You Love Spices? All About Heath Benefits And Nutritional Value Of NEGRO PEPPER (Xylopia aethiopica)

NEGRO PEPPER (Xylopia aethiopica)

Negro pepper is a spice also known as the grains of selim. It is the seeds of a shrubby tree, xylopia aethiopica, found in Africa. The seeds have a musty flavor and are used as pepper substitute. It is sometimes confused with grains of paradise .As a spice the whole fruit (seed pod) is used as the hull of the fruit lends and aromatic note (with taste being described as an admixture of cubeb pepper and nutmeg with ever tones of resins).Typically, the dried fruit is lightly crushed before being tied in a banquet garni and added to West Africa soups (stew).

Nutritional Values

Serving size [per serving (100g), 1 ounce (28g)]

Amount per serving                                                   % Daily value

Calories    345/ calories from fat    144                    

Total fat                         16g                                       24.6%

Saturated fat                 0g                                        --------

Trans fat                         0g                                        --------

Cholesterol                    0g                                         -------

Sodium                           89g                                      3.7%

Total carbohydrate      51g                                      17%

Dietary fiber                 27g                                       108%

Sugars                            0g                                         -------

Protein                          12g                                       24%

 Vitamin A                                                                 715%

Calcium                                                                      10%

Vitamin C                                                                   13.3%

Iron                                                                             56%

Health benefits

Ø Negro pepper has been noted as cancer fighters and strong anti-inflammatory agent, hence contains caroteniod.

Ø This pepper can help with weight loss and prevent or help treat sinus infection.

Ø Some individuals use this pepper to help with psoriasis and some stomach conditions.

Ø It contains vitamin K which promotes proper blood clotting, strengthens bones, and helps protect cells from oxidative damage.

Ø It is also rich in phyto-chemicals and provides a decent amount of fiber.

Ø It decrease blood cholesterol andtriglycerides, boosts immunity and reduces the risk of stomach ulcer by killing bacteria in the stomach that can lead to ulcer.

Ø It contain substances that have been shown to increase the body heat production and oxygen consumption for about 20 minutes after eating .Hence, the body burning extra calories ,which helps weight loss.

Uses of Negro pepper

·        It is used as a medicine for lactating mothers.

·        It is used as a spice rub for fish.

·        In Cameroon, it is one of the three spices added to tea, along with dried gulper and cloves.

·        It is used to cook soup to add flavor to it.

Method of Preparation

Negro pepper is cooked with yam.

Steps

o   Boil yam for 15 minutes.

o   Add small quantity of red oil and allow it to boil.

o   Add crayfish, a pinch of salt, onions, uziza and negro pepper to give it flavor, allow to boil for more 5minutes and bring it down .Then ,food is ready to enjoy.  

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