The African walnut, known as Plukenetia conophora, belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae and is found commonly in Nigeria and Cameroon. In Nigeria, it is called ukpa (igbo language) or awusa or asala (Yoruba language). It is a perennial climbing shrub. The nut, which is usually white, is house in a brown-black hard shell which may house one or two nuts. The plant is usually cultivated for its nut which is eaten as a snack either roasted or boiled. Drinking water immediately after eating the nut usually gives a bitter taste. This has been attributed to the presence of alkaloids in walnut seeds. The high nutritional value and numerous health benefits of walnut plant make it an important food source.


Walnut seed oil is a rich source of essential dietary fatty acids –oleic, linoleic and alpha-linoleic acids – which are omega- 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. They are called essential dietary fatty acids because they are not manufactured by the human body and must therefore be obtained through the diet, again highlighting the usefulness of this plant.

The plant has been reported to have anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of tannins and may thus be useful in asthma and pain management. It is also used as a male fertility agent because of the vitamin E content of the seed. It also consists of antioxidants that have tendency to increase sperm count, motility, and enhance sperm morphology. Antioxidants have been thought to mop up free radicals that accumulate in the body, promoting the general health of the male reproductive system. Some have even claimed that consumption of walnut seed can contribute to reducing the tendency to develop cardiovascular diseases by lowering cholesterol, reducing inflammation and improving the function of blood vessels. The leaf has been used traditionally in treating various skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis because of its high vitamin C content.

http://www.acies360.com/2017/11/15/health-benefits-african-walnut/

I like eating it and decided to research what health benefit it gives. Good reports there.

Thanks for sharing.

thanks for sharing.i like it but it is becoming expensive