Velvet beans have rich purple bean pods and are legumes. Their vines are long and ascending, with purplish blooms and hairy pods. They are native to China’s south and India’s east. However, they are now widely grown in Australia and South America.
Velvet bean plants live only a short time. They are mostly used as medicinal, cover, and food crops. Furthermore, they are used as organic manure and for grazing.
Mucuna Prurien is the scientific name for Velvet bean. They are known by several names since they have spread all over the world. Cowhage, Kiwanch, and Cowich are only a few examples.
Velvet beans are used as a remedy in ancient Ayurvedic medicine to treat anxiety, sadness, diarrhoea, snake bites, and infertility. Additionally, velvet bean extracts aid in the treatment of cough, diabetes, and cancer.
Velvet Beans’ Nutritional Value
Mucuna beans are high in minerals, vitamins, and phytonutrients. Furthermore, it is an antioxidant powerhouse. [1]
One hundred grammes of edible velvet bean includes the following nutrients:
Protein: 31.44 g Carbohydrates: 52.56 g
6.73 g fat
5.16 g of fibre
The mineral content of edible velvet beans (white) is as follows:
- 1575mg potassium
- 87.80mg calcium
- 120mg Magnesium
- 5.79mg iron
- 12.70mg sodium
- 499mg phosphorus
- 5.26mg zinc
The mineral content of edible velvet beans (black) is as follows:
- 1343mg potassium
- 104mg calcium
- 109mg Magnesium
- 7.47mg iron
- Sodium content: 25.70mg
- 376mg phosphorus
- 12.20mg zinc
These beans also contain about 60 phytochemicals that help to strengthen the immune system, regulate hormones, protect cells from DNA damage, and slow the growth of cancer cells.
The Health Advantages of Velvet Bean
The velvet bean, also known as the kaunch ke beej, is a rare legume. It is really beneficial to one’s health.
Enhances Brain Function
Velvet Bean’s most potent phytonutrient is an amino acid called Levodopa (L-Dopa). It is a dopamine precursor that penetrates the blood-brain barrier to promote dopamine neurotransmission. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that aids in the transmission of nerve messages.
Dopamine is required by our bodies for alertness, attention, happiness, mood regulation, memory, and other functions. It regulates sensory and motor control, sleep stress response, digestion, and hormone synthesis with other neurotransmitters such as serotonin and adrenaline.
Parkinson’s Disease Prevention
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a nervous system degenerative illness. It is caused by a dopamine deficit. Muscle rigidity, tremor, and restricted mobility are other indications of Parkinson’s disease.
Conventional Parkinson’s treatments may not cross the blood-brain barrier to boost dopamine. Velvet bean nutrients, on the other hand, may infiltrate and increase dopamine levels.
It may potentially have antidepressant properties. Dopamine, in combination with serotonin and adrenaline, may assist to alleviate Parkinson’s symptoms.
Anti-Cancer Activity
Cancer is caused mostly by radical cell damage. Bean consumption on a regular basis may have anti-cancer properties. It may raise the levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in your body.
They are powerful antioxidants that may shield your cells from free radical damage. Furthermore, antioxidants prevent cell oxidation.
The basic components of cells are harmed by oxidation in the cells. It, for example, affects the cell membrane, proteins, and DNA, resulting in impaired cell function.
As a result, having velvet beans in your diet may help to prevent and limit the growth of cancer cells.
Beans’ methanol content may also inhibit tumour growth.
A Sound Reproductive System
Velvet bean extracts may help with fertility concerns. They include a diverse range of alkaloids that may stimulate testosterone production. As a result, your sperm count, motility, and viability may improve. Furthermore, increasing testosterone may aid in the creation of healthy sperm.
Infertility is caused by low testosterone, aberrant follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and prolactin levels. FSH and Prolactin levels may be reduced by eating these beans. As a result, it may boost female fertility.
It also boosts testosterone, a necessary male hormone for sperm production. According to research, velvet bean treatments boost sperm count and motility significantly. As a result, pharmaceutical companies use velvet bean extracts to create reproductive tonics to treat reproductive diseases.
Bacterial Infections Are Prevented by Velvet Beans
A study shows that hexane, chloroform, and methanol extracts of velvet beans have antibacterial activity. The study demonstrates that all extracts have antibacterial efficacy against various kinds of bacteria and fungus.
The methanol extract of velvet beans, on the other hand, has the strongest antibacterial activity against all bacterial and fungal species. Simultaneously, chloroform extracts exhibit mild antibacterial action.
Bean extracts are used as components in therapies for intestinal worm infestation. The plant’s roots are also antibacterial. They are frequently used by farmers as ingredients to keep bacteria and diseases away from trees and plants.
Anti-Venom Capabilities
Snake bites are treated with Velvet bean seeds in traditional and alternative medicine. These extracts may also provide long-term protection against snake venom.
According to research, velvet bean extracts can be used to create antidotes for viper venom. The bean contains proteins that are similar to those found in snake venom. It may stimulate antibodies that aid in the defence against snake venom. It has the potential to reduce the poisoning’s symptoms.
Helps to prevent iron deficiency
Iron is abundant in velvet beans. The body need iron to produce red blood cells. As a result, it may help to prevent iron deficiency illnesses such as anaemia.
Mood Enhancer
Velvet beans are a natural antidepressant and stress reliever. Dopamine and serotonin may help you manage your mood fluctuations and sleep cycle.
Dopamine derivatives epinephrine and norepinephrine improve cellular mare. As a result, they keep your nerve impulses, blood circulation, and oxygen levels in check. Furthermore, velvet beans can alert and stimulate you, as well as provide relaxation and calm.
Cortisol (the stress hormone) is reduced by velvet beans. Stress causes changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and headaches. As a result, the bean may be able to regulate your anxiousness.
Boosts Cognitive Effects
The violet bean has nootropic compounds that may improve brain function. They can also be referred to as cognitive or memory enhancers. Piracetam and aniracetam are two of these ingredients. They may, in addition to dopamine, enhance your senses and ideas and clear your mind to boost confidence.
Who Should Consume Velvet Beans?
Velvet beans are high in a variety of vital elements. As a result, a recommended dose may be perfect for persons suffering from the following conditions:
- Cancer
- Parkinson’s Disease (PD)
- People who are having fertility problems.
- Diabetes, Hypertension, High Cholesterol, and Digestive Disorders
How to Use Velvet Beans in Your Diet
A healthy adult may benefit from eating 15- 20 grammes of velvet beans once or twice a week. Begin with 5 grammes each day, however. It may assist you in determining your tolerance. It also eliminates the potential of any negative side effects.
Form of Powder
These beans can be roasted and processed into a fine powder. The powder can then be taken with warm milk and water. You may also add it to conventional chapati or bread flour or tortillas, flat loaves of bread, soups, and so on.
Whole Grain
You can cook the whole bean in the same way you would any other edible bean. For example, you can use them to prepare curries or add them to rice and other dishes. Cooked fresh shoots or beans can also be used in salads and soups.
Medications and capsules
As a supplement, velvet bean pills are available. However, before taking them, consult with your doctor. This will assist you in avoiding any negative reactions.
Velvet Bean Recipes
Coffee with Velvet Beans
Time to prepare: 5 minutes
Serves:2
Ingredients
1 tsp powdered and roasted velvet bean-1 tsp jaggery or palm sugar-1 tsp cinnamon powder -1/2 tsp
Directions
- Two cups of water should be brought to a boil.
- Mix in the cinnamon powder. Allow it to boil for 2 minutes.
- Then, along with the sugar or jaggery, add one teaspoon of the velvet bean powder.
- Allow for a two-minute simmer.
- Coffee should be strained.
- Serve after thoroughly mixing.
Velvet Beans and Their Potential Side Effects
You should use caution when consuming velvet beans. Some folks, though, must avoid it.
- The beans or their contents may interfere with the symptoms and treatments of psychosis, neuropathy, irregular heartbeat therapy, or Arrhythmia.
- Consuming these beans during pregnancy may be unsafe. Velvet bean seeds have uterine stimulating properties, which can cause uterine rupture and haemorrhage. Furthermore, uterine stimulant hyperactivity may result in foetal heart rate anomalies. As a result, congenital defects may arise. As a result, pregnant and lactating women should avoid eating velvet beans.
- People with liver illness should avoid eating these beans as well. Velvet bean Levodopa may increase the synthesis of Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT). They are symptoms of liver disease.
- An excessive intake of velvet beans may result in a high level of L-Dopa. As a result, it causes aberrant dopamine synthesis, resulting in hallucinations, delusions, and other symptoms such as schizophrenia.
- Anti-nutrients may be present in the bean. It contains tannins, phenols, and other compounds. As a result, before consuming it, soak and thoroughly clean it.
- If you are allergic to beans, the hair may cause allergic reactions. It may also cause extreme itching and rashes.
Conclusion
Mucuna Pruriens, also known as velvet bean, is an underappreciated legume. It has acquired prominence, however, due to its wide medical benefits. Its health benefits are an extra bonus. These legumes are high in a variety of nutrients.
They are high in proteins and vital minerals, for example. As a result, both traditional and modern therapies make extensive use of them. However, you should soak and clean them thoroughly before eating them, and consume them in moderation.
Questions and Answers (FAQs)
Q. What are the applications of velvet bean?
A. Velvet beans can be used to treat reproductive difficulties, high blood pressure, and neurological illnesses. They may also be used to treat worm infestations in the intestine. Furthermore, they are used as fertilisers because they may improve nitrogen absorption in plants.
Q. Does velvet bean stimulate testosterone production?
A. Of course. Because of the elevated dopamine, velvet beans may raise plasma testosterone levels. Dopamine increases testosterone synthesis and is essential for the male reproductive system to function properly.
Q. Does velvet bean boost dopamine levels?
A. These beans’ seeds are high in levodopa and its derivatives. Dopamine is a precursor of levodopa. It penetrates the blood-brain barrier to boost dopamine neurotransmission. As a result, consuming velvet beans may raise your dopamine levels.
Q: How much velvet bean should I consume?
A. One dish of cooked beans each day is adequate. If you use velvet bean powder, however, 1-2 teaspoons each day is ideal. However, before incorporating any supplements into your regular diet, consult with your doctor.
Q. What are the advantages of Mucuna?
Mucuna, often known as velvet bean, nourishes and rejuvenates your tissues. It could help with reproductive nerve diseases. It also aids digestion, diabetes, and blood circulation, among other things.
Q. Can Mucuna pruriens assist with depression?
Mucuna pruriens Pruriens have been shown to efficiently increase dopamine and serotonin levels. As a result, they may be able to regulate your mood fluctuations and sleep cycles. Both of these hormones influence our mood. As a result, they are beneficial in antidepressant therapy.
Q. Can Mucuna assist with anxiety?
A. The dopamine in velvet beans reduces your body’s stress hormone (cortisol). As a result, the bean may aid in the reduction of anxiety.
Q. What are Mucuna Pruriens’ side effects?
A. The side effects may be uncommon. You can’t, however, rule them out. Headache, irregular heartbeat, disorientation, and disoriented speech are all possible adverse effects.
Agitation, hallucinations, and delusions are all possible. Furthermore, velvet bean hair is a potent irritant that can cause severe itching and swelling.
Q: Does Mucuna pruriens provide energy?
A. Mucuna contributes to the natural synthesis of dopamine, a neurotransmitter. Dopamine boosts energy levels. It has a huge influence on how we feel. Dopamine boosts our energy and positivity.