Locust Beans are known as iru or dawadawa in Nigeria where they’re commonly used as a seasoning. They offer some seriously amazing health perks. Locust beans provide a major protein punch and are loaded with other key vitamins and minerals your body craves. You’ll be amazed at the incredible health benefits these under-the-radar beans can deliver.
So get ready to discover why you need to add locust beans to your diet. We’re breaking down the top 10 benefits of locust beans and reasons this superfood belongs on your plate.
What is Locust Bean?
Locust beans, also known as dawadawa, are the fermented seeds of the African locust bean tree. They’re oval-shaped, hard, and brown in color. Locust beans have an intensely nutty, savory flavor and aroma due to fermentation.
Locust beans are loaded with protein and provide many essential amino acids. They’re also high in calcium, iron, phosphorus, and B vitamins. Though the strong smell and flavor of locust beans may be off-putting at first, their unique savory taste and impressive nutritional benefits are worth trying. Locust beans are a staple in many West African cuisines and help give dishes a signature savory flavor.
History and Origin of Locust Beans
Locust beans have a long history of cultivation in West Africa, especially in Nigeria, Ghana, and Burkina Faso. They are native to tropical Africa and have been grown for centuries. Locust beans were first domesticated around 5,000 years ago and were later introduced to other parts of tropical West Africa.
Locust beans are the seeds of the African locust bean tree and have been used as a food source in West Africa for years now. The beans were traditionally fermented and ground into a paste to create a savory, umami-rich condiment used to flavor and thicken stews.
Nutritional Profile of Locust Beans
Locust beans are high in protein and contain all the essential amino acids our body needs. They are also rich in fat, especially linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid important for health.
Minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium are found in abundance.
Vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate, vitamins B6, C and E are present. These vitamins are essential for various metabolic functions and provide antioxidant benefits.
Locust beans contain carbohydrates, specifically starch and dietary fiber which aid digestion and help you feel full. The high fiber content promotes regularity and gut health.
With such a stellar nutritional profile, locust beans deserve a place in your diet. Adding them provides a major boost to your health and well-being.
Scientific Classification of Locust Bean
The Locust bean belongs to the pea family called Fabaceae and is scientifically known as Parkia biglobosa.
Kingdom: Plantae
Locust bean is a flowering plant that produces seeds in pods.
Division: Magnoliophyta
It has woody stems and broad leaves.
Class: Magnoliopsida Dicotyledons
It has two seed leaves or cotyledons.
Order: Fabales
The locust bean plant produces pea-like flowers and seed pods.
Family: Fabaceae
It belongs to the pea family that has nitrogen-fixing properties.
Genus: Parkia
The botanical name of the locust bean plant is Parkia biglobosa.
Species: P. biglobosa
The specific epithet ‘biglobosa’ means ‘two-lobed’ referring to its seed pods.
10 Health Benefits of Locust Beans
Locust beans, also known as Iru or Dawadawa, are the fermented seeds of the African locust bean tree. These nutrient-dense beans have been used for centuries in West African cuisine and traditional medicine. Packed with protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals, locust beans offer many health benefits.
Promotes Good Vision
Locust beans contain antioxidants like vitamin A that can help maintain good eyesight and vision. Vitamin A helps nourish the cornea and improves night vision. The nutrients present in locust beans like riboflavin also help prevent vision loss and eye disorders like cataracts or glaucoma.
Consuming locust beans regularly may help support eye health and delay age-related vision degeneration. The vitamin C in locust beans acts as an antioxidant and helps prevent macular degeneration. It helps reduce oxidative stress in the eyes and minimizes damage to lens tissues and photoreceptors in the retina.
Controls Blood Pressure
Locust beans are rich in potassium but low in sodium. Potassium helps lower blood pressure by reducing the effects of sodium in the body. Potassium works by relaxing the blood vessels and easing the flow of blood. It also helps the kidneys eliminate excess sodium through urine.
Eating more locust beans and other potassium-rich foods is an easy and natural way to help regulate your blood pressure. By replacing some of the sodium in your diet with potassium, you may be able to lower your blood pressure by a few points. The combination of increased potassium and reduced sodium is particularly helpful for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.
Aids Weight Loss
The Iru seed contains nutrients that can aid weight loss and management. It is high in protein but low in calories, with one ounce containing about 9 grams of protein and only 148 calories. Eating locust beans can help you feel full for longer periods, reducing appetite and calorie intake. The fiber in Iru also helps promote satiety, the feeling of fullness. This combination of protein, fiber and healthy fats is excellent for weight loss and maintenance.
Treats Diarrhea
Locust beans contain tannins, saponins, and alkaloids that give it antidiarrheal properties. The tannins in locust beans act as antisecretory agents that reduce fluid loss in the intestines. The saponins also have anti-secretory effects and soothe the intestinal lining.
The alkaloids in locust beans slow down movement in the intestines, allowing for better absorption of fluids and electrolytes. This helps prevent dehydration from diarrhea and restores balance in the body.
In many West African cultures, locust bean concoctions are used to treat diarrhea in both children and adults. Locust beans can relieve diarrhea and the abdominal cramps that often accompany it. The antidiarrheal and gut-soothing effects of locust beans make it an effective natural remedy for diarrhea.
Controls Blood Sugar Level
Locust beans have compounds that can help regulate blood sugar levels. They are rich in fiber that helps slow down sugar absorption into the bloodstream. This prevents blood sugar spikes and crashes, keeping levels stable. The beans also contain compounds like leucine that can increase insulin sensitivity, allowing cells to uptake more glucose.
For diabetics and prediabetics, locust beans may aid blood sugar control and reduce the risk of complications when consumed regularly. The soluble fiber forms a gel that traps carbohydrates, slowing digestion and the conversion of carbs into sugar. This gives the body more time to produce insulin to escort the sugar out of the bloodstream. Locust beans are not a substitute for diabetes medication but can be part of an overall diet and lifestyle plan to manage high blood sugar.
Wound Healing Properties
The seeds of Locust beans contain compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins which give it wound healing abilities. These compounds have antimicrobial properties that can prevent infection and accelerate the healing of wounds, ulcers, and burns.
Locust beans also promote the growth of new cells and tissues. When applied to the skin, the oils and extracts from the seeds can speed up the process of closing wounds and regenerating skin. The flavonoids in particular improve blood circulation to the applied area, which provides more oxygen and nutrients to fuel the healing process.
For minor cuts, scrapes, and wounds, you can create a paste from the ground seeds and apply it directly to the skin. The paste can help stop bleeding, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. For more serious wounds, the ground seeds can also be boiled in water to make a decoction. Allow it to cool, then use as a wash or poultice on the wound.
The wound healing ability of locust beans has been known and used traditionally for centuries. Modern research has validated many of the traditional uses, showing that locust beans deserve a place in your natural first aid kit.
Contains Antioxidants
Locust beans are a potent source of antioxidants like phenols, flavonoids, and tannins. These antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body that can damage cells and DNA and contribute to aging and disease. Consuming locust beans may help boost your antioxidant levels and provide antioxidant protection for your cells.
The antioxidants in locust beans have also been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. Chronic inflammation is linked to health issues like heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and other degenerative conditions. Locust beans may help reduce inflammation in the body and lower the risk of inflammation-related problems.
It Has Dermatological Properties
Locust beans contain compounds like alkaloids that give it dermatological properties. The extract from locust beans can help improve skin health and treat skin conditions. When applied topically, locust bean extract helps moisturize and soften the skin. It’s also been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce redness and irritation.
Some studies show that locust bean extract may help reduce the appearance of age spots, lighten skin discoloration and improve skin tone. The antioxidants in locust beans can protect skin cells from damage caused by free radicals and environmental pollutants. This helps keep skin looking youthful and vibrant.
Locust bean extract is also used in some cosmetic products as a natural preservative and fragrance. When used in skincare, it has an earthy, nutty aroma that many find pleasant. The extract has natural antibacterial properties, which allow it to inhibit the growth of bacteria, molds and yeast in cosmetic formulations.
So if you’re looking for natural ways to care for your skin, locust bean extract may be worth considering. When used properly in skincare products or as a supplement, locust beans can have real benefits for skin health and appearance.
Treats Respiratory Infections
Locust beans contain compounds called saponins which act as natural expectorants, helping to thin out mucus secretions in the respiratory tract and make coughs more productive. The saponins help loosen congestion in the chest, throat, and nose, making it easier to cough up phlegm. This can provide relief from respiratory infections like the common cold, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
Locust beans also have natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which can help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract. The antioxidants help strengthen the immune system and may help shorten the duration of respiratory infections. Some research shows locust beans can even help prevent certain respiratory infections from developing in the first place.
So if you frequently suffer from respiratory infections, especially in the winter months, locust beans could be a useful natural remedy to help keep your respiratory system healthy and make infections milder when they do strike.
Treats Hypertension and Boosts the Immune System
Locust beans contain compounds like saponins that can help lower blood pressure and improve circulation. These compounds act as natural ACE inhibitors, blocking enzymes that raise blood pressure. Studies show locust beans may help reduce hypertension and the risk of heart disease when consumed regularly.
Locust beans also have antioxidants that boost your immune system. The beans contain flavonoids like quercetin that help fight free radicals and reduce inflammation in the body. They may even help combat allergies by blocking histamine release. The beans also provide zinc, iron and B vitamins important for immune function. By adding locust beans to your diet, you’ll give your body more weapons to defend itself against disease and stay healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have some questions about using locust beans? Here are some common FAQs:
Are locust beans healthy?
Yes, locust beans are highly nutritious. They are a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, iron, magnesium and zinc. Locust beans contain amino acids, the building blocks of protein, and healthy fats like oleic acid. They may help lower cholesterol, control blood sugar levels and aid digestion.
How do I store locust beans?
Keep locust beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last up to 6 months when properly stored.
Are there any side effects of locust beans?
Locust beans are generally safe when consumed in normal amounts as a food additive or flavor enhancer. However, the beans contain compounds that may cause nausea, vomiting or diarrhea in some people, especially when consumed in large doses. As with any food, some individuals may have an allergic reaction to locust beans.
Do locust beans have a strong smell?
Locust beans have a very pungent smell due to compounds produced during fermentation. The smell can be quite strong, but it will decrease when cooked in recipes. Locust beans are used as a flavor enhancer in West African cuisine.
Conclusion
So there you have it, 10 incredible health benefits of locust beans that show why this superfood deserves a spot in your pantry. From improving digestion and heart health to boosting immunity and energy levels, locust beans pack some serious nutritional power. Even better, they’re versatile and easy to incorporate into soups, stews, sauces, and more.