Using Graphics to Promote the Health Values of Indigenous Vegetables in Anaemia, Metabolic Syndrome, and Wound Management

Abstract

Vegetables are any plant whose fruit, seeds, roots, tubers, bulbs, stems, leaves, or flower parts are used as food. However, this study captures leafy vegetables which are affordable and quick to cook; rich in several macro and micronutrients including vitamins, minerals and fibers which are essential for anemic, metabolic syndrome and wound management. Though the nutritive contents of these vegetables abound, this study aims at advancing the education on the relevant contents of indigenous vegetables based on established data of the synonymous vegetables. This Case Series article was intended to be pictorial representation of functional leafy vegetables that are available in the research site. Unique graphic designs of the seven indigenous vegetables, which have been previously reviewed, were made to portray their potential micronutrient values and relevance as functional foods in health and disease. Although the seven graphical images indicated similarities, various add-on health values are highlighted. The pictograms depict medical nutrition therapy potentials. . Each pictogram represents an educational tool for health promotion about a vegetable. Bitter leaf had an added value for kidney functions management, Amaranthus for bone maintenance, Lemon grass for insomnia management and general detox, Mint leaf for stomach upset management, Moringa for cancer and malnutrition management, Fluted pumpkin, and Water leaf for constipation management. The health values of these indigenous vegetables include management of common ailments such as anemia, metabolic syndrome and wound management is relatively scarce. This Case Series provides a compendium of seven pictorials to be used as graphical health educational resource to promote consumption of indigenous vegetables in Delta State Nigeria. The significance is to advance health promotion on food matters among a populations where the people may be more inclined to visual prompts. Implications for the COVID19 pandemic is briefly addressed.Keywords: antioxidants, haematinics, health promotion, immunomodulation, infections, metabolic syndrome, micronutrients, wound management