African Walnut Is A Medicinal Super Snack.

African walnut is also called conophor nuts and Tetracardium conophorum or Plukenetia conophora botanically. In Nigeria, it is known locally as Asala or awusa in Yoruba, okwe in Edo, ukpa in Igbo and ngak.

Though the black-shelled nuts or seeds are usually eaten as snacks, they have high medicinal and health promoting properties. The leaves, bark and root of the tree are also used in traditional medicine.

 

The nuts are rich in;

• Monounsaturated fats.
• Omega- fatty acids.
• Vitamins C, E, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9 and B12.
• Minerals like calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron and phosphorus.
• Phytosterols.
• Fiber.
• L-arginine and other proteins.

The seeds and other parts of the tree are rich in active components which give them antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.

The seeds can be used for promoting health in the following ways;

• To treat uterine fibroid growth.
• To improve male fertility.
• To improve sperm count.
• As an aphrodisiac for men.
• To lower cholesterol levels.
• To treat diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels.
• To improve cardiovascular health.
• For weight loss purposes.

The leaves have been used locally to;

• Regulate menses.
• Boost female fertility.
• Treat dysentery.
• Treat headaches.

The bark and root possess anti-bacterial properties and are used to treat infections of the skin.

The nuts are usually boiled or roasted before eating. They are used as tonics when eaten raw though they have a bitter taste. 

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