8 AMAZING HEALTH BENEFITS OF AFRICAN LOCUST BEANS YOU’RE MISSING
African locust beans are a tree plant traced down to history as a traditional medicine. It is cultivated locally in African countries. It other names are parkia biglobosa, Fern leaf, iru, monkey cutlass tree, caroubier african, fairoba, dosso, dawa-dawa, runo, rouaga, netto, narghi, netetou, arbre à farme, mnienze, mkunde, kinds, dours, ogiri okpi, two ball nutta tree, nété, and néré.
Its deciduous tree plants can grow to a height of about 7 to 30 meters and grows well with a limited water supply in hot climates. It has high cultivation in West Africa with high economic values. Likewise, Sudan, Senegal, and Uganda.
It is sold as medicine and food with a life cycle of more than two years. It sheds off its leaves during winter or dry seasons. The tree gives back to nature during its leaves shedding period. The leaves decay and supply nitrogen and minerals to the soil to support other plants’ growth.
Its medical benefits are little known to the world.
It is used traditionally to treat infections, heart diseases, circulatory system illnesses, respiratory disorders, digestive system ailments, and skin diseases. It can be used in different methods depending on the medical conditions. It can be eaten raw, mixed with drinks, or food.
Its fermentation started in the 14th century and has been the reason behind the ammonia odor and aroma.
Nutritional value of African locust beans
It is a nutrient-packed food. It contains all the necessary elements needed by the body. It is rich in protein (41%), fats (26%), and carbohydrates (15%). It also contains calcium, potassium, phosphorus, copper, Vitamin- Thiamine, and manganese.
Health benefits of African locust beans
African locust beans are ancient medicine that has helped to treat several illnesses but little did the world know about it.
Reduce the risk of hypertension
Hypertension is a deadly disease and among the most common diseases around the world. In a clear sentence, hypertension means high blood pressure. A lot of factors contribute to hypertension- from your lifestyle to genetics. Abnormal blood pressure gets treated with regular consumption of locust beans. Right from time, it was initially considered a cure for blood pressure before discovering other illnesses.
It contains an antioxidant compound that corrects the disturbances in the blood pressure regulating mechanism. Procyanidin and catechin compounds reduce oxidative stress and dilate the arteries for blood passage.
In addition, hypertension can worsen and coupled with other diseases such as retinal vascular damage, stroke, cerebrovascular disease, and so on. So, get locust beans on your plate.
Helps to treat impaired vision
In African countries where locust beans have been their traditional medicine, they recommend locust beans for individuals with eye problems. Especially older adults. Older people are at a higher risk of developing sight problems because cells tend to degenerate as we grow older.
It treats cataracts, myopia, xerophthalmia, and keratosis. Vitamin A is also known as retinol, and its deficiency inhibits rhodopsin production and resynthesis, leading to night blindness. Its intake promises a good sight.
Regulates the digestive system
It is a good choice for treating bowel movement complaints and is effective against disturbed digestion. The antioxidant property of locust beans treats inflammation of the digestive system and prevents diarrhea- frequent discharge of fecal matter from the bowel. The presence of tannin performs digestive functions. It is highly recommended for you if you are experiencing indigestion. Keep your bowel healthy today.
Helps to treat diabetes
The blood sugar level is the amount of glucose in the blood, but an impaired balance in the blood leads to diabetes. Here, high glucose is deposited into the blood and interferes with the hormone insulin. Insulin is a polypeptide hormone that converts glucose into the blood. It is an illness that needs immediate treatment.
Daily intake regulates your blood sugar level due to its balanced amount of fiber. It regulates the metabolic activity of sugar in the digestive system. Diabetes can cause neuropathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy which is why locust beans must include in your cooking.
Regulates your cholesterol
The majority of the food consumed nowadays contributes to high cholesterol. It would interest you to know cholesterol is essential for a healthy system. Cholesterol plays a role in the biochemical activities and the coating of the blood vessels.
As cholesterol is good, the good cholesterol called High-Density Lipoprotein HDL cholesterol gets the compliment. The bad cholesterol called Low-Density Lipoprotein LDL cholesterol is responsible for the blockage of blood vessels and interferes with blood circulation.
It contains an antioxidant and hypolipidemic compound that reduces LDL cholesterol. Moderate consumption keeps the cholesterol in check. Now is the right time to switch your cholesterol to HDL.
Helps with weight management
The journey of weight management gets achieved with locust beans. From what you know, gaining or shedding weight is not a child’s play. The uniqueness of body weight is that both underweight and overweight are not a sign of wellness.
It works on the digestive system to exert its weight management function. The soluble fiber regulates the absorption of carbohydrates. Take a gombo today. It’s a natural way to gain weight and keep a good smile on the scale.
It helps to treat wounds faster
To date, the use of locust beans as a wound healing agent is still in use. In the early time of Africans, physicians and healers uses gombo to treat cuts. It has antioxidant properties that neutralize the effects of free radicals on wounds.
It’s an effective agent for tissue regeneration. It is effective for both internal and external healing. Start by stepping up your diet with locust beans.
Helps to treat a gum problem
Gum is the flesh that protects teeth and houses the root of the teeth. From the guts to the teeth, there are countless numbers of bacteria, which can be harmful or beneficial.
Consuming it helps to kill harmful bacteria that can affect your gum. It boosts gum health and also promises strong teeth. An excellent idea African countries have embraced the production of local mouthwash. It treats toothache and mouth ulcers and eases receding gums. Your gum problem is over once you start using locust beans now.
The precautions/side effects of African locust beans
Eating or using locust beans does not have harmful side effects on individuals except in a few cases. It is a traditional medicine that optimizes the body system.
Few cases have been reported all over the world. An asthmatic patient can experience difficulty breathing from an internal reaction that happens on rare occasions. Likewise, infants and toddlers can be allergic to locust beans when given in large amounts.
There’s no recommended standard intake of locust beans, so about 8 to 10g of locust beans is not wrong. Inform your health provider of any changes or reactions after taking locust beans.
In conclusion,
Locust beans are a prolific food and a good hack in your diet and have a high distribution rate in West Africa. It is healthy for everyone. Get yourself locust beans today, and step up your diet and health. Choose your diet wisely. Your health is your wealth. Stay safe.
The health benefits of African locust beans FAQs
Do locust beans affect fertility?
Fertility and locust beans are not linked together. There has been a misconception about fertility and locust beans. Fertility gets enhanced with protein intake, and locust beans have a good proportion of protein. So, it can increase the chance of fertility both in men and women.
What are the common uses of locust beans?
It is food additives. It is an agent for thickening foods like processed food such as dairy products, baked foods, soup, frozen desserts, and processed meats. It is an ingredient in non-consumable products such as cosmetics, shoe polish, papers, and textiles. Locust beans are beneficial.
What are the health benefits of locust beans?
There are benefits of locust beans with properties that help to treat various ailments. It treats diabetes, infections, poor vision, and gastrointestinal conditions such as diarrhea, constipation, and ulcer. It is good for weight management, sight, cholesterol level, and blood pressure.
Is it a medicine?
Yes, it is a medicine. The nutrients of locust beans qualified it to be medicine enough to cure various medical conditions. Back in the ages, before the introduction of western medicine in Africa, it has been medicine. Currently, it is still used as medicine with global recognition.
Is it safe for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers?
Yes, it is safe for use for pregnant and breastfeeding women. It contains vital nutrients that support the baby’s health. It promises a healthy development for the child. The mother also stands to benefit from locust beans. Including locust beans in pregnant and breastfeeding women is a good choice.
