Food is not our problem in Nigeria, it is more about nutritional choices- how we eat, what we eat, why we eat what we eat. We are a very active nation that always finds new ways to satisfy our curiosity and taste buds. Yet, amidst the never-ending food innovation, some classic West African Cuisine remain unmatched and unreplaceable. Pounded yam and egusi soup is one such timeless Nigerian foods with its exciting experience. In this article you will learn 5 important things about this meal and additional 4 tips to help you make the best of Pounded Yam and Egusi Soup.
5 Unpopular Facts About Pounded Yam and Egusi Soup
While there’s much to be written about how delightful this meal is, it is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with everything your body needs to function optimally. Below are 5 things about pounded yam and egusi soup that you haven’t been paying attention to:
Sustainable Energy:
Pounded yam contains a substantial amount of carbohydrate fuel sources that supply your body with ample energy needed for your day. Unlike the quick energy recharge from sugary snacks, the complex carbohydrates in the yam release their energy bit by bit, keeping you feeling full and satisfied for a longer time.
Gut-Friendly Fiber:
The leafy greens in egusi soup make it a fiber-rich food. When eaten together with the pounded yam, another source of dietary fiber, they contribute to the health of your digestive tract. One nutritional advantage of fiber is that it enhances regular bowel movements which essentially prevents constipation and helps maintain a healthy digestive system.
Immune-Boosting Power:
The key ingredient in this meal is the ground melon seed in the Egusi soup which is loaded with vitamins, proteins, minerals, and healthy fats. In addition, the egusi soup often contains leafy greens like spinach, bitter leaves, and pumpkin leaves (Ugu) that are loaded with vitamins A, C, and K as well as calcium and potassium all of which strengthens your immune system. Combined with the decent amount of vitamin C provided by yam, this dish significantly arms your body with a sophisticated arsenal to fight off infections and keep you at your best. Having this dish in your weekly meal plan is particularly important in such a time as this where optimum health relies heavily on immune-boosting.
Heart Health Hero:
It was mentioned earlier that melon seed contains healthy fats. On the other hand, yam contains potassium. This is a winning combination for the health of your heart as they help to reduce inflammation, regulate blood pressure, and lower bad cholesterol, thus, keeping your cardiovascular system functioning optimally.
Radiant Skin and Hair:
Skincare and hair care have become a thing that people spend tens of thousands of naira on monthly. Although Pounded yam and egusi soup is not the typical skin and hair care product, the minerals and vitamins in this meal, particularly vitamin A, enriches your skin from the inside out, promoting a natural glow. Additionally, they support strong, glowing hair, thereby adding to that natural beauty.
Best Way to Eat Pounded Yam and Egusi Soup
Even though pounded yam and egusi soup are naturally remarkably nutritious, you can make them even more wholesome with a few simple tweaks. To do this, employ these approaches
Lean Protein:
You want to reduce saturated fat, so, go for lean cuts of meat or fish such as skinless chicken, skinless turkey and tilapia for your egusi soup. It is recommended to eat lean meat and limit saturated fat consumption to less than 10% of calories per day.
Veggie Boost:
Let your egusi soup contain lots of vegetables, especially spinach, bitter leaves, and pumpkin leaf (Ugu) to get the most out of the vitamin and mineral content
Mindful Oil Use:
Excess oil is excess fat. To minimize your fat intake, use only a moderate amount of oil because just a little oil goes a long way.
Whole Yam Over Yam Flour:
Yam flour (for poundo yam) is becoming increasingly popular. However, whenever possible, choose whole yams over yam flour. Whole yams retain more nutrients and fiber than yam flour, offering you the maximum health benefits of your meal. Pounded yam and egusi soup isn’t a relic from the past; it’s a gift that keeps on giving to your body and should be in your meal plan weekly. So next time you find yourself craving this meal but you don’t want to go through the process of pounding, Lolu’s Cuisine Traditional Thursdays menu is always there to help you indulge your tastebuds and fuel your body with the required nutrients. Give it a try today!