September 24, 2020

Niger seed, uses and benefits

Origin of the Niger seed

The Niger seed belongs to the Asteraceae family and the Guizotia genus. The scientific name of the plant is Guizotia abyssinica. The Niger plant is a sturdy, upright herb, cultivated for its seeds and edible oil. Cultivation of the plant originated in the Ethiopian highlands, and has since spread from Malawi to India.

The shape of Niger seeds is similar to that of sunflower seeds, but the size is smaller and black in color. It has a fairly thick and adherent seed coat that can be stored for up to a year without damage. Niger seeds contain protein, oil and soluble sugar.

Niger commercial seeds are grown in Africa, India, and other parts of Southeast Asia. Before importing, Niger seeds must be sterilized with strong heat to prevent other seeds from germinating.

What is Niger Seed's Oil Used for?

Niger seeds are known for their good oil content. It is also a good source of protein. Niger seed oil is rich in linoleic acid and its fatty acid composition is similar to sunflower oil, so this oil can be cooked and used for some skin conditions. In some parts of India it is used to illuminate spaces at night.

This oil is obtained from the seeds of Niger plants, which is also known as ramtil or negrillo. The plant is a herbaceous plant that grows every year and its edible seeds can be cultivated. It is also grown in other countries in the world today, including Mexico, Germany, Brazil, Nepal, India, and other parts of Southeast Asia. Because it is rich in several essential nutrients, it is becoming increasingly popular around the world.

Niger seed oil is an excellent alternative to olive oil. It can also be mixed with flaxseed oil to increase the flavor. When mixed, the oil tastes great, making it suitable for all foods, including salad dressings.

Niger seed medicinal properties

Niger seed oil is famous for its medicinal properties. It has a therapeutic effect and has been used as a natural and effective treatment for rheumatism natural therapies since the earliest times of our civilization.

It is used to treat skin related problems such as scabies, burns, etc. It can also be used for the effective treatment of syphilis.

In addition, Niger seed oil has antioxidant, antiparasitic and antirheumatic properties which makes it an excellent massage oil that can maintain different skin conditions and prevent infections, as well as acting as an effective natural pain reliever.

Culinary properties of the Niger seed

Niger seed oil contains essential nutrients such as ascorbic acid, riboflavin, niacin, stearic acid and oleic acid, fiber, protein and carbohydrates. This makes it a healthy oil that can be used in a wide range of applications.

Aside from its nutty flavor, Nigerian seed flour is a good source of important amino acids. Consuming 1 gram of niger seed flour offers 0.054 g of tryptophan, 0.237 g of threonine, 0.307 g of isoleucine, 0.388 g of leucine, 0.294 g of lysine, 0.109 g of methionine and 0.177 g of cystine.

Niger seed oil is rich in minerals such as calcium, zinc, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and traces of copper, which are essential for health.

It can be used to alter other oils, such as sesame oil and rapeseed oil. The good news is that even when mixed with other oils, it tastes great.

Obviously, the seeds of Niger plants have many uses. However, if you use Niger seed oil for cooking, remember that it has a short shelf life and will turn bitter if stored for a long time.

Niger seeds are also used to feed birds and livestock. Niger seed oil has so many uses and health benefits, so it is not surprising that these seeds are popular everywhere.

Autor: Bárbara Machado