African Oil Bean Seed: Amazing Health Benefits | Side Effects

December 9, 2020 Odiraa

African oil bean seed is a nutrient-packed food condiment native to Eastern Nigeria.

Common Name: African Oil bean
Botanical Name: Pentaclethra macrophylla
Family Name: leguminoseae
Nigeria local Names: ukpaka or ugba (Igbo) Apara (Yoruba), ukana (Efik)

Description: African Oil Bean

The African oil bean plant is a tropical tree that can grow up to 21m. It is well-branched with its branches spread similar to a canopy.

The oil bean is seen in the fruit of the oil bean tree. The fruit black, hard, and woody pod measuring about 35-36 cm long, and 5-10 cm wide.

When the fruit is mature, it ruptures showing about 8 flat, brown and shiny seeds of about 5-7cm.

The oil bean tree is mostly found in rainforests in southern West Africa where they grow wildly.

This oil bean plant grows the oil bean leaf or flowers between March and April and between June and November.

What the Igbo tribe from Nigeria call ‘ugba or ukpaka’ is normally the fermented African oil bean which is a common traditional food condiment among the southern and southern-eastern tribes.

The fermentation is done in homes for family business or consumption.

Checkout Also >>> Ofe Ugba Recipe: How to Make African Oil Bean Soup

Fermentation Process of African Oil Bean Seed

The fermentation process of the African oil bean is simple and can be done easily at home.

The fermentation process differs from community to community. Relating a basic process:

Ingredients

500 g already processed Ugba (By processed I mean cooked and sliced but not fermented)
1 tsp. salt

Technique

Firstly, put the processed Ugba in a bowl that has a lid
After that, sprinkle the salt over it and mix in thoroughly by hand.
Then, cover the bowl with the lid
Lastly, store in a warm place for 3 to 5 days see recipe notes

For home consumption – share the Ugba into small packs and store in the freezer till ready to use.

Fermentation Tips:

How to know if the Ugba is fermented

The color will automatically change from light gray or beige to a dark brown color
The Ugba will be soft to touch and a bit gummy.

Nutritional Value of African Oil Bean Seed (Ukpaka or Ugba)

Some of the major nutritional properties contained in African oil bean seed include – sodium, copper, zinc, iron, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

It is also rich in phytochemicals like tannins, alkaloids, sterols, flavonoids, glycosides, and saponins – all of which are of assistance to human health.

Though, some studies have revealed that the seeds contain some anti-nutritional factors including cyanide, phytate, tannin, and oxalate which can be reduced by proper processing/fermentation and cooking.

The African Secret! Health Benefits of Oil Bean Seed

This African Magic is filled with health benefits and here are some health benefits of the African oil bean.

Rich nutritional value

African oil bean seeds are rich in protein, amino acids, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, vitamins, calcium, manganese, and copper. Also rich in phytonutrients such as tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, sterols, glycosides, and saponins.

These components are vital to the nutritional health of human beings, and these seeds contain and provide a lot of these requirements.

Dermatologic and beauty purposes

African oil beans contain anti-inflammatory substances that reduce inflammation in the body. Both bark and seeds can be used to produce local oils for the treatment of insect bites, itching, cuts, and wounds. Also, it is written that the oil of these seeds can be used to make soap. The vitamin content of bean oil stimulates and nourishes the skin for the best results.

Farming

The wood and oil leaves can be distributed all over the field to be used as mulch to enhance plant growth. The mulch will serve as fertilizer and will retain soil moisture, suppress weed growth, regulate soil temperature, and to give the farm a better appearance.

Animal feed production

African bean seeds are rich in nutrients. They contain minerals, amino acids, proteins, and fatty acids.

These nutrients have been proven to be important in the production of animal feed, especially when fortified.

Animal feed is vital for the continuous breeding of healthy animals on animal farms. Healthy animals equate to a healthy animal product.

Culinary benefits

Oil beans are used in the preparation of numerous African dishes. This ingredient adds a fresh and earthy taste to food.

African oil bean seeds can be cooked, sliced, and allowed to undergo a fermentation process for three days before being prepared in delicacies. It can be prepared with tapioca, nkwobi (cow leg), abacha (African salads), sausages, okporoko, soups, isi ewu (goat head), and porridge.

Oil beans are used as a major ingredient when making African dishes. This ingredient adds a fresh and earthy flavor to food.

It can be prepared with tapioca, abacha (African salads), nkwobi (beef leg), sausages, okporoko, soups, isi ewu (goat’s head) and porridge,

Medicinal properties

African oil bean seeds have several medicinal properties such as antibacterial properties and antimicrobial properties. These seeds may reduce cancer growth, treat Bacillus cereus, gastrointestinal diseases, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiellosis pneumonia, and Bacillus subtilis.

Oil beans seeds can also treat gonorrhea, leprosy, infertility, fever, and convulsion. The anthelmintic properties of African oil beans are vital in the treatment of parasitic worms.

Obesity control

African oil bean contains weight control properties. This also helps control obesity. The agent responsible for this is phytoestrogen.

The oil bean plant is high in phytoestrogens and therefore can be considered as a nutritional supplement and vitamin to control obesity and overweight.

Commercial benefits

The oil extract of this seed is used in making candles, soaps, and cooking oil. Oil bean seeds are at times cased in brown shells and used for decorating, bead making, and other crafts.

\9. Lowers cholesterol level

The oil bean seed efficiently lowers cholesterol. This is made possible thanks to a property called saponin which reduces plasma cholesterol that benefits the heart. It will give you a healthier blood channel and body. On the other hand, saponin should is toxic, thus, oil beans should be consumed with self-control.

African Oil Bean and Pregnancy – Is Ukpaka/Ugba safe in pregnancy?

Is Ukpaka or Ugba safe during pregnancy? Most Nigerians have been asking if this native food condiment is safe to be consumed during pregnancy.

There’s no medical research that suggests it to be harmful during pregnancy, but it is best avoided during pregnancy to be on the safe side.

Side effects or Dangers of African Bean Oil

As nutritious as the seed is, studies have shown that unfermented African oil bean seeds contain:

Drops of a poisonous alkaloid known as Paucine, small amounts of Caffeoylputrescine, a growth depressant, bacteria such as E.coli and Staphylococcus aureus, along with molds that can produce mycotoxins in foods.

Henceforth, before it becomes fit for consumption, it must undergo a thorough cooking and fermentation process to eradicate any unwanted toxins before ingesting it at all.