Morogo

For other uses, see Morogo (disambiguation).

Morogo, also known as wild or African spinach, refers to a group of at least three different dark green leafy vegetables found throughout Southern Africa and harvested for human consumption. It is considered a traditional South African dish^[1] and forms an important part of the staple diet in rural communities.^[2]

Health benefits and safety

Morogo leaves have a protein content of up to 36%. The ultimate vitamin content is dependent on the age of the plant and method of preparation; the plants contain vitamin A and vitamin C and complement the low levels of calcium, magnesium and iron in maize.^[3]

An examination of three widely consumed variants have found that its consumption may lower the risk of vascular-related chronic diseases and type 2 diabetes.^[4]

However, in some circumstances Morogo may increase the risk of fungal infection, specifically fusariosis, especially among imuno-compromised individuals such as those suffering from Aids. A study found high levels of Alternaria fungi in internal leaf structures and Fusarium fungi on leaf surfaces.^[5] A separate study asserts that Morogo is not a natural host to Fusarium, but may be cross-infected by close proximity to maize crops.^[6]

Notes

1. ^ Independent Online
2. ^ Science in Africa
3. ^ Conservation and utilization of indigenous vegetables in Botswana
4. ^ Public Health Nutrition
5. ^ The occurrence of toxogenic moulds in traditional household Morogo of Giyana
6. ^ The level of mycotic and mycotoxigenic Fusaria in traditional morogo and the agro-environment of Dikgale Demographic Surveillance Site

References

• "Astronomic gastronomic menu for big bash". Independent Online. http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?click_id=13&art_id=vn20040427040820498C627581&set_id=1. Retrieved 6 August 2008. 

• "How healthy is traditional morogo in Africa". Science in Africa. http://www.scienceinafrica.co.za/2004/november/morogo.htm. Retrieved 6 August 2008. 

• "Linolenic acid and folate in wild-growing African dark leafy vegetables (morogo)". Public Health Nutrition, Cambridge University Press. http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?aid=1888204. Retrieved 6 August 2008. 

• "The occurrence of toxogenic moulds in traditional household Morogo of Giyana". North-West University Library. http://www.puk.ac.za/biblioteek/proefskrifte/2007/jivan_sangitad.pdf. Retrieved 6 August 2008. 

• "The level of mycotic and mycotoxigenic Fusaria in traditional morogo and the agro-environment of Dikgale Demographic Surveillance Site". North-West University Library. http://www.puk.ac.za/biblioteek/proefskrifte/2007/mokgakabe_ditselatselae.pdf. Retrieved 6 August 2008. 

• "Conservation and utilization of indigenous vegetables in Botswana". Bioversity International. Archived from the original on 3 May 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080503031048/http://www.bioversityinternational.org/publications/Web_version/500/ch23.htm. Retrieved 6 August 2008.