The importance of spices and herbs in a dish is comparable to salt. In contrast to salt, an inorganic material, herbs are organic.

Because they are organic, spices include a variety of vital components that the body uses to create new cells, heal damaged tissues, and make other crucial substances like hormones and enzymes. 

As a result, spices not only enhance the flavour of our food but also give our body a wealth of raw materials with which to operate and repair its depleted molecules.

Uziza is one of the most enjoyable spices among the numerous recognised spices in Nigeria.

What is Uziza? 

Uziza is a typical African plant with the scientific name Piper Guineense. It is commonly called uziza by the Igbo tribe, as it is prevalent in their dishes. It is also grown mainly in the eastern part of the country.

It also goes by the name "Guinean pepper" in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa, where it is commonly grown. 

In various regions of West Africa, it is also known as Benin pepper, kukauabe, fake cubeb, Ashanti pepper, and Guinea cubeb.

We frequently add Uziza seeds as a spice to dishes like pepper soup, Afia Efere, Nsala soup, Egusi soup, Ogbono soup, etc., by grinding them into a fine form. It gives your food a unique flavour and aroma.

Nutritional Content of Uziza Seeds

Uziza includes:

• Protein.
• Fibre.
• Alkaloids.
• Steroids.
• Glycosides.
• Flavonoids.
• Aromatic substances. (Essential oils)
• Tannins.
• Saponins.
• Peptide.
• Phenols.

The chemical piperine, which gives them their flavouring taste, is found in 5-8% of the fruit. Along with apiole, it also includes significant levels of myristicin, elemicin, safrole, and dillapiol. 

Health Benefits of Uziza

The health advantages of uziza seeds and leaves complement those of black pepper. At an early age, uziza leaves are light green and darken with time.

The health benefits of uziza leaves and seeds come from their high nutritional value.

According to careful research, this Nigerian spice is rich in vitamins and minerals. The followings are some of the uziza leaves and seeds health benefits:

• Improves appetite. 
• Treats dysentery/diarrhoea.
• Treats indigestion.
• Fights cancer.
• Treats intestinal diseases.
• Treats rheumatism.
• Reduces cholesterol.
• Lowers blood sugar.
• Beneficial for people with diabetes.
• Lowers blood pressure and prevents hypertension.
• Aids postpartum recovery.
• Weight loss.
• Pain relief.
• Reduces constipation.
• Ovulation and penile erections are two areas where fertility is improved.
• Stomach ache relief.

Possible Side Effects of Uziza Seed/leaves

Overconsumption may result in diarrhoea, stomach pain, and heartburn. People with low blood sugar levels should avoid it since it might make them hypoglycemic.

Uziza Leaf and Seed Health Benefits: Can Pregnant Women Safely Take Uziza Leaf/Seed?

Yes, uziza seed is safe during pregnancy, including in the first several months.

Whether uziza leaves or seeds affect pregnancy is another common question when pregnant women discover they can take Uziza Seeds/Leaves. There is no factual data to support the idea that uziza impacts pregnancy. 

Therefore, pregnant women can indulge in foods derived from uziza leaves, seeds, or roots without worrying about negative consequences. 

However, pregnant women should avoid hot meals and excessive amounts of pepper.

Additionally, there is no scientific proof that uziza and spice are contraceptives or can lead to miscarriage.

Conclusion

The leaves and seeds of uziza offer several health advantages. Tea made from the leaves is frequently used medicinally.

The alternative method is to boil the fresh leaves and consume the resulting water as a herbal tea. Similarly, the leaves are commonly crushed and put into capsules to be used as a daily health supplement.

The seed can be powdered and used as a seasoning for food. Uziza is relatively safe to consume when pregnant.

If feasible, Uziza leaves and seed is a good spice suggestion to be added to all your soups. Use this to get the best-tasting soup ever. You may thank us afterward.

Drop your comments and suggestions on any other spice you've come across. Remember to stay PreggSafe!