scent leaf is that it’s readily available and easy to incorporate into everyday meals.
TheRadar explores the various health benefits of scent leaves and how to incorporate them into your diet.
8 health benefits of scent leaf
1. Rich in nutrients
Scent leaf contains essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium. These nutrients are vital for maintaining overall health, supporting immune function, and boosting energy levels.
2. Antioxidant properties
Scent leaf contains antioxidants that help protect the body from free radicals, which can cause cell damage. These antioxidants support the body’s defence system, reducing the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.
3. Improves digestion
Traditionally, scent leaf has been used to aid digestion. It can help relieve bloating, indigestion, and stomach discomfort. The herb’s natural enzymes improve gut health, making it easier to break down food and absorb nutrients.
4. Anti-inflammatory effects
Inflammation is linked to various health issues, including arthritis and cardiovascular diseases. Scent leaf has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and pain, making it beneficial for people with inflammation-related conditions.
5. Lowers blood sugar levels
Studies suggest that scent leaf may help regulate blood sugar levels, making it an excellent addition for people managing diabetes or trying to prevent it. The plant’s compounds work to reduce blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
6. Supports respiratory health
Scent leaf is a natural remedy for treating respiratory issues like coughs, asthma, and bronchitis. Its antimicrobial properties help fight off infections in the respiratory tract, providing relief from symptoms.
7. Antimicrobial properties
Scent leaf contains essential oils with antimicrobial properties that can fight bacteria, fungi, and other harmful microorganisms. This makes it a valuable herb for treating infections, wounds, and skin issues.
8. Promotes heart health
By lowering cholesterol levels and reducing blood pressure, scent leaf helps support a healthy heart. Incorporating this herb into your diet may reduce the risk of heart-related diseases and keep your cardiovascular system functioning optimally.
How to incorporate scent leaf into your diet
Now that we know the incredible health benefits of scent leaf, let’s look at how to add it to your daily meals. Luckily, scent leaf is versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes to enhance flavour and provide nutrients.
1. Add to soups and stews
One of the most common ways to use scent leaf is in soups and stews. Dishes like pepper soup, yam porridge, or banga soup come alive with a handful of chopped fresh scent leaves. The leaves release a strong aroma and flavour that perfectly complements the dish.
2. Blend into smoothies or juices
For a healthy, refreshing drink, you can blend fresh scent leaves with fruits like pineapple, ginger, or watermelon to make a nutritious smoothie. The leaves add a unique flavour and boost the drink’s nutritional value.
3. Make scent leaf tea
Scent leaf tea is another easy way to enjoy its health benefits. Boil fresh or dried leaves in water for about 5–10 minutes. You can add honey or lemon for extra flavour. This tea is excellent for relieving cold symptoms, boosting immunity, or warming up on a cold day.
4. Use as a spice for grilled or boiled meat and fish
When grilling or boiling meat, chicken, or fish, you can use scent leaves as a spice. Marinate your protein with blended scent leaves, garlic, pepper, and oil to give it flavour.
5. Mix with beans or rice
You can add scent leaves to rice dishes like white rice or native rice, as well as bean dishes like Ewa Agoyin or porridge. Sauté the leaves in a bit of oil with onions and garlic before mixing them into the dish to enhance the flavour.
6. Use in salads
Fresh scent leaves can be used to make a delicious salad. Toss them with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and avocado, drizzle some olive oil, and you’ve got a nutrient-dense salad that’s as tasty as it is healthy.
11 reasons you should start adding bitter leaf to your diet
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported why you should add bitter leaf, a leafy green with a distinct bitter taste, to your diet.
They include a high nutrient profile, the ability to boost the immune system, aid in weight loss, improve digestive health, and more.