ALL AFRICAN DISHES: January 2016

Friday 29 January 2016

FRUIT CARE (LEMON)

Lemon is a natural energizer, it hydrates and oxygenates the body so it feels revitalized and refreshed. Lemon is well known for its anti-cancer properties. They are due to its many nourishing elements like vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin A, vitamin E, folate, niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, copper, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus and protein.

lime contains vitamin for the growth, repair and maintenance of tissue, bones and teeth. They offer antioxidant benefits and antibiotic properties, anti-carcinogenic properties to fight or prevent cancer, and promotes activity of liver enzymes that detox the body.

Lime improves weight loss, skin care, improved digestion, relief from constipation, eye care, and treatment of scurvy, piles, and peptic ulcer.

Grapes are very small and tiny in size. However, they have numerous nutrients, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins which keep us healthy, fit and fine. They are phytochemicals and phytonutrients which possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Grapes are also rich in vitamin C, that is vital for the good health of the skin.

Apples are extremely rich in important antioxidants, flavanoids, and dietary fiber. The phytonutrients and antioxidants in apples may help reduce the risk of developing cancer, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. They provide a nutritional profile.

HEALTHY NUTS (WALNUT)

Walnuts contain a number of neuroprotective compounds, including vitamin E, folate, melatonin, omega-3 fats, and antioxidants. Research shows that walnut consumption may support brain health, including increasing inferential reasoning in young adults.

Tiger nuts is very healthy, and one of the sources of minerals, glucose and vitamins C and E. It is highly recommended for the people with diarrhea, indigestion, flatulence and it is also a good heart and sexual stimulator.

It is rich in minerals such as phosphorous and potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron.

Mangoes are very high in iron and it is said that they are very good for pregnant women as well as people suffering from anemia. It is a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A, as well as fiber and it is good for potassium too. Eating enough fruits like mango will make you healthy.

Dates are a good source of various vitamins and minerals. It's a good source of energy, sugar and fiber. Essential minerals such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium and zinc are found in dates. They also contain vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, vitamin A and vitamin K.

FRUIT CARE (BANANA)

Banana contain high levels of B-vitamins, anti-oxidants, as well as potassium, magnesium and minerals. Eating enough banana will help prevent kidney cancer, build strong bones by increasing calcium absorption and protect the eyes against macular degeneration.

Eating banana between meals helps stabilize blood sugar and reduce nausea from morning sickness. It can lower the body temperature and cool during a fever or a hot day.

Pineapple is high in vitamin A and Beta-carotene to protect your eyes, and is loaded with fiber to help with the digestion of food and reduces the feeling of hunger by making you feel full.

Pineapple is extremely high in manganese, which helps regulate blood sugar and is needed to form brain and nerve function. It is also loaded with Vitamin C to build the immune system.

Pawpaw or (Papaya) is a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin C and Foliate. It is packed with dietary fibers and potassium. It is very low in calorie and zero in cholesterol too and is great for the digestive system.

- It protects against heart diseases and helps with the eye sight.

REASONS WHY WE NEED CARROT IN OUR DAILY LIVING

The health benefits of carrots include reduction of cholesterol, prevention from heart attacks, warding off of certain cancers, improving vision, and reducing the signs of premature aging.

Carrots have the ability to increase the health of our skin, boost the immune system, improve digestion, increase cardiovascular health, detoxify the body, and boost oral health in a variety of ways.

It contains short and medium-chain fatty acids that help in taking off excessive weight. Research suggests that coconut oil and water helps to reduce abdominal obesity in women. It also helps in healthy functioning of the thyroid and endocrine system.

HEALTH BENEFIT OF CUCUMBER

Cucumber keeps you hydrated. If you are too busy to drink enough water, munch on the cool cucumber, which is 96 percent water.

By eating cucumber, you will get most of the vitamins that our body needs in a day.

There are compound called sterols in cucumber; they help reduce bad cholesterol and treat tapeworms.

Garlic grows in many parts of the world. It contains a compound called Allicin, which has potent medicinal properties and it's a plant in the Allium (onion) family. It is related to onions, shallots and leeks.

- Garlic is a popular ingredient in cooking that gives food a delicious taste, but most people run from it due to its strong smell.

Ginger is useful for our health in many ways. It helps to fight common illnesses like ovarian cancer.

The root or underground stem (rhizome) of the ginger plant can be consumed fresh, powdered, dried as a spice, in oil form or as juice. Ginger is part of the Zingiberaceae family, alongside cardamom and turmeric.

Ginger is used for relieving digestive problems such as nausea, loss of appetite, motion sickness and pain. It also helps to relieve gastrointestinal irritation, stimulate saliva and bile production and suppress gastric contractions and movement of food and fluids through the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract.

CASHEW NUTS: HEALTH BENEFIT

Cashew nut is a very highly medicinal and nutritious valued nut, rich in antioxidants that help in the elimination of free radicals that my cause one cancer.

This may occur by reducing blood pressure and “bad” cholesterol levels. Nuts are naturally cholesterol-free and contain good amounts of heart-healthy fats, fiber, and protein.

Cashew nuts help our body to utilize iron properly and eliminate free radicals which cause health problems.

They consumption helps the body utilizes iron, develop bone and connective tissue, produce the skin and hair pigment melanin.

Orange have a wealth of nutrients including vitamin C, vitamin A precursors, calcium, potassium, flavonoids, antioxidants, magnesium and dietary.

They packed full of vitamins and minerals, they are low in calories, this makes them an excellent healing properties and they can stop cell damage but it can also prevent cancer cell replication.

Orange are effective in both preventing and treating certain diseases like, Asthma, Bronchitis, Tuberculosis and Rheumatism, prevent kidney stones, diabetes and protect the skin against skin diseases.

FUNCTIONS

REASONS WHY FRUITS ARE GOOD FOR OUR HEALTH

Fruits are one of the foods that nourish our body. They make our body healthy. Fruits are the ultimate brain fuel. They have a positive effect on our brains and make you recall information easier and faster.

They do not contain much cholesterol, and consuming substantial amounts of fresh fruit on a regular basis makes you feel better. A lot of fruits have a mysterious healing effect on human beings. Fruits are part of a healthy eating lifestyle.

Fruit are good for pregnant women:

Sugar cane can be eaten raw by chewing. This makes teeth and jaw strong. It’s juice is obtained by crushing or pressing between rollers. This juice is very nutritious and good for health.

It is a sweet, cheap and natural health drink, and has high amounts of potassium.

HEALTH BENEFIT

HEALTH BENEFITS OF WATER MELON

Watermelon is one of the nutrient dense foods that contains high amount of vitamins, antioxidants for a low amount of calories and minerals.

Watermelon can help combat the formation of free radicals known to cause cancer. The quality and sweet taste help to combat the heat and also provide a guilt-free, low maintenance dessert for kids and adults.

Along with cantaloupe and honeydew, watermelons are a member of the botanical family Cucurbitaceae. There are five common types of watermelon: seeded, seedless, mini (also known as personal), yellow and orange.

The fluted pumpkin botanically known as Telfaira occidentalis has one advantage in that it can be enjoy throughout the year unlike some other vegetables. However, you see the leaves flood the market more during rainy season. It is a tropical vine plant native to West Africa but occurs mostly in its cultivated form.

JUICE

Ugu (pumpkin) is a highly medicinal vegetable, Ugu (pumpkin leaf) juice is used for curing various illnesses, especially Malaria.

Only what you have to do is to get Ugu leaves, wash and extract the juice by straining the leaves. Steam it for a short while before drinking or you can mix with malt, pineapple, orange, grape to improve the flavor. This is a very fast herbal way to regain your strength and become normal again.

With this, it works faster than refined drugs such as vitamin, B complex and folic acid. Pumpkin leaf "Ugu" juice is packed with loads of nourishing goodness

Ingredients needed

HOW TO PREPARE AADUN

Aadun is another food snack for Yoruba’s, that is made with a combination of roasted corn flour, palm oil and spices. There are varieties of this snack which contains fried red cowpeas.

It is mostly sold as street snack and also present in festive functions like naming ceremonies and traditional marriages

Ingredients:

In English, it is called African Star Apple or White Star Apple.

Local Name: Agbalumo (Yoruba language) or Udara (Igbo language)

Botanical Name: Chrysophyllum Albidum

YAM RECIPES (HOW TO PREPARE EBIRIPO-COCOYAM)

Ebiripo is another special Ijebu food made from cocoyam. It is a major staple food that is cooked in leaves. This meal can be cooked in various ways and spiced to make a balanced meal. Cocoyam is purely carbohydrates and poor in other nutrients but many have now found ways to make the root nutritious by adding soyabeans while making ebiripo. It can be eaten with all kinds of soups.

Ingredients

Ojojo is a snack made from grated water yams. It is native to the Yorubas in the western part of Nigeria. It is favorite to Ijebu people in Ogun State. It is called water yam fritters because when grated, it looks like fritters. Water yam itches and it has a slimy feel too, so you have to be careful when grating, to avoid injuries.

You can either use your hand or spoon depending on your preference. The pureed yam is sticky like dough for making the ojojo.

Ingredient

SOUP RECIPES (EDITAN)

A soup prepared by the people of the South-south region of Nigeria, mostly the Calabars. Similar to the bitterness of Afang soup but different in taste.

Ingredient

Making of Okpa does not require much seasoning because it already has a natural delicious flavor that should not ruin.

Ingredients

STEW RECIPES (MELON STEW)

Melon stew is another delicious meal that can go with either with eba, boiled yam, rice, plantain etc. Melon stew is quite different from your traditional egusi soup, due to the method of preparation.

Ingredients

CAMEROON RECIPES (PEANUT SOUP)

Ingredients

Cameroon palm nut concentrate soup (Banga soup) is easy to cook because the palm nut is already in a can, and there are different types, depending on your choice.

Ingredient

CAMEROONIAN RECIPES (KOKO NYAMA)

Koko is a Greens and Peanut dish popular in Cameroon.

Ingredients

Cameroonian black soup mostly prepared with fish and meat including goat, lamb and beef. It uses traditional spice which is alligator pepper that is roasted or gently burnt to get the black color and fragrant scent and taste.

INGREDIENTS