Food and Nigeria always go well in a sentence. We love food, good food, especially food that is good for our health. As a result of our strong affinity for food, and our unique abilities to prepare the best meals, there are countless healthy dishes and delicacies in Nigeria, some of which have Nigerian origin, while others were borrowed from other origins and cultures.
Not only are our Nigerian delicacies phenomenally tasty, they are also very healthy. Always ensure to prepare them right, and use the correct condiments. Also, in the appropriate quantities.
Let’s take a look at a few Nigerian foods and their health benefits
Tofu popularly known as “Awara”
Tofu also known as bean curd, is a food prepared by coagulating soy milk and then pressing the resulting curds into solid white blocks of varying softness; it can be silken, soft, firm, or extra firm.
Beyond these broad categories, there are many varieties of tofu. Tofu has a subtle flavor, which is why it can be used in savory and sweet dishes. It is often seasoned or marinated to suit the dish and its flavors, and due to its spongy texture it absorbs flavors well. Tofu can be used as a meat substitute. It can also be a complete meal on it’s own.
Tofu is a traditional component of East Asian and Southeast Asian cuisines. However, we in Nigeria have gladly accepted the unique delicacy as one of ours. If not for anything, but for the simple fact that it tastes divine.
Health benefits
Nutritionally, tofu is low in calories, while containing a relatively large amount of protein. It is high in iron, and can have a high calcium or magnesium content depending on the coagulants. This makes it a healthy meal for your consumption.
Vegetable sauce
You can hardly go wrong when it comes to vegetables. They are as healthy and nutritious as can be. It can be prepared easily and garnished in many different ways, according to individual preferences.
Vegetables in this case cuts across different types of veggies. The most commonly used vegetables include Pumpkin leaves, Spinach (popularly known as “efo”) Water leaves, etc
Vegetable sauce and be eaten with other different foods such as boiled yam, boiled plantain and even rice.
Health benefits
Vegetables play an important role in human nutrition. Most are low in fat and calories but are bulky and filling. They supply dietary fiber and are important sources of essential vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. Particularly important are the antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E.
One thing you must remember when cooking vegetables is that you have to wash them thoroughly and repeatedly to avoid consuming any foreign organisms.