Hyacinth beans contain a sufficient quantity of potassium which strengthens muscles and lessens muscle cramps. Minerals such as selenium, manganese and zinc also help tackle lung and respiratory diseases. This vegetable is a great mood booster as it contains amino acids which help to balance hormones

Lablab purpureus is a legume that is cultivated to be eaten as green pods. It belongs to the family Fabaceae ⁄ Leguminosae. It is also known as Egyptian Bean, Hyacinth Bean, Field Bean, Indian bean, Lablab Bean, Musical Bean, Tonga Bean, Sweet Pulse, and Wild Bean.

The plant is tropical and widely grown in North Africa and Asia. It is a twining or trailing herb. The pods are 4 to 5 cm long. It is used for vegetable use. It has a strong nutty aroma and sweet flavor. There are four varieties of Hyacinth beans such as White Flower, Purple Flower, Asia Purple, and Asia White.

History

Native to Africa, it is cultivated widely in North Africa and Asia for its edible pods. Hyacinth bean made its way to India from Africa between 1600 and 1500 BC. In the 1700s, Hyacinth beans were introduced to Europe. In the 19th century, Hyacinth beans were introduced to America as an ornamental plant. Hyacinth beans were cultivated in Asia and North Africa as a food source.

Plant

The plant of Hyacinth beans is an annual or short-lived perennial, twining, or trailing herb with a thick stem that is about 6 meters long. The plant grows up to 10-15 feet high. The leaves are alternate, trifoliate, and 7.5 – 15 cm long. The flowers are purple or white. It requires well-drained soil.

The fruit is a broad scimitar and smooth pods which are bright purple to pale green. The pods are 4–5 cm long. Each pod contains 4-6 seeds, round to oval and 1 cm long. The seeds are white, cream, pale brown, dark brown, red, black, or mottled.

Health Benefits of Hyacinth Beans

Hyacinth Bean contains various nutrients, minerals, vitamins, and lipids that help to enhance overall health. It possesses antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, tonic, aphrodisiac, hypocholesterolemic, galactagogue, appetite suppressants, and antispasmodic properties that prevent various types of ailments.

1. Brain health

Copper is essential for the brain pathways such as galactose and dopamine which helps to maintain mood, outlook, and focus. The low presence of copper leads to fatigue, poor mood, concentration trouble, and low metabolic activity. It is also associated with utilizing tyrosinase, ascorbate oxidase, superoxide dismutase, and Vitamin C. The antioxidants prevent the damage caused by free radicals and slow down the aging process, neurodegenerative disease, and cancer.

2. Cardiovascular health

Vitamin B1 is vital for the production of acetylcholine which is a neurotransmitter that relays messages from the nerves to the muscles. The heart depends on these signals. The proper use of energy helps to provide signals between the nerves and muscles. The studies show that Vitamin B1 helps to counteract heart disease as it maintains healthy ventricular function and also treats heart failure.

3. Prevent cancer

Zinc possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which help to counteract oxidative stress and reduce the risk of diseases. Zinc assists the healthy cell division prevents mutation of cells and prohibits tumor growth. The research shows that the adequate intake of zinc reduced oxidative stress along with infections and side effects. It has the ability to promote the immune system.

4. Assist respiration

Minerals such as selenium, manganese, and zinc assist people having the lung disorders like a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Oxidative stress is the cause of respiratory disorders and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Manganese is able to reduce oxidative stress as well as inflammation by producing the SOD’s which helps to heal the lungs.

5. Supports digestion

Fiber plays a vital role in digestion. Insoluble fiber provides bulk to the stool and speeds up the time to pass the waste from the body. It helps to prevent bloating, constipation and indigestion. Soluble fiber enhances digestion by absorbing the water to form a viscous substance that is fermented by the bacteria in the digestive tract.

6. Treats insomnia

The low consumption and absorption of nutrients is the cause of insomnia. An adequate amount of magnesium helps to increase sleep, lower levels of cortisol, and higher concentrations of melatonin that are related to stress. The research shows that magnesium supplements reduce the symptoms of insomnia, improve sleep time, sleep efficiency, and sleep onset. It also reduces cortisol.

7. Assist levels of energy

Iron helps to transport oxygen to the cells. It helps to body to absorb nutrients and digest proteins from the food. The low presence of iron results sluggish, trouble being active, and cause exhaustion. The symptoms of iron deficiency are mood change, low concentration, and muscle coordination problems.

8. Gum health

Vitamin D, Calcium, and phosphorus is essential for maintaining bone health by supporting jaw-bone mineral density, tooth enamel, and holding teeth in place. Vitamins and minerals help to cure tooth decay. Children require foods rich in calcium and phosphorus which helps to form the hard structure of the teeth. Along with phosphorus, Vitamin D is essential to balance the calcium in the body and enhance its absorption for the formation of teeth. Vitamin D reduces the gum inflammation that is related to periodontal gum disease.

9. Enhance mood

Protein foods contain amino acids that are essential to balance hormones, control mood, and treat anxiety. Protein assists the function of neurotransmitters and harmonizes the hormones such as serotonin and dopamine which helps to calm us. Proteins balance the glucose and prevent irritability, mood change, and cravings which are associated with the fluctuation of blood sugar levels.

10. Prevent cramps

Hyacinth beans contain an adequate amount of potassium which reduces muscle cramps and improves the strength of muscles. The deficiency of potassium is the cause of muscle cramps. The potassium soothes the muscles by balancing the fluid levels. A low level of potassium leads to cramps, general pains, and muscle spasms. It helps to break down the proteins and carbs which the muscle depends upon for repair and energy.

Traditional uses     

• In Peninsular Malaysia, the leaves are used with rice flour and turmeric as a poultice for eczema.
• An infusion made from leaves is used to treat gonorrhea.
• In Indo-China, the leaves are used for colic.
• In the Philippines, the leaves are used for leucorrhoea and menorrhagia.
• In East Africa, crushed leaves are used to cure headaches.
• Leaves are used to treat stomach disorders.
• Green leaves with vinegar are used to cure snakebites.
• In Rwanda, a decoction made from leaves is used to cure heart problems.
• In the Democratic Republic of Congo, an infusion made from leaves is used to treat sore throat and tonsillitis.
• In Asia, the flowers are used as antivirus, emmenagogue, alexiteric and carminative.
• In Indo-China, the flowers are used as the treatment for leucorrhoea and menorrhagia.
• In Assam, the pod’s juice is used to treat inflammation of the ear and throat.
• The mature seeds are anthelmintic, aphrodisiac, antispasmodic, digestive, astringent, depurative, febrifuge and stomachic.
• The decoction is used to treat sunstroke, vomiting, nausea, enteritis, diarrhea, alcoholism, abdominal pain, and arsenic.
• The Chinese use the boiled ripe seeds as a carminative and tonic.
• In India, the seeds are used to stop nose bleeding.
• In Senegal, the seed is used as stomachic, antispasmodic, and as a treatment for sunstroke and cholera.

References

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