Health Benefits of Hyacinth Beans (Sem ki Phali), Uses And Its Side Effects
Last Updated: Aug 29, 2020
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The hyacinth bean is one of the lesser known tropical and subtropical food legumes. Though little known, it has been cultivated for many years in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas and Europe. Hyacinth bean is a good source of protein and can be used in the form of unripe pods, green mature and dry seed.
Hyacinth Beans (Sem ki Phali)
Hyacinth bean in English is a climbing shrub also known by its other names, such as lablab-bean, bonavist bean/pea, dolichos bean, musical bean, tonga bean, sweet pulse, wild bean seim bean, lablab bean, Egyptian kidney bean, Indian bean, bataw and Australian pea. Its scientific name is ‘Lablab purpureus’. It is a species of bean which originates from the family Fabaceae. It is native to India.
The hyacinth beans’ plant is annual or short-lived perennial, twining or trailing herb, with a thick stem which is about 6 meters long. The plant can grow between 10 to 15 feet in height.The flowers are purple or white in color and grow on well-drained soil.
The fruit of hyacinth bean is a broad scimitar and smooth pods which is bright purple to pale green in color. The pods are 4 to 5 cms long. Each pod usually contains 4-6 seeds, round to oval and 1 cm long.
Nutritional Value of Hyacinth Beans (Sem ki Phali)
Hyacinth bean is very low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. It is a very good source of protein, phosphorus, potassium, zinc and copper. It is also a good source of thiamin, magnesium and manganese. Generally, it contains 111.13% of iron, 73.56% of copper, 50.27% of zinc, magnesium which is 149%, phosphorus which is 78%, potassium which is 74%, sodium which is 2%, manganese which is 165% and selenium which is 25%.
Hyacinth bean also contains 43% carbohydrate and 100% protein. The cooked Hyacinth beans without salt can provide you with 227 calories per 1 cup of 194 grams. The same amount of serving can provide 159 mg of magnesium, 233 mg of phosphorus, 15.79 g of protein and 78 mg of calcium.
Nutritional facts Per 100 grams
Vitamins and Minerals
Health Benefits of Hyacinth Beans (Sem ki Phali)
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Mentioned below are the best health benefits of Hyacinth Beans (Sem ki Phali. Sem ki Phali contains the right amount of fiber content, a rich source of vitamin D, antioxidants, potassium, and amino acids. Sem ki Phali is good for improving concentration and focus.
If you are suffering from sleepness from then you can add Sem ki Phali in your diet for good sleep. It is also good for people suffering from heart and lung disorders. We also discuss the side effects of consuming Hyacinth Beans and its cultivation details.
Hyacinth Beans Improve Focus
Hyacinth Beans contain good amount of copper which is an essential minerals for the brain pathways such as galactose and dopamine. It usually helps to maintain mood, outlook and focus. If you have a low copper presence in your body, it can lead to fatigue, poor mood, concentration trouble and low metabolic activity.
It can also be associated with utilizing tyrosinase, ascorbate oxidase, superoxide dismutase and vitamin C
Hyacinth Beans Prevents Heart Failure
Vitamin B1 present in Sem ki Phali is one of the vital vitamins needed for the production of acetylcholine which is actually a neurotransmitter that helps to relay messages from the nerves to the muscles. The heart depends on these signals and it is found that the proper use of energy helps to provide signals between the nerves and muscles.
Studies have found that vitamin B1 present in hyacinth beans helps to counteract heart disease as it retains the healthy ventricular function and treats heart failure
Sem ki Phali Contains Antioxidants
Hyacinth bean contains zinc, which has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help to counteract oxidative stress and reduce the risk of cancer. Zinc also assists the healthy cell division, prevents mutation of cells and prohibits tumor growth.
The research found that the adequate intake of sem ki phali had reduced the oxidative stress along with the infections and side effects. It can keep the immune system in a good condition.
Sem ki Phali Prevents Lung Disorders
Minerals such as selenium, manganese and zinc are present in hyacinth beans and help the people suffering from having lung disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is found that oxidative stress is a cause for respiratory disorders and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Manganese present in the hyacinth beans helps reduce the oxidative stress as well as inflammation by producing the SOD which again helps to heal the lungs.
Fiber Content in Hyacinth Beans
Fiber present in hyacinth beans plays the most important role in digestion and insoluble fiber that speeds up the time to pass the waste from the body. Sem ki Phali also helps to prevent bloating, constipation and indigestion. Soluble fiber can enhance digestion by absorbing the water to form a viscous substance which is provoked by the bacteria in a digestive tract.
Hyacinth Beans Good For Insomnia Patients
Insomnia is caused by the low consumption and absorption of nutrient. The intake of adequate amount of hyacinth beans can help to increase sleep and lower levels of cortisol with high concentrations of melatonin. A study found that the magnesium supplement present in hyacinth beans actually reduce the symptoms of insomnia, improve sleep time, sleep efficiency and sleep onset. It can also reduce cortisol.
Iron Content in Hyacinth Beans
Iron present in hyacinth beans usually helps to transport oxygen to the cells. It also helps the body to absorb nutrients and digest proteins from the food. Low level of iron can make you feel sluggish, less active and exhaustive. The general symptoms of iron deficiency are mood change, low concentration and muscle co-ordination problems.
Hyacinth Beans Good Source of vitamin D
Hyacinth Beans contain Vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus which essential for maintaining the bone health as they support jaw-bone mineral density, tooth enamel and holds the teeth in place. Vitamins and minerals help cure tooth decay. Children require these foods that are rich in calcium and phosphorus which can assist in forming the hard structure of the teeth.
Along with phosphorus, Sem ki Phali also contain good amount of Vitamin D is also essential to balance the calcium in the body and hence enhance it absorption for the formation of tooth. Vitamin D also reduces the gum inflammation that is related with periodontal gum disease.
Hyacinth Beans Contains Amino Acids
Protein present in hyacinth beans contain amino acids which help to balance hormones, control mood and treat anxiety. Protein also assists the function of neurotransmitters and harmonizes the hormones like serotonin and dopamine which can help us to calm down.
Proteins present in hyacinth beans generally balance the glucose and prevent irritability, mood change and cravings which are associated with the fluctuation of blood sugar level.
Potassium Content on Hyacinth Beans
Hyacinth beans contain adequate amount of potassium which actually reduce the muscle cramps and improves the overall strength of muscles. The deficiency of potassium can lead to muscle cramps.
The potassium present in Sem ki Phali usually soothing muscles by balancing fluid levels. A deficiency of potassium leads to cramps, general pains and muscle spasms. It also helps to break down proteins and carbs that is needed for muscle repair and energy.
Sem ki Phali Improves overall health
Hyacinth Bean contains various nutrients, minerals, vitamins and lipids that help to enhance the overall health. Sem ki Phali also possesses antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, tonic, aphrodisiac, hypocholesterolemic, galactagogue, appetite suppressants and antispasmodic properties that can help you prevent various types of ailments.
Fodder For Livestock
The hyacinth bean is a very old domesticated pulse and a multi-purpose crop. Due to the availability of seed, it is often grown both as fodder for livestock and as an ornamental plant.
Uses of Hyacinth Beans (Sem ki Phali)
The leaves of Hyacinth Beans (Sem ki Phali) are used with rice flour and turmeric as a poultice for eczema in Peninsular Malaysia. It is used to treat gonorrhea which is made from its leaves. The leaves are used for leucorrhoea and menorrhagia in Philippines. The crushed leaves are used to cure headache.
Green leaves of the hyacinth beans can be used with vinegar to cure snakebites. It is used to treat sunstroke, vomiting, nausea, enteritis, diarrhea, alcoholism, abdominal pain, stomach disorders and arsenics. The flowers are used as antivenoms, emmenagogue, alexiteric and carminative.
The leaves of Hyacinth Beans (Sem ki Phali) can be eaten raw or cooked like spinach. The flowers are eaten raw or steamed. The root of hyacinth beans can also be boiled or baked for food. The seeds are usually used to make tofu and tempeh. In China, boiled ripe seeds are used as a carminative and tonic. The juice of sem ki phali can be used to treat an inflammation of ear and throat.
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Side-Effects & Allergies of Hyacinth Beans (Sem ki Phali)
Origin And Cultivation of Hyacinth Beans (Sem ki Phali)
References
- Al-Snafi AE. The pharmacology and medical importance of Dolichos lablab (Lablab purpureus)-A review. IOSR Journal of Pharmacy. 2017 Feb;7(2):22-30. [Cited 26 June 2019]. Available from:
- Ramakrishna V, Rani PJ, Rao PR. Anti-nutritional factors during germination in Indian bean (Dolichos lablab L.) seeds. World J Dairy Food Sci. 2006;1(1):6-11. [Cited 26 June 2019]. Available from:
- Murphy AM, Colucci PE, Padilla MR. Analysis of the growth and nutritional characteristics of Lablab purpureus. Livestock Research for Rural Development. 1999;11(3):1999. [Cited 26 June 2019]. Available from:
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