21/02/2023
Revealed 5 alarming Health benefits of Fufu (No. 5 will blow your mind!)
You’ve been taking swallow food (Tuwo), but have you ever taste this particular one before?
Fufu is a dough-like food made from fresh or fermented cassava and it is an essential food across African countries.
It’s eaten majorly across West Africa, in Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Sierra Leone, Togo, Cameroon, and more. It pairs well with most soups such as egusi, okra soup, tomato stew, and more.
This is not chewed but swallowed in small oval balls molded in the palm of the hand and dipped in a bowl of appropriate soup, subject to the preference of the diner.
Experts say that a 347.8-gram portion of fufu furnishes the body with 364.40 kcal of energy. In this article, we will discuss the health benefits of eating fufu (akpu).
1. High fiber, high benefits
Fufu is definitely among Nigerian foods with a good amount of fiber. Fiber-rich foods go a long way in improving the digestive system and overall health.
To start with, the fiber in Fufu (Akpu) helps in normalizing bowel movements by increasing the weight and size of your stool and softening it while it also reduces the risk of colorectal cancer.
That’s not all; studies reveal that fiber-dense foods like Fufu are capable of lowering the total levels of blood cholesterol simply by reducing ‘bad’ lowering low-density lipoprotein in the body.
In addition to the above, high-fiber foods, in most cases, promote satiety, meaning that they may help you feel full for a longer period to prevent you from eating unnecessary calories that may further trigger weight gain.
2. It is very low in cholesterol
Cholesterol is a soft, waxy, fat-like substance located in human’s cells and bloodstream. There are two major types of cholesterol, namely High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and Low-Density Lipoprotein (HDL). HDL is often regarded as ‘good cholesterol’ due to the fact that it helps to eliminate cholesterol from the artery walls and take it to the liver without triggering any side effects. LDL, on the other hand, is labeled bad cholesterol as it accumulates cholesterol in the wall of the arteries, which may result in buildup [plaque], inhibits blood vessels, and ultimately make you susceptible to cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke or heart attack.
Fortunately, medical experts suggest that consuming low-cholesterol foods like akpu can help regulate cholesterol levels in the body and shield against heart diseases.
3. It is rich in potassium
Fufu contains a good amount of potassium, one of the essential macrominerals the body relies on for proper functioning. Potassium-rich foods are said to be effective for reducing the risk of stroke, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular diseases. The potassium in akpu is again linked with fluid balance regulation, improved bone mineral density, lowered formation of kidney stones, reduced risk of loss of muscle mass, and the host of other benefits.
4. Contains low fat
When you eat too many trans fats or saturated fats, you are gradually exposing yourself to certain health conditions, including heart problems, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, strokes, and high blood pressure. One of the best ways to prevent against such is to eat low-fat foods like akpu.
Additionally, it might interest you to know that akpu is gluten-free, meaning that people with non-celiac gluten sensitivity and celiac disease can take it without experiencing any adverse effects.
5. It supplies lots of energy to the body
Fufu is an excellent source of carbohydrates; one of the three macronutrients the body needs to function properly on a daily basis. In fact, if you have carbohydrate deficiency, you may develop certain health conditions, including fatigue, weakness, reduced concentration, nausea, weariness, to name but a few.
Being a high-carb food, there are a lot of benefits you tend to gain from eating Fufu [Akpu] and part of it is that carbohydrates help in supplying the body with adequate energy while also fuelling the brain, kidneys, heart, muscles as well as the central nervous system to boost their overall functioning.
Most of the carbohydrates in the foods you eat are digested and broken down into glucose before entering the bloodstream. Complex carbohydrates are an efficient source of energy that fuels muscle contractions. Once eaten, carbs are broken down into smaller sugars (glucose, fructose, and galactose) to be used as energy for immediate tasks.
Any unused glucose will be converted into glycogen and stored in the muscles and liver for the future.
If you have carbohydrate deficiency, you may develop certain health conditions, including fatigue, weakness, reduced concentration, nausea, weariness, to name but a few.
In conclusion, if you find it hard or do not know the step by step preparation of the Fufu? Here is an easy and stress free way for you, Check out the tutorial video link in the attachment below!
