Taking good care of yourself health is paramount to everyone. Prekese is a species of the pea family and is native to West Tropical Africa. The fruits of the plant have a strong aromatic smell with insect repellant properties. Many people always ask, What are the health benefits of Prekese? In this article, we will explore what Prekese is, its uses and the health benefits of Prekese as well.

What is Prekese?

Prekese is a local Ghana name which refers to Tetrapleura tetraptera. It is an indigenous West Tropical Africa belonging to the family fabaceae. The plant can grow up to 20-25 metres tall. When fruits are matured, they turn brown and fall off. It is then dried before use. The fruit has a pungent aromatic odour attracting it as a key species in soup, stews as a herbal medicine, among others.

The plant also contains antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. Its bark, fruits, and leaves are also packed with medicinal agents.

Nutritional Facts of Prekese

Prekese is highly nutritious as it is packed with essential phytochemicals and nutrients that are essential for our body

Its usage is facilitated by its rich nutrients source such as lipids, protein, sugars, vitamins, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, sodium, copper, calcium, and antioxidants. Studies has proven that, the seeds, whole fruits and pulps of T. tetraptera comprises of varying degree of concentrations of vitamins and trace elements (iron, copper, manganese, cobalt, selenium, and zinc). It is not surprising that it is utilized in herbal medicine in African countries such as Ghana, Uganda and Nigeria. 

Health Benefits of Prekese

Here are some immense health benefits of prekese. It controls diabetes, relieves fever, hypertension, convulsions management, support immune system, and has antibacterial properties

Controls Diabetes

Prekese has been shown to lower blood glucose levels. It’s also possible that it’ll be used to treat Type 2 diabetes. Prekese leaf extracts were able to alleviate diabetes in rats, according to a 2014 study published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine. They claimed that the leaves could be used to treat diabetes. One of the possible health benefits of drinking boiled prekese is that it is said to aid in diabetes management.

Relieves fever

Prekese is a great remedy when one is suffering from a cold. The best way to use the plant is to soak it in warm water. Bathe using the infused water. This is said to greatly relieve fever and body temperature. You can also try this remedy when suffering from enema, constipation, and emetic.

Hypertension

The number of people living with hypertension and high blood pressure is predicted to be 1.56 billion worldwide by 2025.The alarming rate of this condition is partly attributed to lifestyle and dietary factors. This ranges from physical inactivity, alcohol consumption and tobacco use, and foods containing high levels of sodium resulting from processed and fatty foods. T. tetraptera has been identified as a powerful medicinal plant for curing blood pressure.

Convulsion management

The leaves, stems, bark, and fruit of the prekese plant are commonly used in traditional medicine to make herbal concoctions. The aqueous extract of the plant has anticonvulsant properties that target the central nervous system, according to research. This may help to control convulsions. According to another study, prekese plat has anticonvulsant properties.

Supports Immune System

The plant is a rich source of vitamins, iron, calcium, potassium, zinc, and magnesium. It helps in strengthening the immune system.

The presence of iron in the plant help in regeneration lost blood, zinc provides protections against the virus that leads to respiratory tract infections, while potassium and calcium help in managing, preventing, and controlling muscle disorders and bone strengthening.

Has Antibacterial Properties

Studies suggest that the water extracts and alcohol presence of the plant can lead to staphylococcus aureus. The presence of tannins and glycosides in prekese can also help in preventing bacterial growth.

Side Effects of Prekese

Though Prekese continues to provide many health benefits, these are some side effects too. Below are some side effects of Prekese.

Prekese and pregnancy

During pregnancy, Aidan fruit should not be consumed. Aridan fruit should not be consumed by pregnant women since it can cause premature uterine contractions, miscarriage, or the loss of the pregnancy.
Aidan spice, like uda and alligator pepper, has been utilized for abortion by our foremothers since time immemorial because to its abortificient ability. If you’re pregnant or trying to conceive, avoid eating aridan fruit or cooking with the spice because it can lead to miscarriage.

Other Side Effects of Prekese 

This include nausea, vomiting, and worsening stomach ulcers and ulcer symptoms. Aidan spice should not be consumed if you have a stomach ulcer.

Consumption of Aidan fruit in excess may result in renal and/or liver damage. Aidan should be used in modest doses.

Direction on How to prepare Prekese drink

Equipment                                                            

• Sieve
• Cooking pot
  Ingredients
• 3 medium-sized prekese
• Fresh ginger
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Water
• Honey (optional)

Method

1. In a clean bowl, wash the prekese thoroughly. Using a sharp knife, bruise it and break it into small pieces
2. Under a high heat, place a pot on fire. Pour water and allow boiling.
3. Place the pieces of Prekese in the water and cover with a lid. Let it boil for about 30 to 40 minutes.The longer it stays on fire, the more it releases all the juice and flavor from its pods.
4. Remove drink from fire. Add your ginger and lemon juice to mixture.
5. Now, allow it to sit for about 30 minutes. This helps the ginger to infuse well in the juice.
6. Afterward, strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove the ginger stalk. Then, add honey or sugar to taste and stir well until it dissolves.
7. Lastly, pour the juice into a bowl or bottle or place in the fridge to chill.
8. You can serve chilled on ice with slices of lemon and orange juice or while hot
9. You can take drink first thing in the morning on an empty stomach before food and at night.