There are many healthy cuisines and delicacies in Nigeria, some of them have Nigerian beginnings while others were adapted from other origins and civilizations, thanks to our strong affection for food and our exceptional skills in meal preparation.
Our Nigerian specialties are not only insanely delicious, but also highly nutritious. Always make sure to properly prepare them and add the appropriate toppings. Likewise, in the proper dosages.
Let’s examine several Nigerian cuisine and their health advantages.
1. RICE
More than half of the world’s population relies primarily on rice as a food source, making it the most popular grain worldwide. Rice can assist you in achieving your goals, whether they are to enhance nutrition, lose weight, increase energy, or simply nourish your body.
More than 15 vital vitamins and minerals, such as folic acid, B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, selenium, fiber, iron, and zinc are all present in rice. It is nutritious, gluten-free and rich in carbohydrate that your body digests slowly and helps you stay energized all through the day.
Brown rice amongst other whole grains help lower the chance of developing diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. Rice eaters are less likely to develop high blood pressure.
Rice can be cooked in various forms such as White rice paired with stew, Fried rice, Coconut rice, Village rice and of course, the popular Nigerian Jollof rice.
2. BEANS
Among plant foods, beans stand out because of their high protein content. They are regarded as a crucial source of protein for vegetarians as a result. They are low in fat and calories and high in protein and fiber. Protein and fiber are two of the most significant nutrients for weight loss. They also contain a remarkable amount of a wide range of vitamins and minerals.
Alough they might create digestive troubles for certain people butmajority of these concerns can be prevented with the proper cooking and preparation techniques.
Beans is commonly paired with plantain or rice.
3. VEGETABLE SOUP (Pumpkin leaves)
Vegetable soup is a popular delicacy in Nigeria. It is prepared with pumpkin leaves, popularly known as ugu in Nigeria. This vegetable aids in overall diet balance while also enhancing digestion.
It is made up of essential elements that are necessary for the body’s proper operation. The soup is extremely nutrient-dense and healthy because it is made with a variety of beneficial components. Some of the vitamins and nutrients found in vegetable soup are calcium, potassium, iron and Vitamin A, C, and E. Pumpkin leaves are rich in antioxidants that have anticancer, anti-oxidative, and anti-superoxide properties. Thus, it can aid in the battle against oxidative stress and lower the chance of developing cancer.
Pumpkin leaves helps to increase blood in the body system because it contains iron and other nutritious elements and They are rich in fibre, which promotes healthy digestion.
Vegetable soup can be paired with rice and any preferred swallow.
4. NIGERIAN PEPPER SOUP
There are numerous health benefits of pepper soup. One of it is that it is excellent for helping you lose weight. Since pepper is the primary ingredient, eating less while drinking more water results in weight loss. By causing an increase in body temperature, which in turn causes fat to be burned and evacuated through sweat. Pepper’s spicy flavor also helps burn body fat.
Pepper soup helps to stimulate appetite for food is great for treating colds, coughs and other respiratory issues. The pepper in this cuisine warms the body from the inside out. The respiratory system is relaxed by it. As a result, the respiratory system feels more at ease. Also, Pepper soup helps you stay more hydrated as it makes you drink alot of water due to it spiciness.
It can be paired with white rice, unripe plantain, yam or any preferred swallow.
5. UNRIPE PLANTAIN
Unripe plantains when cooked are a good source of fiber, magnesium, potassium, and the vitamins A, C, and B-6. They are nutritious and very rich in complex carbs and minerals. Plantains are also very simple to digest. They are rich in fiber which promotes bowel regularity and prevents constipation. The fiber and starch found in plantains are examples of complex carbohydrates. Compared to the simple carbs present in processed foods, fiber and complex carbohydrates are less processed and digest more slowly. After a meal, they help you feel fuller and more satiated longer.
Unripe plantain is high in antioxidant which may help boost your immune system. It help to shield your body from the harm caused by free radicals that come with aging, heart disease, and even some types of cancer. Unripe plantains are good for the heart. The high potassium content of unripe plantains is crucial for regulating the bodily fluids and cell membranes that regulate your heart rate and blood pressure. Additionally, the fiber in plantains lowers cholesterol, which keeps your heart in top condition.
Unripe plantains can be boiled and eaten with pepper sauce, fried egg or made into swallow and eaten with any soup of your choice.
