Uncover the amazing health benefits of Akwu extracts and Ofe Akwu – a nutrient-rich African superfood! Get ready to discover its impact on your health and well-being.
Have you ever heard of Ofe Akwu? This African superfood is a powerhouse of nutrients and health benefits, making it an important part of any healthy diet. Learn more about akwu extracts and Ofe akwu food, its uses as traditional medicine, and its amazing effects on your health!
Nutritional Benefits of Eating Ofe Akwu.
Ofe Akwu, or “bush butter,” is a traditional African soup made from greens, palm oil, salt, crayfish, and ground-smoked fish. It’s a nutrient-dense meal that contains high levels of protein and essential vitamins and minerals. The consumption of Ofe Akwu can for instance provide your body with long-lasting energy as well as enhance cognitive function.
Additionally, this superfood is packed with iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc – promoting healthy bones, teeth and skin. Although one downside or reason people curtail frequent consumption is the high number of calories in the oil. For elderly people or those looking out for their cholesterol intake, ofe akwu is not a frequent meal but is still recommended occasionally.
Akwu In Igboland
In Igbo land, some plants/trees are considered more powerful than others. Most times, it is due to health, traditional or spiritual significance attached to the plant/tree.
However, in this article, we are looking at the physical, medical, and traditional benefits of akwu. Because akwu has been shown to have powerful therapeutic effects, making it a common and highly sort out food in southeastern Nigeria.
Akwu and How It Differs From Other Palm Fruits
There are hundreds of thousands of palm trees accessible all around the world. There are about 20 different varieties of palm fruits produced by these palm trees, including dates, coconut, acai berries, oil palm fruit, and many others.
Oil palm fruit (Elaeis guineensis) is widely accessible in Sub-Saharan Africa, having at least ten native species. That takes us to the oil palm fruit tree, also known as the akwu or nkwu tree in Nigeria (Igbo).
1. Nkwu Ojukwu
This type of akwu is the most precious and valuable palm fruit of all. It is quite effective in the treatment of a wide range of diseases.
Many consider its oil to be a miracle oil. However, everything from the fruits to the trunk, leaves, kernel, and so on is extremely therapeutic and is utilized for spiritual purposes by certain people.
- Akwu Ojukwu has a slightly different color than regular Banga fruits. It’s an orange-red color.
- Instead of a black mark at the tip, it has a green one.
- When unripe, it is navy green.
- Akwu Ojukwu has osukwu and okporoko akwu varieties.
Osukwu akwu – A palm fruit with juicy meat. It has either no kernel or a tiny and sensitive one that is easily broken with teeth. It produces a lot of oil.
Okporoko or Okpurukpu akwu – Less meat and larger kernels. It produces very little oil.
2. Akwu (normal palm fruit)
This is the most prevalent kind, often known as Banga. It is generally marketed in the market and used for cooking and commercial red palm oil.
- The fruit is colored yellow, orange, deep red, and/or black from the head to the tip.
- When unripe, it is black.
- This type is also available in osukwu and okporoko akwu varieties.
The Medicinal Benefits of Akwu Oil (Nkwu Ojukwu)
- Palm kernel oil is particularly good in reducing cough in traditional medicine. Some claim that it even helps with coughing in tuberculosis.
- Palm kernel oil can also treat kid convulsions or seizures by putting it all over the victim’s body. It can be used in conjunction with crude oil or other indigenous plants and substances to achieve the best effects.
- Red oil contains beta carotene and other antioxidants (anti-aging compounds) that make the skin shine, moisturize it, and appear healthy. Many people blend akwu ojukwu oil with their body lotion for this purpose.
- However, some people still use it completely, usually to cure rashes or skin discomfort.
- Akwu ojukwu crimson oil is more active in ripening boil.
- Ofe akwu is good food due to its several nutritional contents.
To use on a non-ripening boil, just dip your hands in the oil and apply it to the boil. It ripens in 20-30 minutes and relieves your discomfort as pus exudes from it.
Also, if you don’t have processed oil but can obtain the fruit and extract it yourself.
Spiritual Benefits of Akwu (Nkwu Ojukwu)
1. Whether ingested or touched, the oil neutralizes charm or poison.
2. As a result, it functions as an anti-poison by rubbing it on the damaged area of the body or consuming a tablespoon of the oil if the poison is consumed.
3. Many people think that the tree repels evil spirits and keeps them away from the area where it is planted.
4. The smoke from a burning kernel or dry tree also chases away bad spirits.
5. It is used to protect against psychic attacks.
6. You may also sprinkle the liquid extract from the palm fruit processing on the compound for any of the reasons it is thought to fulfill.
Not everyone believes in the spiritual or ceremonial use of akwu ojukwu. Most people are interested in the normal ofe akwu food. Those who use the akwu ojukwu type always testify to its benefits and efficiency.
Where Can You Find and Buy Good Quality, Fresh Akwu Produce?
Good quality, fresh Ofe Akwu produce can be found in many African markets and health food stores. You can also purchase dried, canned, or frozen Ofe Akwu for added convenience. When purchasing Ofe Akwu, look for vibrant dark green leaves with a firm texture and no discoloration or wilting. If you want to buy the freshest produce possible and enjoy all of the health benefits of this incredible superfood, harvest them from your own garden or farm!
Those looking for the akwu ojukwu version can always find them with farmers or with people that grow or trade that type specifically.
