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| Egusi Soup |
And in today's article, we are going to dive into the numerous health benefits of this incredible seed known as Egusi.
What is Egusi?
Nutritional Content/ Value of Egusi
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.
Here are some of the incredible health benefits of Melon Seed
(Egusi Soup) which is good for an individual health
It Improves the Skin
Vitamins such as vitamin E as well as others help in
improving the skin and making it stay healthy as well, and these vitamins in
most cases are used in the production of skin care products such as soap
because of their benefits to the skin.
Egusi seed contains alpha-tocopherol which does not
only act as an antioxidant but also as a vitamin E, as it helps in improving
the skin and prevent aging (anti-aging properties) by reducing wrinkles, dry
skin, and other, and is used for various dermatology purposes.
Helps in Digestion
Its dietary fiber content is also good for the body due to
its ability to aid digestion thereby preventing any form of a digestive
disorder such as constipation and irregular bowel movement.
High in Healthy Fats
Egusi seeds are abundant in healthy fats, including
monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These fats are essential for
maintaining cell integrity, producing hormones, and providing a concentrated
source of energy. They also help in absorbing fat-soluble vitamins,
contributing to overall health.
Packed with Vitamins
and Minerals
Egusi is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals such as
vitamin A, vitamin C, B vitamins, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. These
nutrients play vital roles in maintaining vision, boosting immune function,
supporting metabolic processes, and ensuring proper muscle and nerve function.
Egusi Has Antioxidant
properties
Owing to its antioxidant properties it helps to prevent cells
from damage due to the oxidization processes in the body which helps in the
prevention of ulcers and other health conditions which are caused by the
oxidation processes in the body.
Improves Appetite
(Appetizer)
The vitamins in melon seed provide exceptional benefits to
the human body, the presence of vitamin B1 (thiamine) and vitamin B2
(riboflavin) makes the fats and oil in the body undergo the process of
metabolism and is also good for improving appetite.
It Improves Vision
Vitamin A content in Egusi, as well as the oil, makes it good
for consumption because of its function in the improvement of eye vision and more.
It Helps In Reduces
Inflammation
Its properties as anti-inflammatory food help to prevent
swelling in the body and reduce any cause of inflammation especially that which
is linked to depression.
Methanol extract from melon seed is traditionally used as an
anti-inflammatory medicine for swellings and also for analgesics. They are said
to be an inflammatory mediator.
Enhances Mental Health
The various nutrients in Egusi, including magnesium, vitamin
B6, and omega-3 fatty acids, support brain health. These nutrients help in
maintaining cognitive functions, reducing stress, and alleviating symptoms of
anxiety and depression, promoting overall mental well-being.
Promotes Heart Health
Egusi contains a high amount of fatty acids which are
“unsaturated” and this makes it beneficial for the heart as it helps in
reducing the chances of heart diseases by constantly reducing the blood
cholesterols which are known to be bad for the heart.
It Prevents
Malnutrition
Its protein content, as well as other essential minerals and vitamins, makes it a good source of food to prevent malnutrition, and in some cases, it is often grounded and used as a supplement for baby food which provides them with the nutrients they need to grow and develop.
Egusi Is Good for Bones
Egusi contains minerals that are essential in the formation
and development of bones such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and even phosphorous.
Its consumption can help alleviate some bone diseases and disorders.
Prevent Anemia
Iron and other minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and even sodium help in the blood cell formation and its regulation, and help
prevent anemia and other blood-related health conditions.
How to Make Egusi Soup
In four steps process, you can prepare Egusi soup
Step 1: Grind the four cups of
egusi with a dry blender or hand-grinding machine and set them aside in a bowl.
Add about a cup of water to it and stir to make a very thick paste, as you can
see below.
Step 2: Parboil the meat with all the ingredients, it
is advisable to parboil meat with some ingredients before adding them to the
principal food, this improves the taste of the meat.
Step 3: Parboil for about ten minutes, then add water and cook till the meat is tender and the stock (water) is about to dry. Use two seasoning cubes, a teaspoon of salt, and a half cup of sliced onions.
Step 4: Pour hot water over the stockfish in a bowl and wash thoroughly to remove sand, then set aside. Also, remove the center bone from the roasted fish, wash, and set aside too.
Side Effects Of Egusi
In as much as the nutrients are beneficial, some of them such
as omega 6 fatty acid might trigger certain health diseases such as
depression and even cancer when taken in excess because of their role in
increasing inflammation.
Therefore it might be supplemented with omega-3 fatty acid
which does the exact opposite as it helps in the reduction of inflammation.
The high fat content which is high in Egusi might also lead to
excessive weight gain, therefore, adequate vegetables can be used to complement
it, making the diet balanced.
Bottom Line
Melon seed is popularly or locally called Egusi, and it contains essential Nutrients such as minerals and vitamins which promote eye vision, improve the skin and hair, and other numerous benefits it offers and its nutritive value is great and should complement our daily dietary plan as it helps.
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FAQs
What does Egusi taste like?
Egusi has a mild, nutty flavor, which blends well with
various dishes. When cooked, it has a creamy texture, making it a delicious
addition to soups and stews.
Can Egusi be consumed daily?
Yes, Egusi can be consumed daily in moderate amounts as part
of a balanced diet. Its rich nutrient profile makes it a valuable addition to
regular meals.
Are there any side effects of eating Egusi?
Egusi is generally safe for consumption. However, people with
seed allergies should exercise caution. It's always best to consult with a
healthcare provider if you have any specific dietary concerns.
How to store Egusi seeds?
Store Egusi seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry
place to maintain their freshness. Ground Egusi should be kept in the
refrigerator to prevent it from turning rancid.
Is Egusi suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
Absolutely! Egusi is a plant-based food and is suitable for both vegetarians and vegans. It is an excellent source of protein and other essential nutrients for those following a plant-based diet.
Source Allnigerianfoods Grainfieldfoods