6 Interesting Facts About African Walnut

The African Walnut is a fruit of a woody perennial climber plant that is found mostly in the dense rain forest of Africa. This seasonal plant flowers between November and early January and fruits between February and November with peak production in July. In Nigeria, it is called ukpa or oke okpokirinya by the Igbo, awusa or asala by the Yoruba, gyadan kurumi by the Hausa, ekporo by the Efik. These nuts are so loaded with nutrients that they are called the king of nuts. The nuts come in a hard, black or grey case; when they are cracked open, the round, white nut is revealed.

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The African Walnut has a firm, crunchy texture. The taste is bland but if water is taken immediately after consumption, it leaves a bitter taste in the mouth. One can, therefore, infer from the above explanation that those who eat this nut either acquire the taste for it or they eat it for its health benefits. Here are 6 interesting things about this fruit:

African Walnuts have a long History as Food and Medicine

Throughout history, the African Walnut is grown by peasant farmers across the West African rainforest. Nigerians are thought to be the first to have cultivated it. These fruits are cultivated principally for the nuts which are cooked and consumed as snacks. But they can also be ground as flour and cooking oil can be extracted from the nuts as well. The barks, leaves, stem and roots of the African Walnut were used in ancient traditional medicine. Barks and leaves were used to ease dysentery. The bark of the stem was used as a laxative. It was also chewed to reduce toothache.

They may Promote Brain Health

Preliminary studies indicate that walnuts may play a role in maintaining and improving brain health. Walnuts are rich in alpha-linolenic acid, a plant-based omega 3 fatty acid. They also contain more polyphenolic compound than any other nut. Both omega 3 fatty acid and polyphenols are considered critical brain foods that may counteract oxidative stress and inflammation; these are two drivers of cognitive decline.

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They may Reduce Insomnia

Walnuts are a good source of tryptophan. This sleep-enhancing amino acid helps to produce compounds like melatonin, serotonin, and magnesium; these compounds are called the “body clock hormones.” They work together to promote and regulate good sleep. People who have difficulty sleeping at night are therefore advised to eat some African walnuts before going to bed. It may help suppress their sleep disorder.

They are Fertility Boosters

African walnut is an organic fruit that can help boost the rate of sperm production. Medical research revealed that men who eat walnut on a daily basis are prone to have increased sperm quality. That’s because healthy fatty acids like Omega 3 fatty acid found in African Walnuts play a role in sperm production. These nuts also help to boost the fertility of women.

They are Heart Healthy

African Walnuts contain the amino acids, L-arginine. These are needed for the biosynthesis of protein and the promotion of a healthy heart. The alpha-linolenic acid found in African walnut is the type of plant-based omega 3 fatty acid found in walnut fruit. It prevents heart and blood vessel diseases.

The African Walnut can Last up to a Year

A large supply of shelled or unshelled walnut should be put in an airtight container and stored in a cool, dry place. Those living in places where constant power supply is not a mirage can store their African walnuts in the refrigerator. That way, they will remain fresh for up to three months. Those who want their walnuts to last longer than three months can also put them in an airtight container and freeze them. Finally, African Walnuts are in season. Let’s make the most of this versatile gift from mother nature.   References: Ayeni E. Ayodeji and Nuhu Aliyu, “Tetracarpidium Conophorum (African Walnut) Hutch & Dalziel Ethnomedicinal Uses and its Therapeutic Activities,” Journal of Medicinal Plants for Economic Development, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2018.

2016. A. Orhevba and A. O. Bonire “Effect of Hydrothermal Processing Period on the Chemical Composition of African Walnuts (Tetracarpidium Conophorum)” Journal of Agricultural Science and Food Technology, vol. 2, no. 5, 2016.

Funke Koleosho’s Blog The Guardian Life   Featured Image Source: Global Food Bank

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This article was first published on 17th July 2020

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