What is Egusi?
The health benefits of egusi is a natural blessing to us. It has a versatile use in food as a snack, flavouring agent and its oil. Egusi gourd is similar to watermelon, but unlike watermelon, egusi fruit is bitter and not edible. Egusi is mainly grown for seeds that are similar in taste and similar to small pumpkin seeds.
Why do we love? egusi seeds contain 50% oil, 78% unsaturated fatty acid and 35% protein. Seeds are rich in vitamin A, which helps build and maintain healthy teeth and bones. As health benefits of egusi, it contains vitamins B1 and B2, which are important for body development and red blood cell production. Vitamin C is also found in seeds, which helps the body absorb iron and maintain healthy tissues. It also contains niacin, which helps maintain healthy skin. They are a great meat substitute due to their high protein content. Very rich in benefits, but expensive vegetable oil is also produced from this seed.
The seeds can be soaked, fermented, frozen in soup or season food. In West Africa, soups are an integral part of life, egusi is a staple soup ingredient and a regular part of the daily diet. Its nutritional benefits may entice you but the taste will keep you coming back longer.
Egusi Soup is a true West African classic that is widely enjoyed in countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Benin Republic, Sierra Leone and Cameroon, with slight variations from country to country and even within parts of a country. Before making the egusi soup, the seeds should be dried in the sun, peeled, and ground or roasted before roasting. Want to experience this West African head? Try our egusi Soup and different methods to use as a recipe starter today! It is ultra-tasty, but without preservatives, GMO ingredients and other additives. It is a creamy, salty soup with walnut tones, but without the walnuts. So, egusi tastes great with vegetables, topped with a light habanero kick and braised collard greens. Try it and experience a whole new world of taste.
Chaffs obtained during the extraction of egusi seed oil can then be used to make a snack as benefits called a fried cake. The seed can also be fermented and used to make a local spice called onigiri. Due to their high oil content, crow nuts can be used to make margarine, butter and fodder.
There are several health benefits to including watermelon seeds/ egusi in your daily diet.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Watermelons have anti-inflammatory properties that can help treat infections and wounds. One study suggests that the methanol extract of egusi significantly inhibits serotonin, carrageenan and prostaglandins, which help fight inflammation.
Helps fight cancer
The best herbal remedy for eczema and the best treatment for breast cancer. The results of a study showed that cucurbitacin glycosides have pleiotropic effects on cells and thus lead to both apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Cucurbitacin glycosides, therefore, have therapeutic effects against breast cancer cells.
Vitamin B
Egusi seeds are a great source of vitamin B. This also helps in blood flow to the body and maintains the health of the cardiovascular system as they contain folate, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid and pyridoxine. It also helps to strengthen the immune system. Taking seeds regularly is equivalent to taking vitamin supplements. Consumption in Nigeria has been the most frequent food amount diets. Egusi in Nigeria is one of the popular ingredients of vegetables that can be ignored.
A great source of protein
Egusi is the greatest source of seed protein that helps maintain muscle health. It is low in calories. It has the potential to cure diseases caused by protein deficiency such as Kwashiork and Marasmus.
Source of amino acids
Amino acids such as lysine and arginine should be obtained from a variety of sources. Egusi seeds are an excellent source of these amino acids. It regulates metabolism and promotes heart health. It helps in the formation of collagen and the connective tissues of the body.
Egusi seed oil
Seeds are a wonderful source of protein and fat. This plant is usually planted for its oily seeds and also grown for consumption. The oil is extracted from egusi, used for lighting, soap making and cooking. Egusi can be refined and used for table use. The seeds has more value than cottonseed oil and is of good quality. It is a major source of methionine, tryptophan and arginine. It also contains small amounts of carbohydrates and calcium. Nigeria is mostly grown in the plantation of egusi because of the properties intake on it.
Is egusi high in cholesterol? this question is always ask by people.
Sour watermelon oil with rich content of polyunsaturated fatty acids produces a significant reduction in serum total, independent and estimated cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations (P <0.05).
Is egusi soup healthy? The answer is yes. It is made up of about 50% healthy fat and 30% protein, which is perfect for a low carb diet. Flax seeds contain vitamins A, B1, B2 and C. Filled with healthy nutrients. Egusi is also known as Elugi or Agushi, depending on which part. The seeds are sun-dried and can stay longer for a year if care is taking.
How to prepare egusi soup
This recipe will tell you how to make Nigerian Agusi soup, a West African soup made with watermelon seeds.
1 cup mixed onions (3-5 fresh peppers to taste)
4 cups roasted (watermelon seeds, ground or milling)
1 palm 2 – 1 cup palm oil
2 tablespoons fresh unu (both, locust beans)
Salt to taste)
Ground crayfish (to taste)
7- 8 cups stock
Cooked meat and fish (size and type for personal preference)
Cut 2 cups pumpkin leaves
1 cup waterleaf (cut)
3 tablespoons bitter leaf (washed)
EGUSI PASTE:
Get egusi paste ready:
Add the ego seed and onion mixture. Cancellation.
Prepare the Egusi soup
- In a large pot, heat the palm oil over medium heat for a minute, then add the UNE.
- Gradually add the stock and bring to a boil over low heat.
- Remove the spoon-sized shells of the agave paste mixture from the stock. Keep the ball shape.
- Boil for 20 to 30 minutes so that the balls cook.
- Add the meat and fish and other bits you want to use to prepare the assorted dishes.
- Put the cut-up pumpkin leaves.
- Add Waterleaf.
- Stir and put a lid on the pot and cook for 7-10 minutes until the leaves are wilted.
- Add the bitter leaf. Put the lid on for 5-10 minutes after cooking.
Now you can sit back and enjoy your delicious dishes such as egusi which is Nigerian stew soup!
Benefits of egusi soup in pregnancy
Is the soup good for a pregnant woman? Egusi has many health benefits, not only for pregnant women but for anyone who enjoys it …
Side effect of egusi
High blood sugar (glucose) levels. Shilpa Arora, macrobiotic nutritionist and health practitioner, says high watermelon may not be the best idea for diabetics. In addition, it causes an excess of sugar. Which leads to high blood sugar levels.” The glycemic index of watermelon is 72, which is high. The GI value of cantaloupe is 65. Cantaloupe maybe 90% water by weight, but still contains 9 grams of sugar.
It is advisable to consult a doctor before eating on a daily basis. Â The disadvantages of egusi soup are that it affects your gastrointestinal tract. Watermelon is high in water, sugar and fiber. Water and sugar are needed for microorganisms or bacteria to grow and spread. Therefore, if you drink water after eating watermelon, the chances of germs spreading in your GI tract are high. “