Ogiri (locust bean) has long been used as food ingredients in many traditional cuisines in Nigeria.
Ogiri is neither a vegetable, nor a fruit, instead it is a product extract from a leguminous seeds.
The soup flavor is obtained after intensive fermentation of oil seeds, for example, egusi seeds or sesame seeds.
Locust beans is originated in waste African, particularly in Nigeria and has different names. The western Yoruba tribe knows it as dawadawa, the eastern Nigeria, and the Igbos as ogiri.
It is loved simply because of its pungent aroma in dishes and its therapeutic purposes. Ogiri is dark-brown in appearance and solid; it is wrapped tightly in banana leaves.
However, this delicious spice is packed with various nutrients including, carbohydrates, protein, fiber, potassium, magnesium, iodine, zinc, iron, B vitamins and other natural compounds.
Ogiri health benefits include; Immune Boosting, Lower Blood Pressure, Good For Health Hear, Aid Digestion, May Prevent Colon Cancer, Enhance Brain Performance.
1. Immune Boosting
If the immune system is weak, diseases can freely enter the body, causing serious damages to the cells, tissues and organs of the body.
However, it is very essential to eat healthy especially those prepared without additives.
Traditionally, people do not only add Ogiri in their meals as a spice but as a nutrients dense food.
It is a rich source of nutrients and bioactive compounds known for boosting immune system. The presence of iron, zinc, magnesium, potassium are helpful in strengthening immune system.
2. Lower Blood Pressure
Researchers have linked high consumption of Ogiri to low risk of high blood pressure.
It helps moderate blood pressure owning to the presence of potassium and magnesium found in Ogiri.
You can as well benefits immensely by adding Ogiri to your meals as it possesses zinc, bioactive compounds which may play a protective role against free radicals that can systematically causes narrowing of the blood vessels.
3. Good For Health Heart
Heart disease is among the leading causes of death across the globe.
Making an efficient food choice alongside lifestyle changes are thought to improve your heart performance.
Locust beans helps reduce build up in the arterial walls which contributes to atherosclerosis – main causes of heart failure.
When you consumed meal prepared with Ogiri, our body uses it to decrease bad cholesterol and slightly improve good cholesterol.
Additionally, the antioxidant assist by inhibiting oxidation of cholesterol, which increases your risk of heart disease.
4. Aid Digestion
Locust bean plays a critical role in the digestive system, as it improves your gut health. Apart from maintaining bowel movement, beneficial microorganisms, Ogiri has an aromatic flavour.
Recent research has linked consumption of Ogiri to low risk of indigestion as it impacts positively in the gut health.
Therefore, to keep symptoms associated to indigestion at bay, regular intake of Ogiri is recommended as it will sufficiently enhance your digestive system and overall well-being.
5. May Prevent Colon Cancer
If Colon Cancer developed in the large intestine, it will drastically suppress immune system which predisposes you to numerous diseases.
Thanks to therapeutic foods like Ogiri which enable our body prevent inflammation and growth of colon cancer.
You obtain natural compounds, capable of eliminating oxidative damage when you consumed Ogiri.
6. Enhance Brain Performance
There is reasonable amounts of omega-3 fatty acids known for improvement of brain functions.
The dark- brown colour of Ogiri should not stop you adding it as your food ingredients. It is superb!
7. Antioxidant properties
Ogiri or locust beans contains reasonable amounts of phytochemicals [1] that can sufficiently impede formation of free radicals, a risk factor of numerous diseases in the body.
Conclusion
Ogiri serve as spice used in flavouring dishes especially in eastern Nigeria.
It is produced through intensive fermentation of egusi seeds or sesame seeds.
Locust bean cover a wide range of health benefits including, immune system, brain maintenance, Digestion, heart health among others
