Nigerian Healthy Diet
Introduction Nigerian food is not just delicious but healthy. Our ancestors carefully chose ingredients not just to make food tasty, fanciful, or satisfying but to keep the body fit. So if you come across a Nigerian meal, don't just eat it, ask the caterer or cook what are the health benefits of some of the ingredients.
The Nigerian pepper soup is a meal that contains some of these ingredients. To make the meal more peppery, Nigerians usually combine different types of pepper. I am going to give a brief explanation of some of the health benefits of some unknown ingredients and a link for further reading.
Pepper Soup Ingredients 1. Uda Pepper (Negro pepper or Ashanti pepper): It contains gingerol that can help relieve joint and muscle pain. This seed also contains magnesium, a mineral important for heart health and regulating blood pressure. Uda also contains shogaol, which is helpful in combating harmful bacteria and fungi in the body. Those who suffer from indigestion would find Uda helpful because it stimulates the production of digestive juices and enzymes that break down food. Some research also claims that this seed could also help with weight loss. There are so many other medicinal benefits of this African plant.
Further Reading
Uda Pepper: A Flavorful Spice Packed with Nutrition and
12 Pure Health Benefits of Uda Seed (Negro Pepper)2. Uziza Seed (Ata iyere, Ata iyere or Piper guineense): This seed contains a certain percentage of beta-caryophyllene, an anti-inflammatory agent. It contains essential minerals like tannins, alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, flavonoids, saponins, phenols, and peptides, which have some health benefits.
A scientific research summarised the health benefits of Uziza thus:
The leaves and seeds of Uziza are rich in essential macronutrients, micronutrients, and bioactive phytochemicals, which contribute to its wide array of health benefits. These include potent antioxidant properties that combat oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory effects that alleviate chronic inflammation, and antimicrobial activities that protect against various pathogens. Uziza also supports digestive health by enhancing enzyme secretion, aids respiratory health through its expectorant and bronchodilator properties, and promotes cardiovascular health by improving lipid metabolism and endothelial function. Preliminary research suggests potential anti-cancer properties, and piperine in Uziza enhances nutrient absorption, further amplifying its health benefits. The comprehensive health advantages of Uziza, supported by both traditional use and scientific evidence, underscore its significance as a valuable dietary and therapeutic resource.
References
What Are The Health Benefits Of Uziza Leaves And Seeds and
Nutritional profiling and health benefits of uziza (Piper guineense) leaves and seeds
3. Ehuru Seed (Monodora myristica, or calabash nutmeg): This seed is traditionally used in the treatment of arthritis, diarrhea, diabetes, stomach ache, and sexual impotency. It also contains vital vitamins like potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, zinc, copper, phosphorus, magnesium, and vital B-complex vitamins, including vitamin C, folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin A, and many flavonoid antioxidants.
It is reported to possess antinociceptive, antimalarial, antioxidative, and antimicrobial potentials. It serves as a stimulant to relieve constipation, and also contains bioactive substances that help in stimulation of the cardiac and circulatory system, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, diuretic, antihypertensive, cholesterol-lowering, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, antibacterial, and antifungal activities.
Sexual Function-Enhancing Potentials of Monodora myristica (African Nutmeg) Seed Extract in Experimental Animal Model and
Health benefits of African nutmeg 4. Dried Fish
5. Stock Fish
6. Meat
7. Pepper
8. Salt
9. Palm oil
10. Onion
11. Seasoning
12. Crayfish
13. Scent LeaveSwallow Ingrediets.1.
Garri2.
Fibre from corn, millet and guinea corn: Garri is rich in caboyhydrate and calories which could cause weight gain and indigestion. These residues are rich in fibre which facilitates easy digestion and weight loss.
Reference
Are Millets Good for Weight Loss? and
Exploring Maize, Guinea Corn, and Millet: Benefits, Differences, and Culinary DelightsFood is Ready
AttentionThis type of Nigerian Pepper Soup is not for everybody. This set of people is advised to stay away from this meal
1. Pregnant Women: Uda, Uziza, and hot pepper could cause abortion.
2. Ulcer patients: This food could be harsh on them and could also trigger more complications.
3. Underaged Children: Children who are not used to the hot pepper taste should avoid this meal.