Tag: Food

  • 5 Popular Foods you should try in Nigeria

    5 Popular Foods you should try in Nigeria

    Are you in Nigeria or planning on visiting Nigeria but have no clue of what meals to try on? here are some sweet flavored Nigerian delicacy that will make you come back for more.

    Nigeria is an independent country in West Africa. The country is famous for its diverse cultures, natural resources and fast-growing population. Nigeria is in fact, the most populous country in all of African countries. With a population of over 200 million people, you can be rest assured that, you can never get tired from having a taste of the different delicacy derived from the various cultures.

    1) Jollof Rice/Nigerian Jollof Rice 

    This delicacy right here is called Jollof Rice, the Nigerian Jollof Rice to be precise. it is called the Nigerian Jollof because, Jollof Rice is also found in Ghana (Ghana Jollof Rice), in Cameroon, in Togo, Congo etc. Each of the country’s Jollof Rice is different from each other via the ingredients and in the ways/method in which they are prepared.

    If you are interested in the Nigerian Jollof Rice, you have to be specific but of course, if you are in Nigeria you can be rest assured that, in restaurants, parties, meetings and events what you will find is the Nigerian Jollof rice.

    The Nigerian Jollof Rice is made using the following ingredients. Rice grains, fresh tomatoes/tomato paste, Bell peppers, scotch bonnet pepper, onions, ginger, garlic, salt, bay leaves (optional), chicken or meat, thyme, crayfish, curry powder, black pepper or Magi, and cooking oil or butter.

    The meal can be eaten alongside with cream or plain salad, fried plantain, and fresh juice or water if you like.

    2) Fried Rice/Nigerian Fried Rice

    This right here is called the Nigerian Fried Rice. Other country’s meal can look like this but guarantee they won’t taste the same.  Also, the Nigerian Fried Rice is different from the Nigerian Jollof rice in so many ways. The method of preparation and the ingredients even the final taste and aroma are different.

    The Fried rice is prepared using the following ingredients:

    Rice grains, chicken/meat, beef liver, onions, scallions (Green Onions), curry powder, thyme, salt, magi, mixed vegetables (such as Carrots, sweet corn, sweet Peas, Green Beans, broccoli), crayfish, and cooking oil or butter.

    The Fried Rice can be eaten with salad, eggs, fried plantain, fried chicken, and juice or water.

    3) The Precious Akara & Akamu

    Akara, called Beans-buns in English while Akamu aka, Pap is referred to as cereal pudding in English.

    The both food combination is very famous in Nigeria due to the fact that, the Beans-buns (Akara) which is made from Beans contains protein and together with the cereal pudding (Akamu) which is made from Maize or millet contains vitamin B and C are both considered a very important meal for the human body. Also, Akara and Akamu are very affordable, easy to find anywhere in Nigeria (in both the rural and urban area). Akamu is easy to make and can be eaten mainly for breakfast.

    Akamu can be eaten with milk and sugar/honey. While Akara can be eaten with hot fried pepper or dried pepper if you like.

    4) Pounded Yam and Afang Soup

    Pounded Yam and Afang Soup

    This delicacy right here is a combination of Pounded yam and a soup called the Afang soup. The pounded Yam is made from Yam, a source of fiber which is rich in Potassium and Manganese. The Afang soup on the other hand contain some important ingredients such as waterleaf, Ukazi leaf (called Wild Spinach in English), periwinkles which are all good for increasing blood circulation, and supports metabolism.

    Other ingredients for the Afang Soup include Meat/chicken, palm oil, Stock-fish, dried fish, crayfish, Snail, scotch bonnet pepper, magi, onions, garlic, and ginger.

    Pounded Yam especially is very famous in Nigeria because of its amazing taste and for the fact that, the Pounded Yam can be served with a variety of Nigerian Soups such as the famous Ogbono soup, Vegetable soup, Egusi soup, Okra soup etc.

    5) The Nigerian Suya

    The Nigerian Suya aka the life of the party is the most famous party delicacy in Nigeria. Suya although commonly eaten at nights is a meal that is present in almost all the party events in Nigeria. Suya is a spicy snack made with either meat or fish. The meat or fish is dressed with spices such as a mixed ginger, garlic, dried pepper, dried onions and black pepper or magi and then barbequed on a skewer.

    If you are in Nigeria and you just want to eat Suya then it is likely to find Suya at the nigh time usually at the Suya Joints or by the road side or even in restaurants.

  • Healthful Diet that can Sustain your Lifespan

    Healthful Diet that can Sustain your Lifespan

    A healthful diet is the cornerstone of good health and well-being. It includes a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Incorporating whole grains and starches, like brown rice, quinoa, and oats, ensures a steady source of energy and fiber for digestive health. Good fats, such as those found in avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, play a crucial role in supporting heart health and reducing inflammation. Proteins, whether plant-based like beans and lentils or animal-based like lean meats and fish, are vital for muscle repair and overall body function.

    Eating healthfully also involves being mindful of what to avoid. Reducing or eliminating foods high in added salt and sugar is essential for maintaining optimal health. Excess salt can lead to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues, while too much sugar is linked to weight gain, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. Here’s how adopting a healthful diet can transform your overall health and well-being.

    1. Reduced cancer risk

    An unhealthful diet can lead to obesity which may increase a person’s risk of developing cancer. Weighing within a healthful range may reduce this risk.

    However, diets rich in fruits and vegetables may help to protect against cancer and lowered the risk of colorectal cancer.

     Fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes act as antioxidants, which protect cells from damage that can cause cancer

    2. Diabetes control

    Eating a healthful diet can help a person with diabetes to keep blood pressure and cholesterol within target ranges.

    Prevent or delay complications of diabetes. People with diabetes need to limit their intake of foods with added sugar and salt. It is also best to avoid fried foods high in saturated fats.

    3. Healthy Heart

    Consumptions of healthy nuts such as almonds or walnuts, avocados, berries, whole grains and leafy green vegetables, Prevent blood clots which can lead to heart attacks.

    Intake of the above can help lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. You also eat less food with added sugar, calories and unhealthy fats.

    4. Strong bones and teeth

    A diet with adequate calcium and magnesium is necessary for strong bones and teeth.

    Good source of calcium includes:

    • Milk,
      cheese and other dairy foods
    • Tofu
    • Soya beans

    Good source of Magnesium includes:

    • leafy
      green vegetables
    • nuts
    •  and whole grains

    5. Better mood

    While a healthful diet may improve overall mood, it is essential for people with depression to take foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, green vegetables, oily fish, dark chocolate, whole grains and water.

    6. Boost Brains and Memory

    A healthful diet helps to boost brains and memory and help to prevent cognitive decline.

    The foods can help to boost the brains and memory:

    • Fatty
      fish
    • Blueberries
    • Turmeric
    • Nuts
      and so many others.