Most people detest locust beans because of the unpleasant smell but unknown to them, locust beans are beneficial to their consumers.
The plant is commonly referred to as Iru by the Yoruba-speaking part of Nigeria. It is also known as Ogiri by the Igbo people of the country and Dawadawa by the Hausa people in Nigeria.
It is also a local ingredient for soups and stews such as vegetable soups, egusi, ewedu, and so on.
There are various health benefits that can be derived from this plant, one of such is that it contains nutrients like protein which build and repair tissues in the body, and carbohydrates which are a source of energy for man’s body. It also helps to fuel the brain, kidney, heart muscles and the central nervous system. It also includes Fat and calcium.
According to research, it contains tannin and astringent substances found in many plants
Some benefits of the plant are listed below.
1. Locust beans make vision clearer: Their consumption helps to give good eyesight to people who have eye problems such as cataract, minus eyes, myopia, glaucoma and the rest because they also contain natural nutrient that can maintain eye health
2. Locust beans treat stroke: A stroke is a disruption of oxygenated blood to the brain. It is also usually associated with cholesterol and high blood pressure. One of the most convenient ways to treat the sickness is to consume locust beans regularly.
3. Used to control cholesterol: Cholesterol causes blockage of blood vessels, which can lead to heart-related diseases. The consumption of this legume can control this menace.
4. Treat diarrhoea: Locust beans can serve as a local medicine for diarrhoea, (which is a condition where a person excretes in liquid form repeatedly)Â because it contains a nutrient called tannis and the substance works for diarrhoea medicine
5. Treat hypertension:Â Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is when the pressure of blood pumped through the arteries is higher than it should be. The consumption of locust beans can serve as a local medication for patients suffering from this disease.
Source: The Nation
