BY CHISOM IBEMERE
Bamabara nut/groundnut, ground bean, earth pea is a wonderful legume yet known by few countries of the world. It is from the family Fabaceae and originated in West Africa. It is one of the most important and benefitial legume coming after cowpea and peanut. It is a nitrogen fixing plant hence enriches the soil fertility. It has a balanced macronutrient composition.
Bamabara nuts are highly proteinous and used as food, snacks and can be roasted or processed into cake. They take a longer time to cook. They are popular by their local names which are Okpa in Igbo, Kwaruru in Hausa and Epa-Roro in Yoruba. They are grounded into flour and used in making Okpa which goes well with Pap, Custard, drinks or taken with Garri.
Okpa is a delicious food enjoyed by many Nigerians. It is a heavy food as it is enjoyed mostly by laborers because it keeps them full for a longer period.
Bamabara groundnut is an energy giving food with loads of nutrients such as protein, vitamins, fibre, fat, carbohydrates, minerals such as potassium, flouride, magnessium, calcium, zinc etc. It is known as a complete food because it contains all the necessary food nutrients.
Bambara nut takes care of malnutrition gotten from deficiency of minerals and other nutrients like rickets, kwashiorkor. This is because it has all the nutrients for proper body functions and metabolism. It’s rich Iron contents prevents the risk of getting Anaemia. It improve the level of blood in the body and helps in the circulation of blood from the heart to all parts of the body.
Bambara nut is rich in anti-oxidants which are helpful in fighting against toxins that disrupt the proper body functions. They contains Calcium and phosphorus that are great in preventing bone and teeth injuries thereby making the bone strong and free from Arthritis, Rheumatism, Osteoporosis and other bone related problems.
Bambara nut or Okpa contains the amino acid Tryptophan which is known as a sleep inducing element. It helps with the problems of insomnia and keeps you calm and improves the quality of sleep.
