Chaffs obtained during the oil extraction of egusi seeds can be used for making fried cake snack popularly known as robo cake. 1. Even the health benefits of egusi seeds contain many health benefits. This helps protect against diseases and the effects of free radicals in the body. One end of the seed is rounded while the other is tapered. These vitamins are generally used in skincare products like soap due to the benefits to the skin. Anti-diabetic Diwan et al., (2000) attest that every part of the egusi melon plant namely; fruit, stem, root, leaves, oil extracts and seeds possess antidiabetic properties. Its seed oil is a good source of natural antioxidants like vitamin E and ß-carotene. Egusi seed has lots of nutrients present in. The application of this seed oil or its consumption makes the … There are so many amazing health benefits of egusi, such as it’s ability to fight cancer, inflammation, and improve digestion. Egusi seeds help to counteract the signs of aging such as dark spots, wrinkles and dark circles. Although the egusi melon fruit has a similar physical appearance with watermelon, yet they are both different from each other. While watermelon reddish in color, the egusi melon pulp slightly whitish in color. [1]. Key Problems of Health Education in Nigeria. with ease. All these make egusi one of the healthiest foods you can eat. Egusi is low in fat, LDL cholesterol, fiber, Saturated Fat, and Sugar. in By Blessing Okpala | Egusi seed still remains a popular food plant consumed especially by our African folks to complement starchy food such as fufu, eba, akpu, pounded yam etc. Due to its high oil content, egusi seeds can be used for making margarine, butter and animal feed. The seeds can also be fermented and used for making a local spice known as ogiri. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Today, we would be looking at some of the health benefits of Egusi and why you should consider consuming it more. Egusi seeds help to counteract the signs of aging such as dark spots, wrinkles and dark circles. Calcium can be obtained from some vegetables and fruits. Melon seed, popularly known as Egusi in Nigeria, is a food many Nigerians, irrespective of state or tribe, enjoy. The popularity of the food is beyond Nigeria as people from other West and Central African countries also enjoy a dish of Egusi. ADVERTISEMENTADVERTISEMENT Due to its high oil content, egusi seeds can be used for making margarine, butter and animal feed. Anti-inflammatory Properties Due to its high oil content, egusi seeds can be used for making margarine, butter and animal feed. The vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) and niacin in this plant help to maintain healthy skin. 7 Miraculous Health Benefits Of Egusi (Melon seed). About Melon Seed (Egusi) And Its Numerous Health Benefits Melon seed (egusi) is a popular food crop in Nigeria and other African countries that comes with lots of health benefits which are vital for children, young and old, men and women. Due to its high oil content, egusi seeds can be used for making margarine, butter and animal feed. Egusi is gotten from a fruit from the Cucurbitaceae family, which the watermelon also belongs to. This is your reliable Nigerian online health resource. Minerals – Egusi is richest in the mineral Phosphorous, followed by Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Sodium, Vitamin B1, B2, B12 and vitamin E. Other minerals include Iron, zinc, manganese and copper. Egusi seeds are made up of 50% oil, 78% of which can be an unsaturated fatty acid, and 35% protein. Minerals found in Egusi seeds include phosphorous, potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, iron, zinc, manganese and copper. It contains vitamins B1 and B2, which are essential for body growth and red blood cell production. Egusi contains vitamin B2 and Niacin, two vitamins that help maintain and improve the skin. Some of its contents and their benefits are: This high fat content has often been misunderstood, with many incorrectly considering Egusi a cholesterol boosting food. The seeds are abundant with vitamin A which supports form and maintain healthy bones and teeth. Health Guide NG is an online health and fitness magazine that provides Nigerians with helpful information to help them live healthy. Like most seeds, Egusi has a high omega 6 fatty acid content. Iron and other minerals like magnesium, potassium, sodium, and even potassium aids in blood cell formation and regulation and help stop anemia and other blood-related health conditions. The first benefit of egusi seed is that it can make teeth health. Egusi seed is a good source of potassium and calcium, minerals that play a … Egusi seed contains several nutrients needed by the body, such as: After harvest, the gourds are left to ferment; the fermented flesh is then washed off the seeds. The egusi has a brown, brittle shell around it, which is broken to reveal the white seed that is the main ingredient for soup. You have entered an incorrect email address! Melon seeds or egusi are rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. [4]. The vitamins like vitamin E and others aid in improving your skin and make it stay healthy. The oil extracted from Egusi seeds can be used to make butter and can also be used in the making of animal feed. You can enjoy egusi by eating egusi soup. When ready … Is it Safe to Order Food During the COVID Pandemic? Health Benefits of Egusi Melon. Egusi’s primary ingredient is melon seeds, and they have been found to contain phytosterols that help in lowering “bad” LDL (Low-density lipoprotein). When extracted as oil, it can be used in the production of lotions and soaps that would keep the skin fresh and smooth. Egusi helps get rid of toxins from the body and prevents cell damage due to the antioxidant properties it has, containing lots of vitamins and essential minerals. They are usually ground and used for preparing assorted dishes such as egusi soup and stew. Egusi seeds can be ground and made into soup with or without vegetables or cooked with tomatoes as egusi stew. The seeds can be fermented and used for making a local spice known as ogiri. Little wonders it is a favourite for some people. Interestingly, several researchers have pointed out that egusi is healthful and beneficial for … It contains methanol, which has always been used to cure and treat inflammation. The seeds are light brown. 10 Benefits of Egusi (Melon Seeds) Egusi seed is botanically known as Citrullus Colocynthis. Owing to its antioxidant properties, it can help stop cells from damage because of the oxidization processes within the body, which support the prevention of ulcers and other health conditions due to the oxidation processes in the body. Summary – benefits of pumpkin seed/egusi soup: Egusi soup contains “heart healthy” fats and natural chemicals that may help you lower your risk of cardiovascular disease . Egusi belongs to the family of water melons. Melon seeds are high in health benefits. After the extraction of the oil, the used seeds are used to make a type of local snack called Robo. That is why consuming these seeds is highly recommended. Melon popularly known as Egusi in Nigeria is mostly grown for consumption in Nigeria. YOU WILL ALSO LIKE TO READ… Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. … Several studies have shown egusi to help in fighting cancer, due to the presence of cucurbitacin glycosides, an active property that has been observed to have a pleiotropic effect, killing off cancer cells and slow their spread. Lysine helps in the formation of … Egusi seeds are made up of 50% oil, 78% of which can be an unsaturated fatty acid, and 35% protein. More @ 12 Benefits of Egusi Lower cholesterol, especially helpful in pre-diabetic and diabetic persons and lowering heart diseases . The seeds are then dried and the light brown husks removed by hand or mechanically. If left untreated, arthritis can lead to deformities, since it destroys bones and joints. Obtain a supply of seed at a local market. Below listed here are the health benefits of Egusi (Melon seed). Arginine helps in regulating metabolism and improves the cardiovascular system. The seeds can also be fermented and used for making a local spice known as ogiri. The seeds can also be fermented and used for making a local spice known as Ogiri. It has Niacin and antioxidants that maintains the skin health and makes it young by preventing the aging process. Egusi also keeps the heart healthy and protected by reducing cholesterol levels in the blood due to the fact that it contains unsaturated fatty acids. In fact, it’s one of the healthy Nigerian lunch ideas you can try. Pounded roasted seed produces a paste with peanut butter like qualities, called ose oji, which may be spread on bread or mixed with other foods like kola nuts or eggplant. The methanol extracts help to stimulate the production of serotonin and carrageenan, which help to fight infections that could lead to inflammation. Its dietary fiber content can also be beneficial to your body because of its ability to help digestion, therefore preventing any type of a digestive disorder, for example, irregular bowel movement and constipation. Anti-inflammatory Properties The melon seed is popularly known as Egusi and is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals that improve your skin and hair, promote eye vision, and many other benefits. People enjoy egusi by grinding it and using it to make soups, although the method of preparation may vary across tribes and countries. Choose a site for planting egusi that will be sheltered, such as the margin of a garden, in between other plantings or near the edge of woods. The benefits are same. However, below are the benefits of including melon seed in your daily diet. 7 Potent Health Benefits of Nigerian Pear (, Health Benefits of Tapioca (Kpo Kpo garri), 6 Awesome Health Benefits of African Velvet Tamarind. The seeds are rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, C, and alpha-tocopherol, in addition to palmitic, stearic, linoleic, and oleic acids. There are so many amazing health benefits of egusi, such as it’s ability to fight cancer, inflammation, and improve digestion. Watermelon seeds have many health benefits. In fact, it’s one of the healthy Nigerian lunch ideas you can try. The seeds of this fruit are what is eaten instead, after being scooped out and left to dry. The anti-arthritic properties contain flavonoids, which are very effective in treating and managing arthritis and related conditions. Many foodies have created different recipes for egusi but, whatever way you chose to cook your egusi soup or egusi stew. The high concentration of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium in egusi allows it to form and strengthen bones and teeth while fighting off diseases that could affect the bones. If the seeds are left to ferment, they turn into another local spice called ogiri. The fruit is hard and smaller than the average watermelon and has a marshy, bitter pulp that is inedible. Health benefits of EGUSI SOUP (melon seeds) 1. … 1. Published May 24, 2020 May 24, 2020. You can plant egusi seeds in Nigeria in August, after harvest of other fruits and vegetables is nearly complete. Egusi seed is a rich source of protein and omega-6 fatty acids. 5 Amazing Health Benefits Of Slippery Jack Mushroom, 8 Specific Health Benefits of Halim Seeds (Garden Cress). What are the health benefits of melon seed? Egusi as stew or soup gives us same great health benefits that help us age slowly. Around 50% of the seed content is fat. Egusi seed has alpha-tocopherol, which does not just act as an antioxidant but also as a vitamin E because it helps improve your skin and stop ageing by lowering wrinkles, dry skin, and other, and is useful for various dermatology purposes. In this article, we have written the seven miraculous health benefits of Egusi (Melon seed). Egusi seeds are comprised of 50% oil, 78% of which is unsaturated fatty acid, and 35% protein. It has Niacin and antioxidants that maintains the skin health and makes it … It also contains stearic, linoleic, palmitic, and oleic acids, which are important in protecting the heart. The seeds are abundant with vitamin A which supports form and maintain healthy bones and teeth. Egusi is native to Western Africa and can grow in several dry, humid, tropical, and climates. Egusi Health Benefits The seeds contain alphatocopherol (Vitamin E component) that helps to maintain young and smooth skin. Also, the seeds are rich in essential nutrients like protein, dietary fiber, carbohydrates, and essential amino acids. Egusi do not do well in open and flat fields. Melon seed (egusi) is a well-known food crop in Nigeria and other African countries included with many health benefits that are important for children, men and women, young and old. Asides the obvious need to enjoy a good meal, egusi soup has other health benefits. Due to its high oil content, egusi seeds can be used for making margarine, butter and animal feed. They grow in gourds which are mainly cultivated for their seeds as the flesh is neither sweet nor edible. Similar to most plant oils, it is composed mainly of unsaturated fatty acids. Here are the benefits of including this food in your daily diet. Besides its great taste, egusi also has a high nutritional value, with a high oil content of up to 50%, potassium, protein, calcium, and much more. Here are the benefits of including this food in your daily diet. Its protein content, along with other essential vitamins and minerals, helps it be an excellent source of food to stop malnutrition, and sometimes, it’s often grounded and used as a supplement for baby food, which supplies them with the nutrients they have to develop and grow. In actuality, 72% of the fat content is unsaturated fats, which help to lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol. What Are The Best Exercises For Back Pain? Enjoy the health benefits of egusi. He loves writing helpful articles on health and fitness, which he enjoys sharing with everyone. From the nutritional composition of egusi that you read above, you can deduce that there are manifold health benefits of egusi. The botanical name of egusi is Colocynthis citrullus. In addition, calcium is also present in the egusi seed. Consuming protein also helps fight off diseases like kwashiorkor and other deficiencies associated with malnutrition. 12 key benefits of egusi melon (citrullus colocynthis) Dehulled seeds may be roasted for eating out of hand. and is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals that improve your skin and hair, promote eye vision, and many other benefits. Eating egusi can also help those with arthritis due to the fact that it contains cucurbitacin glycosides and quercetin, two anti-arthritic properties. Egusi (melon seed) is packed with many vital and beneficial nutrients which are good for the body and these nutrients are not limited to protein, potassium, vitamin B1, sulphur, fats, calcium, magnesium, carbohydrate, zinc, copper, vitamins A, E and C, manganese, dietary fibre and more. Insulinotropic properties are found in every part of the Egusi plant, from the stem to the seeds, which could help those with diabetes, because it stimulates the response of insulin. Antioxidants: The seeds are rich in antioxidants. Egusi is used primarily in West Africa for its de-hulled seeds, which thicken soups as a flour, are a great snack whole, make a paste like peanut butter, and have a high oil content. Before preparing the egusi soup, the seeds are sun-dried and ground plain or roasted/fried before being ground. Then the chaffs obtained during the oil extraction of egusi seeds … Although the amounts of some minerals and vitamins within them may seem low, they are still far preferable … It also has amino acids that have been known to promote cardiovascular health. [2] [3]. Strong teeth require high calcium. It contains vitamins B1 and B2, which are essential for body growth and red blood cell production. A study published in 2011 stated that, egusi melon seeds (Colocynthis citrullus) hs antidiabetic properties and lowers cholesterol  [6]. Egusi has a high level of fatty acids that are “unsaturated.” This helps it be good for the heart because it reduces the risk of heart diseases by always reducing the blood cholesterols that are considered harmful to the heart. Benefits of Eating This delicious local dish Photo credit: Sekinatu Bakare. You can enjoy egusi by eating egusi soup. This is attributed to the insulinotropic effects of the plant. What Are Health Benefits Of Egusi? Let’s find them out. Therefore, for children who are in its infancy, it is advisable to consume the egusi seed in order to have strong and healthy teeth 10 Powerful Health Benefits Of Eating Guava, 5 Shocking Causes And Remedies Of Bad Breath. What is the nutritional value of melon seeds? Per 100g serving. The melon seeds are a great source of vitamins ( niacin, pantothenic acid, thiamine vitamin B6, and folate), proteins, and the minerals zinc, iron, potassium, manganese, copper, phosphorous, magnesium) fatty acids. In addition to the fruit that can be consumed, it turns out the seeds can also be consumed. Egusi melon seeds are a great source of these amino acids. Melon seeds or egusi are rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Egusi is the name for many species of cucurbits (melons, watermelons, and gourds) whose seeds … Egusi seeds are small and flat. The vitamins in melon seed give exceptional benefits to the body; the presence of vitamin B1 (thiamine) and vitamin B2 (riboflavin) makes the fats and oil within the body go through metabolism can also be best for improving appetite. Anti-inflammatory Properties It is also a rich source of vitamin B1, B2, sulphur, dietary fibre, zinc, magnesium, and a lot more. Before preparing the egusi soup, the […] Prevents heart disease: Egusi melon seeds contain high levels of linoleic acid and other unsaturated fatty acids which have been shown to lower bad cholesterol (total and LDL cholesterol) and prevent heart disease. Oil extracted from egusi seeds can be used for producing local soap and pomade for dermatological care. Egusi is one food that stimulates and aids digestion and helps regulate bowel movement to the presence of soluble dietary fibre and vitamin B1. Collins Nwokolo is a human physiologist, writer and health enthusiast. 5 Priceless Health Benefits Of Palm Kernel Oil. 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