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. One end of the seed is rounded while the other is tapered. … Lysine helps in the formation of … Egusi is gotten from a fruit from the Cucurbitaceae family, which the watermelon also belongs to. Egusi do not do well in open and flat fields. 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. Below listed here are the health benefits of Egusi (Melon seed). It contains vitamins B1 and B2, which are essential for body growth and red blood cell production. If the seeds are left to ferment, they turn into another local spice called ogiri. He loves writing helpful articles on health and fitness, which he enjoys sharing with everyone. The vitamins like vitamin E and others aid in improving your skin and make it stay healthy. Therefore, for children who are in its infancy, it is advisable to consume the egusi seed in order to have strong and healthy teeth Egusi is one food that stimulates and aids digestion and helps regulate bowel movement to the presence of soluble dietary fibre and vitamin B1. Egusi seeds are made up of 50% oil, 78% of which can be an unsaturated fatty acid, and 35% protein. What Are The Best Exercises For Back Pain? 1. In addition, calcium is also present in the egusi seed. 12 key benefits of egusi melon (citrullus colocynthis) Dehulled seeds may be roasted for eating out of hand. The seeds can also be fermented and used for making a local spice known as ogiri. Egusi melon seeds are a great source of these amino acids. A study published in 2011 stated that, egusi melon seeds (Colocynthis citrullus) hs antidiabetic properties and lowers cholesterol  [6]. The anti-arthritic properties contain flavonoids, which are very effective in treating and managing arthritis and related conditions. … Similar to most plant oils, it is composed mainly of unsaturated fatty acids. There are so many amazing health benefits of egusi, such as it’s ability to fight cancer, inflammation, and improve digestion. Benefits of Eating This delicious local dish Photo credit: Sekinatu Bakare. These vitamins are generally used in skincare products like soap due to the benefits to the skin. All these make egusi one of the healthiest foods you can eat. The egusi has a brown, brittle shell around it, which is broken to reveal the white seed that is the main ingredient for soup. Egusi’s primary ingredient is melon seeds, and they have been found to contain phytosterols that help in lowering “bad” LDL (Low-density lipoprotein). 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. You can plant egusi seeds in Nigeria in August, after harvest of other fruits and vegetables is nearly complete. and is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals that improve your skin and hair, promote eye vision, and many other benefits. That is why consuming these seeds is highly recommended. If left untreated, arthritis can lead to deformities, since it destroys bones and joints. Due to its high oil content, egusi seeds can be used for making margarine, butter and animal feed. The seeds are abundant with vitamin A which supports form and maintain healthy bones and teeth. Consuming protein also helps fight off diseases like kwashiorkor and other deficiencies associated with malnutrition. Then the chaffs obtained during the oil extraction of egusi seeds … 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. The vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) and niacin in this plant help to maintain healthy skin. Here are the benefits of including this food in your daily diet. The oil extracted from Egusi seeds can be used to make butter and can also be used in the making of animal feed. Egusi contains anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce and prevent the effect of inflammation. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. [1]. The popularity of the food is beyond Nigeria as people from other West and Central African countries also enjoy a dish of Egusi. You can enjoy egusi by eating egusi soup. Asides the obvious need to enjoy a good meal, egusi soup has other health benefits. More @ 12 Benefits of Egusi Many foodies have created different recipes for egusi but, whatever way you chose to cook your egusi soup or egusi stew. Health benefits of EGUSI SOUP (melon seeds) 1. Before preparing the egusi soup, the […] Egusi seed is a good source of potassium and calcium, minerals that play a … Enjoy the health benefits of egusi. After the extraction of the oil, the used seeds are used to make a type of local snack called Robo. The seeds are abundant with vitamin A which supports form and maintain healthy bones and teeth. 5 Priceless Health Benefits Of Palm Kernel Oil. ADVERTISEMENTADVERTISEMENT Due to its high oil content, egusi seeds can be used for making margarine, butter and animal feed. 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. 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. 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. Even the health benefits of egusi seeds contain many health benefits. Anti-inflammatory Properties Melon seeds or egusi are rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Protein helps to build and repair the muscles and skin, and your body needs large amounts of it, which is one of the things that Egusi has a high content of. The application of this seed oil or its consumption makes the … Due to its high oil content, egusi seeds can be used for making margarine, butter and animal feed. There are so many amazing health benefits of egusi, such as it’s ability to fight cancer, inflammation, and improve digestion. It contains vitamins B1 and B2, which are essential for body growth and red blood cell production. After harvest, the gourds are left to ferment; the fermented flesh is then washed off the seeds. Melon popularly known as Egusi in Nigeria is mostly grown for consumption in Nigeria. Melon seeds or egusi are rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. This helps protect against diseases and the effects of free radicals in the body. Egusi is native to Western Africa and can grow in several dry, humid, tropical, and climates. Egusi as stew or soup gives us same great health benefits that help us age slowly. They grow in gourds which are mainly cultivated for their seeds as the flesh is neither sweet nor edible. Is it Safe to Order Food During the COVID Pandemic? This is attributed to the insulinotropic effects of the plant. YOU WILL ALSO LIKE TO READ… Little wonders it is a favourite for some people. Collins Nwokolo is a human physiologist, writer and health enthusiast. Some of its contents and their benefits are: Obtain a supply of seed at a local market. Due to its high oil content, egusi seeds can be used for making margarine, butter and animal feed. Egusi seeds are small and flat. 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. Published May 24, 2020 May 24, 2020. However, below are the benefits of including melon seed in your daily diet. What are the health benefits of melon seed? In fact, it’s one of the healthy Nigerian lunch ideas you can try. 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. Minerals found in Egusi seeds include phosphorous, potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, iron, zinc, manganese and copper. The benefits are same. In fact, it’s one of the healthy Nigerian lunch ideas you can try. When ready … This is your reliable Nigerian online health resource. Health Benefits of Egusi Melon. Eating egusi can also help those with arthritis due to the fact that it contains cucurbitacin glycosides and quercetin, two anti-arthritic properties. It also contains stearic, linoleic, palmitic, and oleic acids, which are important in protecting the heart. Around 50% of the seed content is fat. Watermelon seeds have many health benefits. 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. Key Problems of Health Education in Nigeria. Here are the benefits of including this food in your daily diet. 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. Calcium can be obtained from some vegetables and fruits. Oil extracted from egusi seeds can be used for producing local soap and pomade for dermatological care. 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. Anti-inflammatory 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. In addition to the fruit that can be consumed, it turns out the seeds can also be consumed. You have entered an incorrect email address! Melon seed, popularly known as Egusi in Nigeria, is a food many Nigerians, irrespective of state or tribe, enjoy. Egusi seeds help to counteract the signs of aging such as dark spots, wrinkles and dark circles. It has Niacin and antioxidants that maintains the skin health and makes it … 5 Amazing Health Benefits Of Slippery Jack Mushroom, 8 Specific Health Benefits of Halim Seeds (Garden Cress). Like most seeds, Egusi has a high omega 6 fatty acid content. 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. Egusi is the name for many species of cucurbits (melons, watermelons, and gourds) whose seeds … While watermelon reddish in color, the egusi melon pulp slightly whitish in color. Today, we would be looking at some of the health benefits of Egusi and why you should consider consuming it more. Also, the seeds are rich in essential nutrients like protein, dietary fiber, carbohydrates, and essential amino acids. The fruit is hard and smaller than the average watermelon and has a marshy, bitter pulp that is inedible. Strong teeth require high calcium. 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. Health Guide NG is an online health and fitness magazine that provides Nigerians with helpful information to help them live healthy. 10 Powerful Health Benefits Of Eating Guava, 5 Shocking Causes And Remedies Of Bad Breath. What is the nutritional value of melon seeds? In this article, we have written the seven miraculous health benefits of Egusi (Melon seed). 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. Egusi Health Benefits The seeds contain alphatocopherol (Vitamin E component) that helps to maintain young and smooth skin. It has Niacin and antioxidants that maintains the skin health and makes it young by preventing the aging process. What Are Health Benefits Of Egusi? It also has amino acids that have been known to promote cardiovascular health. Melon seeds are high in health benefits. The first benefit of egusi seed is that it can make teeth health. Due to its high oil content, egusi seeds can be used for making margarine, butter and animal feed. 1. Its seed oil is a good source of natural antioxidants like vitamin E and ß-carotene. The botanical name of egusi is Colocynthis citrullus. It contains methanol, which has always been used to cure and treat inflammation. Although the amounts of some minerals and vitamins within them may seem low, they are still far preferable … Although the egusi melon fruit has a similar physical appearance with watermelon, yet they are both different from each other. 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 seeds are light brown. Egusi seed is a rich source of protein and omega-6 fatty acids. Egusi seeds help to counteract the signs of aging such as dark spots, wrinkles and dark circles. Egusi belongs to the family of water melons. It is also a rich source of vitamin B1, B2, sulphur, dietary fibre, zinc, magnesium, and a lot more. When extracted as oil, it can be used in the production of lotions and soaps that would keep the skin fresh and smooth. Before preparing the egusi soup, the seeds are sun-dried and ground plain or roasted/fried before being ground. 10 Benefits of Egusi (Melon Seeds) Egusi seed is botanically known as Citrullus Colocynthis. 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 seed contains several nutrients needed by the body, such as: 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. Anti-inflammatory Properties [2] [3]. Arginine helps in regulating metabolism and improves the cardiovascular system. Egusi seeds can be ground and made into soup with or without vegetables or cooked with tomatoes as egusi stew. Interestingly, several researchers have pointed out that egusi is healthful and beneficial for … From the nutritional composition of egusi that you read above, you can deduce that there are manifold health benefits of egusi. The seeds can be fermented and used for making a local spice known as ogiri. Antioxidants: The seeds are rich in antioxidants. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You can enjoy egusi by eating egusi soup. 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. 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. Chaffs obtained during the oil extraction of egusi seeds can be used for making fried cake snack popularly known as robo cake. Lower cholesterol, especially helpful in pre-diabetic and diabetic persons and lowering heart diseases . Egusi seeds are comprised of 50% oil, 78% of which is unsaturated fatty acid, and 35% protein. 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 . The seeds are then dried and the light brown husks removed by hand or mechanically. [4]. Per 100g serving. Egusi contains vitamin B2 and Niacin, two vitamins that help maintain and improve the skin. 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. This high fat content has often been misunderstood, with many incorrectly considering Egusi a cholesterol boosting food. People enjoy egusi by grinding it and using it to make soups, although the method of preparation may vary across tribes and countries. 7 Miraculous Health Benefits Of Egusi (Melon seed). 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. 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. The methanol extracts help to stimulate the production of serotonin and carrageenan, which help to fight infections that could lead to inflammation. The seeds can also be fermented and used for making a local spice known as Ogiri. Egusi seed has lots of nutrients present in. The seeds can also be fermented and used for making a local spice known as ogiri. 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