Lablab – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

08/15/2017 / By Earl Garcia

Lablab or hyacinth bean is a legume native to Africa. It has been widely cultivated in North Africa and Asia for its edible pods. Hyacinth was first introduced to India between 1600 and 1500 B.C. The plant eventually made its way to Europe around the 1700s. The legume was then introduced to America in the 19th century as an ornamental plant. According to the Veggies Info website, lablab comes in many names including seim bean, Egyptian kidney bean, Indian bean, and Australia pea.

List of known nutrients

Like other beans, lablab is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals that bolster the body’s overall health. An entry posted on the Nutrition Value website lists the many important components of lablab, which include:

Alanine
Arginine
Aspartic Acid
Calcium
Copper
Cystine
Folate
Glutamic Acid
Glycine
Histidine
Iron
Isoleucine
Leucine
Lysine
Magnesium
Manganese
Methionine
Monounsaturated Fatty Acids
Niacin
Pantothenic Acid
Phenylalanine
Phosphorus
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
Potassium
Proline
Riboflavin
Selenium
Serine
Sodium
Thiamin
Threonine
Tryptophan
Tyrosine
Valine
Zinc

Medicinal uses for lablab

Lablab or hyacinth beans are best known for their beneficial effects on brain health. The plant is an excellent source of copper, an important mineral that regulates mood, outlook, and focus. The high copper content in lalab is also known to effectively utilize other nutrients such as tyrosinase, ascorbate oxidase, superoxide dismutase, and vitamin C. Aside from this, the superfood is loaded with essential amino acids that help balance hormones and treat anxiety.

The rich amino acid and protein supply in lablab are known to aid the body’s neurotransmitters in harmonizing hormones that provide a feeling of calmness. Lablab is also used as a remedy to insomnia, and is touted to promote sleep efficiency, and sleep onset.

Lablab also contains high levels of zinc and other antioxidants that help combat the negative effects of oxidative stress. According to the Health Benefits Times website, zinc is found to promote healthy cell division and prevent the onset of cell mutation and eventual tumor growth. Zinc is also shown to reduce oxidative stress and fend off a variety of infections. This makes lablab an ideal superfood for maintaining a healthy immune system.

In addition, hyacinth beans are notably effective in maintaining a healthy digestive system. The rich fiber supply in lablab facilitates the digestive process and bulks the stool. As a result, this lowers the odds of bloating, constipation and indigestion. On the other hand, the superfood is loaded with beneficial proteins that help balance the body’s blood sugar levels and prevent harmful fluctuations in glucose rates.

Moreover, lablab is also packed with vitamin B1 that helps maintain a healthy ventricular function. This reduces the risk of heart disease and heart failure. The plant is also loaded with essential minerals — such as selenium, manganese and zinc — that fortify the respiratory system and alleviate related disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Likewise, the superfood boasts significantly high levels of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus that help strengthen teeth and bones.

Furthermore, hyacinth beans are an excellent source of potassium that improves muscle strength and curbs cramps and spasms. Likewise, the rich iron content in lablab provides the body with an added energy boost and prevents early exhaustion.

Body systems supported by lablab

Lablab is beneficial to the cardiovascular, skeletal, and immune systems. Likewise, the superfood benefits the muscular, nervous, and digestive systems. The plant also supports the respiratory and circulatory systems.

Ways to use lablab

Lablab or hyacinth beans are particularly useful in a variety of vegetable recipes such as bean curry and stir fry dishes. The beans are also a popular side dish and may even be incorporated with rice as a breakfast dish. Separate articles posted on the Honest Cooking and Very Good Recipes websites feature interesting recipes for lablab.