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THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT EGUSI (WHITE SEED MELON)

We all know what "Egusi" is, don't we?  It's one of my best when it comes to soup. Thanks to my mum who also taught me how to mix ogbono (bush mango) with Egusi. Most Nigerians enjoy Egusi especially when taken with Pounded Yam.

Now, let's get acquainted with this wonder seed..

It's scientific name is Citrullus Colocynthis. Cucumeropsis Manii is a species of melon in West Africa. Popularly regarded as Egusi in Yoruba and Agushi in Hausa. In English, it's known as white seed melon.

It's plant is grown most times for the seed oil than for the fruit. The seeds are processed into soups and oil products and can be eaten individually as snack.  This crop is significantly nutritional.  Adequately high in protein, vitamins and minerals.
The seed is 44% Oil, 30% Protein, 10% Carbohydrate and 3% Fiber. Vitamins like Thiamin, Niacin , B1 and B2 are also prevalent in the seed. Minerals like Phosphorus, Potassium, Magnesium,  Manganese, Sulfur, Calcium, Iron and Zinc is rampant in Egusi. Just 100g of the seed daily provides the necessary Fatty acid, Amino acid and Vitamin E requirements.

Major Egusi growing nations include Mali,  Burkina Faso, Togo, Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire, Cameroon, Ghana and Benin. The seed contains every essential macro and micro nutrient in quantities ideal for nutrition.

Egusi melon looks almost identical to watermelon but they are different so don't be deceived.
The high oil and protein content of Egusi can make an excellent dietary supplement. It's oil can also be used for cooking meals.


  • Researchers have concluded that Egusi is suitable to use as an anti-inflammatory agent which signifies that Egusi helps reduce swelling or inflammation. If you have arthritis, opting for a diet on Egusi soup can help.



  • Egusi can be an essential supplementary baby food. Helps to terminate malnutrition. Blend the seeds with honey and water, then use as breast milk.



  • Flavonoids, Phenols and Tannins are prevalent in Egusi as active ingredients. Flavonoids is most famous for its antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and immune system health benefits. Phenols is commonly used as antiseptic and disinfectant. Highly active against microorganisms including fungi insomuch that Egusi can be used as a treatment for ailments caused by bacteria or fungi.



  • Egusi oil is essential in maintaining healthy glowing skin.  It can be used to produce soaps and creams especially for dry skin. 



  • The presence of Vitamin B1 facilitates easy digestion of food. Vitamin B1 plays an important role in maintaining a healthy nervous system. 

Vitamin B1 is used to extract energy from foods you eat by turning nutrients into useable energy in the form of ATP.
ATP means Adenosine triphosphate; it's job is to store and supply the cell with needed energy.  Vitamin B1 also can also boost one's appetite.


  • Egusi in a whole, possesses antidiabetic properties because of the presence of insulinotropic in its plant which stimulates the production of insulin(responsible for the modulation of glucose sugar level in the blood).
NB: Egusi oil has four main fatty acids namely palmitic, stearic, oleic and linoleic acids. Linoleic acid is the most abundant which has protective effect against CHD (CORONARY HEART DISEASE). It is an unsaturated (good fat) omega 6 fatty acid necessary for healthy brain function, skin and hair growth, energy production and reproductive health.




Thanks for reading!

Comments

  1. Unknown18 November 2021 at 20:12

    Honey is toxic to babies below a year old. So mixing egusi and honey as breast milk substitute may be fatal. Please research more.

    ReplyDelete

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