Why You Cannot Afford to Exclude Locust Beans from Meals

Locust Bean (Dawadawa)………….

By Adetutu Adetule

Everyone everywhere loves tasty food or soup; hence meals of all kinds, especially soups are made spicy using seasoning.

Seasoning, whether contemporary or local, is not wanted in Nigeria. Most Nigerians are, however, used to contemporary varieties of seasoning ingredients.

They are, however, missing out on the benefits of local seasonings, one of which is locust bean.

African locust bean is one of the best gifts of God to Africans but sadly only a few see this, it consists of many vital nutrients which are cherished by the body. Therefore regular consumption of healthy African locust beans will give you good health. (The Chronicle)

Yoruba call African locust bean iru; it is eware in Edo and ‘dawadawa’ by Hausas.

In Yorubaland, there are two types – “iru woro” and “iru pete.” Iru pete has a mushy appearance while the seeds of iru woro are whole. It is rich in nutrients: fermented locust beans are rich in protein.

Iru woro

Iru pete

Its botanical name is Parkia biglobosa.

Nutritional value

Moisture content is put at 8.41%, protein 6.56%, fat 1.80%, crude fibre 11.75%, ash 4.18%, and carbohydrate 67.30%. Sugar content is found to be 9.00 °Brix; total carotenoids, 49,175ug/ 100g and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) of 191.20mg/100g

Locust bean gum is used as a stabilizer, thickener, and fat replacer in foods, and also as an adjunct gelling agent and texturizer to other hydrocolloids such as carrageenan.

Iru is a good source of soluble fibre which decreases LDL cholesterol levels. Even more, iru is rich in antioxidants, which can prevent inflammation and promote a healthy heart.

Boosts Immune System

Locust beans contain tannins, astringent substances found in many plants. Foods rich in tannins are often recommended for the treatment of diarrhoea. Ogiri is an antioxidant for detoxifying the body, it is also good for boosting the immune system, especially in immune-compromised individuals. (fecofoods.com.ng).

Good vision

Due to the natural ingredients and nutrients found in African locust beans, it makes it therefore one of the best treatments for bad vision and eye issues such as Myopia, cataracts and even minus eyes.

Stroke Prevention

A stroke is caused when the blood supply to the brain is suddenly obstructed by any substance which is fatal and dangerous to the health of individuals.

Research shows that consuming a good amount of African locust beans will help you against such sickness.

Reduces cholesterol

Cholesterol can cause blockage within the blood vessels thereby reducing the flow of blood to the heart which will lead to heart issues. Eating locust beans can help your body burn the amount of cholesterol found in our bodies.

Treat Diarrhea

Due to the amount of tannin found in African locust beans, it will heal diarrhoea, which is a gastrointestinal disorder with the symptoms of frequent watery bowel movements. Consuming African locust beans will help you relieve diarrhoea.

Treat hypertension

Hypertension also referred to as high blood pressure is a long-term medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently increasing above the normal level. Therefore consuming a good amount will help people with hypertension.

Helps control blood sugar level

The human body requires sugar to produce enough energy but it should be stable, otherwise, if unstable or high will cause diabetes. Therefore, consuming African locust beans helps control blood sugar levels.

Cancer, Hyperlipidemia, and Diabetes

Locust bean fruit and gum are rich in bioactive compounds that can be helpful in the treatment of conditions involving the digestive system, as well as cancer, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes.

Constipation

Consuming African locust beans helps in controlling blood sugar levels. Eating a good amount of African locust beans can improve digestion: good digestion makes the body healthy as the excretion process in the body is facilitated thus preventing constipation.

Healthy weight

Underweight is not healthy and vice-versa. Eating African locust beans will help you naturally gain weight.

Heal Wounds

As mentioned above it can be used to treat ulcer wounds internally by eating the beans as well as external wounds. The leaves when pounded applying it on wounds.

Reduce Fever

Consuming a good amount of African locust beans can reduce fever. It was traditionally used to reduce high fever, and it is still practised in some rural African communities, which also believe that it can also send away evil spirits because of its unpleasant smell.

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