•African Walnut

The ‘African walnut’ known botanically as Tetracarpidium conophorum, has been described as a
good remedy for infertility, dreadful cholesterol, poor brain or mental function and cardiovascular
diseases, among others.

According to a natural medicine practitioner, Dr Gilbert Ezengige, people do not take advantage of
the nut known as Ukpa in Igbo, Asala (Yoruba), Okhue or Okwe among the Edo people.

Walnut, he said, has a spermatogenic property, which makes it promote formation of sperm cells in
the testicles. “Walnut improves the quality and count of sperm produced. We often prescribe it as a
form of treatment for infertility. Its leaf extract has been found to boost female fertility. The African
walnut can also help to reduce bad cholesterol level in the blood,” he said.

The naturopath said African walnut is different from other walnuts from other parts of the world but
all walnuts can boost cognitive functions when taken regularly. This, he said, was due to the
presence of high level of omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin B6. This helps to support brain functions,
he said.

He said walnuts are eaten across the world but people really do not know their huge benefits.

“For example, walnut helps to prevent cardiovascular diseases. Heart attack and coronary heart
diseases are greatly minimised with moderate consumption of walnut. The harm to the heart
resulting from excessive consumption of fatty foods is preventable. People should eat walnuts
regularly. It also possesses a heart friendly antioxidant,” he said.

Ezengige, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), HealthBubbles Online, advised hypertensive patients
to eat as much walnut as they can when it is in season to lower their blood pressure.

Moreover, those suffering from insomnia or sleep disorder can get good sleep as walnut has been
found to enhance good sleep.

This, he said, was due to the high content of pyridoxine and melatonin found in the nut, which makes
it support quality sleep. “This nut also relaxes and nourishes the brain. The nut itself from the law of
signature resembles the structure of the human brain. People suffering from lack of sleep and other
sleep disorders could benefit from regular intake of walnut,” he said.

He said African walnut is a seasonal plant, adding: “People refer to it as the king of nuts due to the
immense nutritional and health benefits derivable from it”.
Walnut, he said, contains an array of vital essential minerals, vitamins and phyto-nutrients as well as
non-nutritive phytochemicals known to impact positively on health.

He said the plant’s nutrients have the capacity to renew, rebuild, restore and reactivate the human
body and walnut is no exemption as it possesses antimicrobial properties and remedies for most
stomach and intestinal health conditions.

Some vitamins present in African walnut include thiamine (Vitamin B1), which is very useful in
addressing tachycardia (fast heart beat) and cardiomegaly (heart enlargement).

“It also has riboflavin (Vitamin B2), which is good for the reproductive health and vision because it
alleviates eye fatigue. Walnut also has niacin, niacinamide, nicotinic acid or nicotinamide ( all
Vitamin B3), which is an essential ingredient for sex hormone production and healthy nervous
system.

“The fruit has pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5), which plays major roles in fighting infection. It assists in
production of antibodies; lowers cholesterol and triglycerides levels in the blood,” he said.

What about pyridoxine (Vitamin B6), which the African walnut has? It helps in the treatment of
premenstrual edema, Parkinson’s disease, nausea and edema.

Others are toxemia in pregnancy, brain disorders and male sexual malfunctions. “Walnut also has
folic acid (Vitamin B9). It is one of the most important nutrients for an expectant mother and the
foetus. Folic acid helps to prevent spontaneous abortion and difficult labour as well as high infant
death rate.

The nut contains cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) needed for the production and regeneration of red
blood cells as well as ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), which is used to treat infections, allergies,
respiratory disorders and urinary tract problems.

Also on the list is vitamin E (Tocopherol). This is one of the vitamins that possess anti-thrombin
property. It helps to preserve the cardiovascular system as well as increases the oxygen available
to the heart and other muscles.

Ezengige said: “African walnut has many minerals, especially Manganese, selenium and L-arginine.

Manganese, he said, nourishes the brain and nerves, and assists to correct pancreas disturbances
while selenium prevents hardening of arteries. This, he added, also promotes healthy tissue
elasticity and helps in regeneration of liver after damage, especially by cirrhosis. It also raises sperm
count and increases fertility in men as well as alleviating hot flushes and menopausal distress.

The natural medicine practitioner said L-arginine is also needed for the normal functioning of
pituitary gland, production of insulin, glucagon and heamoglobin. It also enhances the immune
system function.

He said walnut has melatonin, which is the hormone known to enhance sleep and immunity. It helps
to preserve the body’s internal clock mechanism, and as such protects cells of the body by arresting
proliferation of cancer cells.

Other nutrients present are ellagic acid, which acts like a powerful antioxidant and oleic acid. This
reduces blood pressure and it helps to burn fat. It is useful in the treatment and management of type
2 diabetes, Ezengige said.