Post by Trade Coach on Jun 5, 2018 17:18:32 GMT 1
Melon seed (Colocynthis Citrullus lanatus) is a popular food ingredient consumed mostly by Africans. It is botanically known as Citrullus vulgaris. In Nigeria it goes by the following names ‘ egusi ’ (Yoruba), ‘ ogili ’ (Ibo), ‘ ogi’ (Benin), and ‘iguana agushi’ (Hausa) and ‘ dènde ’ (Fulani).
Egusi seed is widely grown in West Africa with Nigeria accounting for about 65% of total production. The areas of high melon seed production in the country include Enugu, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba and Kogi state. The fruit is mostly large with a hard skin which may or may not be edible and contains seeds, the seeds whether large like that of watermelon or not possess similar characteristics and uses. Melon seeds grow in gourds and yields more in warm temperatures (sunny regions and well-drained soils).
Melon seed is rich in fat and protein and comes from the family of cucurbitaceous (gourd) together with watermelon, muskmelon, and others. The Egusi plant is often confused for Watermelon plant, However on the inside the egusi fruit is neither red, nor luscious, nor sweet. Indeed, it is white and dry and bitter enough to be repulsive.
The nutritional benefits of egusi comes from its high nutritional constituent. The seed contains about 50% oil, 30%protein, 10% carbohydrate, 4% ash, and 3% fiber. Melon seed is a rich source of amino acids like arginine, methionine and tryptophan. It also contains high amount of phosphorus, followed by potassium, magnesium, manganese, sulfur, calcium, iron, and zinc.
Some health benefits of melon (egusi)
Loaded with vitamins and Minerals
They contain B vitamins like riboflavin, niacin and folates, vitamin C and Vitamin E. The minerals in the seed include phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, manganese, sulfur, calcium, iron, and zinc. These nutrients carry out several roles in the body which include encouraging good blood flow, strengthening the immune system etc.
Anti aging properties
Egusi contains antioxidants and niacin which makes skin healthy and young and also helps prevents aging. The alpha-tocopherol found in egusi is a component of vitamin E that helps in maintaining smooth young skin and good fertility.
Prevent malnutrition
Egusi-seed meal is compacted into patties that serve as a meat substitute for those that can’t afford meat. The egusi can also be an important supplementary baby food, helping prevent malnutrition. Blending the seeds with water and honey produces a milky liquid that can be used as formula if breast milk is unavailable.
Good for the heart
The high linoleic acid and low linolenic acid content of egusi melon oil indicates that it is a good source of table oil, cooking oil and frying oil, making it good for the fight against CHD. Egusi is made up of 78% unsaturated fats which is good for the heart. The seeds consist of 10 to 16% oleic acid, 9 to 12% palmitic acid, 67 to 73% linoleic acid and 5 to 8% stearic acid. 3 These fatty acids are important in protecting the heart.
Some of its side effects
Omega 6 fatty acids disease
The highest fat group in Egusi is linoleic acid( 67 to 73%) which is an omega 6 fatty acid. Excessive amounts of these vegetable oils, or linoleic acids , can contribute to inflammation and result in heart disease, cancer, asthma, arthritis and depression, which is one reason you need to keep your consumption moderate.
Excessive weight gain
Egusi is made up of 50% fat and can easily lead to weight gain if taken in excess. Egusi soup can be made healthier by adding plenty vegetables which will increase the amount of fiber, vitamins and minerals while decreasing the amount of egusi you consume.
Easily infested when not properly stored
If Egusi is not properly stored, it may be infested with fungi. Consumption of fungi infested seed may lead to food poisoning with aflatoxin. Aflatoxins are a family of toxins produced by certain fungi that are found on agricultural crops.
Egusi seed is widely grown in West Africa with Nigeria accounting for about 65% of total production. The areas of high melon seed production in the country include Enugu, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba and Kogi state. The fruit is mostly large with a hard skin which may or may not be edible and contains seeds, the seeds whether large like that of watermelon or not possess similar characteristics and uses. Melon seeds grow in gourds and yields more in warm temperatures (sunny regions and well-drained soils).
Melon seed is rich in fat and protein and comes from the family of cucurbitaceous (gourd) together with watermelon, muskmelon, and others. The Egusi plant is often confused for Watermelon plant, However on the inside the egusi fruit is neither red, nor luscious, nor sweet. Indeed, it is white and dry and bitter enough to be repulsive.
The nutritional benefits of egusi comes from its high nutritional constituent. The seed contains about 50% oil, 30%protein, 10% carbohydrate, 4% ash, and 3% fiber. Melon seed is a rich source of amino acids like arginine, methionine and tryptophan. It also contains high amount of phosphorus, followed by potassium, magnesium, manganese, sulfur, calcium, iron, and zinc.
Some health benefits of melon (egusi)
Loaded with vitamins and Minerals
They contain B vitamins like riboflavin, niacin and folates, vitamin C and Vitamin E. The minerals in the seed include phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, manganese, sulfur, calcium, iron, and zinc. These nutrients carry out several roles in the body which include encouraging good blood flow, strengthening the immune system etc.
Anti aging properties
Egusi contains antioxidants and niacin which makes skin healthy and young and also helps prevents aging. The alpha-tocopherol found in egusi is a component of vitamin E that helps in maintaining smooth young skin and good fertility.
Prevent malnutrition
Egusi-seed meal is compacted into patties that serve as a meat substitute for those that can’t afford meat. The egusi can also be an important supplementary baby food, helping prevent malnutrition. Blending the seeds with water and honey produces a milky liquid that can be used as formula if breast milk is unavailable.
Good for the heart
The high linoleic acid and low linolenic acid content of egusi melon oil indicates that it is a good source of table oil, cooking oil and frying oil, making it good for the fight against CHD. Egusi is made up of 78% unsaturated fats which is good for the heart. The seeds consist of 10 to 16% oleic acid, 9 to 12% palmitic acid, 67 to 73% linoleic acid and 5 to 8% stearic acid. 3 These fatty acids are important in protecting the heart.
Some of its side effects
Omega 6 fatty acids disease
The highest fat group in Egusi is linoleic acid( 67 to 73%) which is an omega 6 fatty acid. Excessive amounts of these vegetable oils, or linoleic acids , can contribute to inflammation and result in heart disease, cancer, asthma, arthritis and depression, which is one reason you need to keep your consumption moderate.
Excessive weight gain
Egusi is made up of 50% fat and can easily lead to weight gain if taken in excess. Egusi soup can be made healthier by adding plenty vegetables which will increase the amount of fiber, vitamins and minerals while decreasing the amount of egusi you consume.
Easily infested when not properly stored
If Egusi is not properly stored, it may be infested with fungi. Consumption of fungi infested seed may lead to food poisoning with aflatoxin. Aflatoxins are a family of toxins produced by certain fungi that are found on agricultural crops.