Medicinal Uses

 

WHAT IS SO INTERESTING ABOUT THE VELVET BEAN?

 

The velvet bean serves many other purposes besides being an effective fertilizer. It has been used all over the world as a source of food and medicine for both humans and animals. Velvet bean seeds (shown to the left) contain a high dose of Levodopa (L-Dopa), which is a naturally occurring dietary supplement found in certain kinds of food. It is a precursor to neurotransmitters dopamine. The most beneficial use of this supplement is in the clinical treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system and is caused by the death of dopamine-containing cells. This causes movement-related problems such as shaking, rigidity, slowness of movement, and eventually difficulty walking. The Mucuna seeds help increase the dopamine concentrations in patients with Parkinson's disease.

 

 

 

 

Mucuna seeds

 

 

The velvet bean has many other health benefits:

 

Body building and sports supplements: The velvet bean contains growth hormones, testosterone, and several amino acids used for developing muscle. These can help enhance muscle growth and toning.

 

Aphrodisiac: Mucuna has been used for many years to help improve the sex drive in men and women due to the increased levels of dopamine.

 

Well-being: Dopamine also helps improve one’s enjoyment and interest in life

 

Diet Supplement: The seeds of the velvet bean can help reduce body fat, cellulite, lower cholesterol levels, maintain blood sugar levels, and increase energy levels.

 

Food source: Velvet beans contain high levels of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, fibers, and minerals, which are essential in our daily diets. In Central America, velvet beans are roasted and ground to be used to make coffee. This is where it gets its name “Nescafe.” For more information on coffee making, click here.

 

Personal care: The velvet bean can also help improve skin texture and appearance.

 

De-Wormer: The Mucunain found in the itchy hairs of the seedpods can be used to extract intestinal worms in people and animals. To learn about a worms the Mucunain can help treat, click here or here.

 

To find out where I found all my information on Mucuna pruriens, click References.

 

Or, to learn more about the author, click About Me.

 

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