Discover the 20 health benefits of Mucuna Pruriens and side effects.

Mucuna Pruriens , known as velvet bean, is a plant of the legume family.

The original habitat of Mucuna Pruriens extends throughout the tropics on all continents, beginning with Africa, the Caribbean islands, northern Australia, India, Southeast Asia (including Indonesia), and the Pacific islands.

 

Mucuna Pruriens is a seasonal legume that grows to spread.

This plant can be used for human and animal food (forage and seeds) and environmental services.

The young leaves, pods, and seeds can give some benefits, especially for food ingredients like Tempe which originally comes from Indonesia and is made by fermenting boiled seed paste.

Nutrition facts of Mucuna Pruriens

The nutrients contained in Mucuna pruriens are:

• Energy 32 Kcal

• Protein 24 g

• Fat 3 g

• Carbohydrates 55 g

• Calcium 130 mg

• Phosphorous 200 mg

• Zinc 2 mg

• Vitamin A 70 IU

• Vitamin B1 0.3 g

• Vitamin C 0 mg

20 health benefits of Mucuna pruriens

Of the nutrients above, here are the health benefits of mucuna pruriens:

1.- Benefits of Mucuna Pruriens for cholesterol

According to various scientific studies carried out, the results show that mucuna pruriens has saponin content.

This saponin serves to lower cholesterol levels in the body.

This content binds to bile acids and causes bound cholesterol. So this plant is often called an anti-cholesterol plant.

2.- It works as an antioxidant body

Too much oxidation with the skin can cause free radicals.

Therefore, it is necessary to get as many antioxidants as possible that are useful to prevent the appearance of free radicals.

Mucuna pruriens is also one of the plants that contain flavonoids that produce antioxidants or antioxidants.

3.- Prevents skin aging

The flavonoid content in Mucuna Pruriens is also helpful in preventing premature aging.

Self-aging can occur because the skin is often exposed to air pollution and direct sunlight.

The flavonoid will lift the dull skin and regenerate the dead skin from these problems.

In addition, the flavonoid also protects and maintains the health of the skin.

4.- Avoid allergies

According to the study, after consuming or using Mucuna Pruriens, the body will respond to things that can cause the allergy to be rejected.

So that the body becomes comfortable with the disturbance that surrounds it.

The smell and taste of this plant are also not too strong which can often cause allergies.

5.-Benefits of Mucuna Pruriens for diarrhea

Eating foods and drinks that contain flavonoids like mucuna pruriens is also beneficial for the digestive system.

The benefit is preventing the body from lacking fluids that can cause diarrhea.

This disease is often infected, especially in children.

6.- Increased libido (aphrodisiac)

Inside mucuna pruriens, there is a substance called levodopa and it gives some good effects as an aphrodisiac.

It can increase libido, which can be interpreted as an increase in a person’s sexual desire.

This can happen to both men and women.

According to some studies, especially in Brazil, people use the leaves of this plant to increase male sexual desire and it shows some great results.

7.- Protein producer and energy source

The mucuna pruriens that we already know from above can be used as one of the raw materials of Tempe.

It is also beneficial as a source of protein substitutes apart from the more expensive meats and contains other substances.

Mucuna pruriens serve as an essential nutrient in the body.

This plant contains epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine that give some effects that can increase energy and focus. It is the same result as a dose of caffeine.

Therefore, consuming it will increase the body’s energy inactivity.

Also, the body will feel full for a long time, and it will make the body feel more energetic.

8.- Heals minor wounds

The sap from the stem of the mucuna pruriens plant is beneficial in treating minor external ulcers.

It is because the content in the stem can heal these minor wounds, such as torn, stabbed, cut, scratched, or lightly burned wounds.

9.- Relieves Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is a gradual degeneration of nerve cells in the center of the brain that regulate body movement.

Parkinson’s itself can also lead to other serious illnesses, especially psychiatric problems.

L-dopa contained in the seed of mucuna pruriens is a precursor of dopamine and improves the level of dopamine in the brain.

However, L-dopa is not the only substance responsible for use in the prevention of Parkinson’s disease.

In addition, there are other substances in the seeds that can act as neuroprotectors and reduce the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

10.- Helps reduce stress

Feelings of stress can be fatal to the body. This is because if a person is depressed, they will tend to perform actions that are beyond the control of their mind.

Also, it can affect others because that person will try to blame others, get angry easily, and most dangerously, that person can also hurt others to get rid of stress.

Fortunately, the consumption of mucuna pruriens can refresh the mind to be calmer due to the fragrant smell and taste.

11.- Benefits of Mucuna Pruriens for diabetes

Mucuna pruriens contains proteins and some vitamins that are useful in the fight against hypertension.

The study was carried out in mice and concluded that blood sugar levels were lowered by 21.89% in four weeks.

The result of this can also be used by humans. We already know that proteins can maintain blood sugar levels and that vitamins contain antioxidants and pure sugar that do not increase blood sugar levels.

12.- Increases the immune system

Within the mucuna pruriens, there are phosphorus and calcium substances that increase resistance and white blood cells.

According to 1996 research at the University of Arkansas, phosphorus deficiency is often associated with vitamin D and calcium deficiency.

These nutritional deficiencies can enhance the autoimmune disorder.

13.- Helps maintain the nervous system

The content of vitamin B1, phosphorus, and iron in Mucuna pruriens is very important to keep the nervous system working properly.

Phosphorus is one of the important minerals in the body. Phosphorus directly maintains normal neural activity.

While iron plays a role in red blood cell regulation, it remains awake, so the nerve can work optimally.

14.- It can substitute Viagra for the reproductive system

Popular research claims that couples who have healthy and active sex lives are relatively happier and even live longer.

But this can be problematic if the man has erectile dysfunction.

Viagra is the most popular pill for increasing sexual desire/libido in men and it also helps with erectile dysfunction.

People of all ages use these blue pills which hurt health.

Therefore, the consumption of mucuna pruriens becomes a more natural substitute for viagra.

In addition, it is good for normal fertility, healthy sperm and eggs, proper functioning of the reproductive organs, and proper genital secretions.

Here are more health benefits of Mucuna Pruriens.

15.- Good for diet and losing weight

16.- Protect the heart

17.- Circulate the blood flow

18.- Fight against cancer

19.- Good for pregnant women

20.- Make the digestion system work smoothly

Side effects of mucuna pruriens

Contains hydrocyanic acid

Mucuna pruriens contains acid cyanide poison (HCN), especially in the seeds.

This is what reduces the interest in consuming this plant.

One way to eliminate it is by soaking the beans in the water for 1 day, with every 6 hours to replace the water.

This experiment has been done many times and the result is very good but it is too complicated for people who always want an instant path.

It can cause vomiting, headaches, and poor sleep

We should not consume too much mucuna pruriens because it can cause some problems such as vomiting, headaches, and insomnia.

These are all the health benefits of mucuna pruriens.

However, there are some side effects if we eat or use too much. Stay healthy and good luck.