Chapter 81 - Kersting's Nut (Kerstingiella Geocarpa): A Source of Food and Medicine

Abstract

This chapter provides information about the kersting's nut to popularize the production and utilization of the seed. Kersting's nut (Kerstingiella geocarpa) is an underutilized legume indigenous to West Africa. Though it is found in other parts of Africa, Asia, and India it has not attained national or worldwide importance. It is a fair source of inexpensive protein and nutritive elements that can enrich the human diet. It is an important crop in the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen to enrich the soil for the growth of other crops, through symbiosis with Rhizobium bacteria. Hence, apart from its importance as a food legume, Kerstingiella geocarpa seed will be beneficial in crop rotations and intercropping. The earliest report on the nutritional value of Kerstingiella geocarpa shows that it has high nutritional value and a high nitrogen content. It contains appreciable quantities of nutrients such as protein (21.5%) and carbohydrate (73.9%). Its protein is composed of lysine 6.2% and methionine 1.4%. Although total protein content is important in the biological utilization of protein, the level and balance of the essential amino acids primarily determine the nutritional value. The protein of Kerstingiella geocarpa seed is a rich source of essential amino acids, which have beneficial health implications, including their role in growth and blood formation. The seed would be beneficial for the management and prevention of atherogenic-related disorders. The seed has potential in the prevention and management of protein energy malnutrition, atherosclerosis, and other related disorders.