Technological advancements have made people’s lives easier in modern times. However, as genius Einstein said, “Every positive value has its price in negative terms.”. Fertility issues, lack of interest in sex, female-related cancers, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI), uterine fibroids, underweight or higher weight, and various hormonal imbalances are becoming very common in females. These problems are due to major changes in lifestyle, environmental conditions, urbanization, etc. However, it is fortunate that we have an abundance of natural herbs around us that can play an excellent role in keeping us healthy. Among the precious herbs, one of the most important but overlooked medicinal plants is kaunch. Kaunch beej benefits for female can bring phenomenal changes to their health. Let us look into some incredible kaunch beej benefits for females.
Also Read – Benefits of Amla Murabba for Female: Wonders of Wonder Fruit
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What is Kaunch Beej?
The botanical name for kaunch is Mucuna pruriens.
Kaunch is a tropical legume originally from Africa and tropical Asia.
It is now grown and found in many other parts of the world.
The other names for kaunch include Monkey Tamarind, Velvet Bean, Cowage, Cowitch, Lacuna Bean, Lyon Bean, Kavacha, and Atmagupta.
Kaunch is a vine that grows up to 150 meters long.
When the plant is young, it is covered in soft, fuzzy hairs and disappears as it matures.
The flowers are dark purple, white, or lavender, larger than typical pea flowers, and grow in drooping clusters.
The fruits are curved pods that grow 10 cm long, with 4 to 6 seeds inside.
The pods are covered with hairs that can irritate skin if touched upon.
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Nutritional Profile of Kaunch Beej
Kaunch beej is a nutritional-dense food.
It contains compounds that support heart and brain health, mood, and physical well-being.
Kaunch beej is a rich source of crude protein and contains beneficial fatty acids needed for health.
It has a good amount of starch and essential amino acids required for the human body.
Kaunch beej contains high amounts of L-DOPA, a natural compound known for producing dopamine.
Dopamine is a brain chemical that regulates mood, sexual health, and movements.
It contains compounds like glutathione (acts as an antioxidant), lecithin (supports brain health), gallic acid (anti-inflammatory benefits), and beta-sitosterol (supports heart and immune health).
According to certain experts, kaunch beej was first used in India for treating Parkinson’s disease over 4500 years ago.
This herb has some of the most fascinating chemical profiles on the earth.
Image courtesy: National Library of Medicine
Kaunch beej has several unique compounds that are extremely beneficial for the human nervous system.
It also contains substantial amounts of vitamins C and E which are important for skin, hair, and immune health.
It also has good amounts of vitamins B1, B2, B3, and folic acid.
Other essential nutrients in kaunch beej are calcium, magnesium, iron, and phosphorous.
Kaunch Beej Benefits for Female Health
We all know that socially and economically, women’s health is in a pathetic state.
They do not have proper healthcare facilities and are mostly less educated.
Poor nutrition and family non-cooperation are often common for women.
These factors are just a few reasons for a woman’s poor health.
However, natural products are easier to get and offer multiple health benefits without side effects.
Herbs are a much safer alternative to synthetic medicines and can easily be incorporated into one’s lifestyle.
Kaunch beej is an excellent herb that can benefit women in many ways.
Let us see some of the kaunch beej benefits for female health.
1.) Kaunch Beej Benefits for Diabetes
Diabetes in women can impact their sexual and reproductive health.
It also puts them at a higher risk of getting heart disease, vision loss, kidney disease, and depression.
Studies have found that kaunch beej have anti-diabetic properties.
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It has a unique compound called d-chiro-inositol, and other related compounds rarely found in other plants.
This compound has an “insulin-like” effect, meaning that it can regulate blood sugar levels.
Research has shown that d-chiro-inositol and other related compounds help lower blood sugar levels.
Kaunch beej studies have shown that it can reduce plasma glucose levels, helping women dealing with diabetes or PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), where balanced glucose levels are essential.
2.) Kaunch Beej Benefits for Brain
Females are more prone to mental health issues than men.
Depression is diagnosed as the most common mental health problem for women.
Mental health issues disrupt the quality of a woman’s life in multiple ways.
It can cause stress, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and sleep issues in women.
Traditionally, kaunch beej have been used for supporting nerve health and improving vitality.
Dopamine molecules: emojis.sh
It has neuroprotective properties that help women maintain mental and nerve health.
Kaunch beej reduces inflammation in the brain and protects brain cells, which is beneficial for overall brain and nerve health.
Kaunch beej contains L-DOPA that turns into dopamine in the brain.
Dopamine is a crucial brain chemical that supports mental health and mood.
Since kaunch beej can increase dopamine levels it can help women deal with many mental issues.
It also protects women against age-related brain issues.
One study has found that L-DOPA in kaunch beej worked twice as well and faster than synthetic L-DOPA in relieving Parkinson’s symptoms, an age-related brain disorder.
3.) Kaunch Beej Benefits for Female Hormonal Balance
The antioxidant properties of kaunch beej help reduce oxidative stress, which can otherwise harm the hormone-producing cells.
This antioxidant support of kaunch beej maintains the hormonal balance in females, needed for a healthy reproductive system.
L-DOPA in kaunch beej increases the dopamine levels in the brain, promoting the balanced hormonal signals between the brain and the reproductive organs.
L-DOPA also reduces prolactin levels, a hormone when too high can disrupt the normal functioning of the female reproductive system.
By lowering prolactin, kaunch beej benefits female reproductive health by balancing hormones.
Kaunch beej’s L-DOPA stimulates growth hormone release which supports the overall hormonal health of a woman.
4.) Kaunch Beej Benefits for Female Menstrual Cycle
Kaunch beej may help maintain the regular menstrual cycle, which often gets disrupted in menstrual disorders, by not disturbing the natural balance of key hormones (estrogen and progesterone).
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Its antioxidant properties protect reproductive cells from stress and damage.
Since oxidative stress can affect menstrual health, therefore, the consumption of kaunch beej can help get a regular cycle.
Kaunch beej’s effect on hormones like luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) support regular ovulation, which is needed for a normal menstrual cycle.
Thus, the kaunch beej’s benefits for female hormone balance and as an antioxidant support may indirectly help maintain a healthier menstrual cycle.
5.) Kaunch Beej Benefits for Female Fertility
Problems with ovulation, which means the absence of eggs for fertilization, are the biggest causes of infertility.
One study found that the percentage of infertile women is 8% among 19- to 26-year-olds, which goes up to 18% for 35-to 39-year-olds.
Kaunch beej helps increase the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), both crucial for releasing eggs from the ovaries.
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By supporting regular ovulation, kaunch beej improves fertility in women.
Kaunch beej increases antioxidant enzyme levels in the ovaries.
These enzymes protect the reproductive cells from damage and help maintain healthy ovarian functions.
A study has found that kaunch beej increased the number of eggs released.
This can be beneficial for females with ovulation-related fertility problems.
6.) Kaunch Beej Benefits for Female as an Antioxidant
Kaunch beej is rich in antioxidants which help the body from damage caused by free radicals.
Free radicals are unstable molecules that harm cells, proteins, and even DNA if not kept in check.
Beneficial compounds like L-DOPA, flavonoids, and tannins act as antioxidants and protect cells from damage.
L-DOPA, a major compound in kaunch beej, helps produce dopamine, a feel-good chemical with antioxidant properties.
This means that kaunch beej help the overall female health by acting as an antioxidant.
7.) Improves Libido and Sexual Health
The role of kaunch beej as an aphrodisiac is well established.
The herb is known for enhancing the mood for sexual desires.
It also acts as an anti-depressant.
Image courtesy: emojis.sh
Its main component L-DOPA produces dopamine in the brain responsible for improving mood and libido.
Dopamine has a sound influence on sexual functions
People widely use Kaunch to increase libido across all genders due to its dopamine effect.
8.) Kaunch Beej Benefits for Female Skin
Skin aging, the condition of skin deterioration, can be caused by external and internal factors.
The skin is constantly exposed to external factors such as UV rays, pollution, cigarette smoke, etc.
Internal factors responsible are mostly the genetics of a person and determine the body’s ability to repair the damage.
It is a continuous process where collagen production slows down and dead skin cells are not quickly replaced by new cells.
All these harmful factors expose a person to various skin problems such as psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.
The kaunch beej has shown stronger antioxidant properties that help the skin from damage caused by pollution, UV rays, or free radicals.
It has also shown better anti-aging effects thereby reducing the signs of aging like wrinkles by keeping the skin firm and smooth.
Kaunch beej also exhibited superior moisturizing benefits, keeping the skin hydrated and soft.
Females can introduce kaunch beej to their diet to keep their skin soft and healthy.
Side Effects of Kaunch Beej
Kaunch beej is generally considered safe to consume when taken in moderation.
However, kaunch beej have certain elements that can cause skin irritation or digestion-related issues if taken in high dosages.
Let us look at some of the side effects of kaunch beej.
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Side Effects
- Irritation from Seed Hairs – The thread-like hairs on kaunch beej seed pods can cause skin irritation and itching.
This is because of the mucunain compound that interacts with nerve cells creating a tingling or itching effect on the skin if touched.
- Anti-Nutritional Compounds – Kaunch beej has some compounds like L-DOPA and amylase inhibitors that may inhibit the absorption of nutrients or create digestion-related issues
These compounds provide beneficial medicinal properties, but people also call them “anti-nutritional” because they may affect how the body processes food when taken in high amounts.
- Reports associate kaunch beej supplementation with side effects like nausea, dizziness, and drowsiness.
- There have been cases in Mozambique where people experienced sudden mental health issues after eating raw, inadequately prepared Mucuna pruriens beans.
Precautions
- Avoid eating the tiny hairs on kaunch beej pods or seeds as they can irritate inside the mouth and throat.
- Consult your doctor before using kaunch beej if you have peptic ulcer as kaunch beej may increase stomach acid.
- Breastfeeding women must consult a doctor before start using kaunch beej.
- Pregnant women must also consult a doctor before taking kauch beej.
- Kaunch beej may lower blood sugar levels, hence, diabetics must monitor their sugar levels if taking kaunch beej.
- People also know kaunch beej for its ability to lower blood pressure. Keep an eye on your blood pressure while taking kaunch beej.
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Takeaway Message
Kaunch beej benefits for females make it a safe and natural alternative for various health disorders.
The herb is safe to consume and has few reported side effects.
Still, females should consult their doctor regarding the dosage and usage of kaunch beej.
Kaunch beej is commercially available as Churna or powder, tablets, and capsules.
You can take kauch beej churna or powder with milk or honey as your doctor prescribes.
You can swallow capsules and tablets with water.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Please consult your treating physician for more details.
Readings & References
- https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/pdf/10.5555/20143140432
- https://www.webmd.com/women/ss/slideshow-women-reproductive-problems
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mucuna_pruriens
- https://www.journaljammr.com/index.php/JAMMR/article/view/1680
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3942911/#:~:text=Mucuna%20pruriens%20as%20a%20traditional%20medicine&text=%E2%80%931000%20BC).-,M.,arthritis%20(Jeyaweera%2C%201981).
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/271184472_Amazing_bean_Mucuna_pruriens_A_comprehensive_review
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/mucuna-pruriens
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0753332217319017
- https://www.techno-preneur.net/technology/project-profiles/food/kaunch.html
- https://www.netmeds.com/health-library/post/kaunch-beej-health-benefits-nutrition-uses-in-ayurveda-recipes-side-effects#:~:text=In%20addition%2C%20kaunch%20beej%20contains,amounts%20in%20kaunch%20beej%20seeds.
- https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/risk-factors/diabetes-and-women-1.html
- https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/11/1/29
- https://examine.com/supplements/mucuna-pruriens/?show_conditions=true
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7239958/
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