BOKISSONTHRONE: Africa Food: Ugba- (Pentaclethra macrophylla, Benth)

Friday, November 17, 2023

Africa Food: Ugba- (Pentaclethra macrophylla, Benth)

INTRODUCTION. Ugba is the Igbo name for the fermented African Oil Bean Seeds (Pentaclethra macrophylla, Benth). The Yorubas call it Apara, It is called Ukana by the Efiks in Southern Nigeria.

What is UGBA used for?

Ugba is a protein-rich food that is got by solid state fermentation of seeds of African oil bean (Pentaclethra macrophylla) seed. With a short shelf life of about 3-5 days, Ugba is a basic food item used in cooking and preparing certain ceremonial traditional dishes.

Health Benefits of Ugba

Is ugba a fruit or vegetable?

Ugba/Ukpaka is the edible seeds contained in the fruit of the African oil bean tree. Ugba tree grows primarily wild in the southern and eastern parts of Nigeria and some coastal regions of West Africa. It has shiny brown colour and looks like giant locust beans.

According to studies, Ugba seed contains protein, carbohydrates, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, and more essential nutrients.

Let’s consider a few of these nutrients—to see how beneficial they are.

Health Benefits of Ugba

According to studies, Ugba seed contains protein, carbohydrates, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, and more essential nutrients.

It lowers the cholesterol level – Ugba is a rich source of saponins that have been proven effective for the reducing the plasma cholesterol. It possess alkaloids with antibacterial properties against certain infectious bacterial. It helps to prevent and lower the chances of developing cataracts.

African oil bean seeds are rich in amino acids, minerals, fatty acids and can be fortified to produce Animal feed. It has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties this can be used in fighting bacteria and microbes from the body. The seeds of the African oil bean tree can be used in treating infertility.

Let’s consider a few of these nutrients—to see how beneficial they are.

Reduction of Cancer Growth. Studies reveal that the. ...
Dermatological Purposes Due to the anti. ...
Culinary Purposes African oil bean seeds can be. ...
Treatment of Gastrointestinal Diseases. ...
Commercial Purposes. ...
Lowers the Cholesterol Level. ...
Anthelmintic Properties. ...
Animal Feed Production.

African Oil Beans is carbohydrate?

Black beans are rich in carbohydrates and they are also and excellent source of fiber (both soluble and insoluble). Black beans also do not contain sugar. Instead, they have slowly-digested carbohydrates and resistant starch.

The Highest Protein Beans To Add to Your Plate