Go for Nigerian traditional diets for healthy living

One of the key reasons that food scientists have attributed to the fact that our forefathers lived much longer than we currently do was the right choice of diet. Their meals were mostly organic free of chemical additives and fertilizers. They stayed away from salty, sugary, fried and fatty food items.

Unfortunately, many of the so-called educated Nigerians have abandoned such fresh organic food for the wrong ones and are paying dearly for it. That is much unlike the people of Japan who recently made history by having 100,000 citizens clocking over 100 years!

According to great nutritionists, including Mark Wahlqvist, Professor of Medicine and President, International Union of Nutritional Sciences (2003) there is attestation to the fact that there is evidence – based nutrition. That eating habits of different ethnic groups with specific relation to locally available food items in our communities do affect our physique and wellbeing. Incidentally, Nigeria’s most prominent professors of nutrition such as Professors Adewale Omololu, Tola Atinmo, A. Onisemo and E. O. Ojofeitimi also attest to this position.

For instance, amongst the races, the Asians live longest. They are the healthiest because their diets consist of a lot of fish and plant materials such as nuts, fruits and vegetables. They hardly eat red meat.

Still on evidence-based nutrition, have you ever wondered why here in Nigeria the Hausa/Fulani are tall and slim, the Igbos are stocky and average in height while the Yoruba have average attributes in height, build and complexion? Apart from heredity, it all boils down to their diet.

Nutritional evidences reveal that the Northern-based Hausas/Fulanis consume more milk and grains, the Igbos eat more variety of root-based solid foods and vegetables while the Yoruba also dwell more in starchy, solid foods as well as vegetable soups/stew.

Let us therefore, take a look at some of our traditional diets and what they offer to our bodies.

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POUNDED YAM:

Health benefits of pounded yam include providing energy, boosting immunity and stabilizing blood sugar. It is effective against mouth and lung cancers and fights cold.

Packed with nutrition, yams are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibre. They enhance brain function, ease symptoms of menopause, have cancer-fighting properties and reduce inflammation. They also improve blood sugar control.

AMALA:

Amala contains dietary fibre, which reduces colon cancer risk by preventing hazardous compounds in the food from affecting the colon mucosa. It is highly rich in antioxidants that help to fight free radicals in the body. It reduces the risk of cancer and inflammation and prevents cell damage.

Amala is safe for diabetic patients. It is highly recommended for people with diabetes. It contains a low glycemic index that will help avoid a rapid increase in glucose level.

Due to the ability to digest and absorb carbohydrates slowly, it does not cause any sudden increase in blood sugar/ insulin levels. It supports a healthy digestive system.

Amala is known to have high fibre and water content, containing anti-inflammatory properties that aid in digestion, thereby preventing constipation.

It improves your immunity and fights against infections easily. Vitamin C enhances the absorption of iron in the intestine, fight against infections, neutralizes blood toxins, and intervenes in the healing of wounds. Thiamine is needed for proper digestion.

Good for Menopausal Women.

Women who are in their menopause stage lack vitamin B6 and go through hormonal imbalance. Amala contains enzymes that help modify and balance some hormones that no longer function in menopausal women’s bodies.

Supports a Healthy Digestive System

Amala contains dietary fibre, which reduces colon cancer risk by preventing hazardous compounds in the food from affecting the colon mucosa.

CASSAVA FUFU

Cassava is a calorie-rich vegetable that contains plenty of carbohydrates and key vitamins and minerals.

It is a good source of vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin. The leaves, which are also edible if a person cooks them or dries them in the sun, can contain up to 25percent protein.

However, the cassava root does not deliver the same nutritional value as other tuber vegetables. Tapioca starch is gaining attention as a source of gluten-free flour to make bread and other baked products that are suitable for people with an intolerance to gluten.

Cassava is a source of resistant starch, which scientists suggest can boost a person’s gut health by helping nurture beneficial gut bacteria. Resistant starches remain relatively unchanged as they pass through the digestive tract.

Cassava contains only small amounts of proteins and fats. As a result, people who use cassava as a primary dietary staple may need to eat extra protein (beans, egg, fish, chicken, turkey) to avoid malnutrition.

Since cassava leaves are a source of protein, people in some parts of the world emphasize combining the roots and leaves of the plant to address this concern.

Health Benefits of AKARA

Also known as bean cakes, Akara is one of the popular Nigerian snacks that are really tasty and nourishing. It is made from beans, thus the name and other ingredients like tomatoes, onions, pepper, salt, and crayfish, depending on how you like it.

According to healthguide.ng, beans are a very good source of protein and other essential nutrients such as sodium, dietary fibre, sugar, and saturated fat. Beans are rich in zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, and vitamins B1, B6, E, and K.

It is also rich in antioxidants. Beans are not just good for the waistline; they may also aid especially in disease prevention. Akara is a traditional Nigerian delicacy that helps reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. It also helps to prevent cancer. Akara is rich in both protein and fiber, but low in calories. Protein and fiber are two of the most vital nutrients that promote weight loss.

Good for weight loss.

You may have noticed that when you eat Akara it takes a while before you get hungry again. This is because of the fibre and healthful starches they contain, which helps to create a feeling of satisfaction. This could help prevent overeating and may lead to weight loss.

Heart-healthy food.