Nutrition

Old Ghanaian meal

When a non- Ghanaian comes on a tour and asks for our local dishes, one will not hesitate to mention the likes of fufu, banku, waakye, aprapransa, ‘gari foto’ and ‘mpotompoto.’

These could be the dishes we are familiar with. What of the very ones which names are barely mentioned?

They are as follows:

Abekatekonto: It is a combination of three local soups – palm nut soup ‘Ab3’, groundnut soup ‘Kate’ and ‘Kontomire soup’. This soup combination is best served with ‘omutuo’ (rice balls), banku or gari.

Brodokuno: It is prepared with a mixture of ripe and unripe plantain this meal is best served in neat plantain leaves with palm nut soup.

Wasawasa: Wasawasa is a popular staple made from yam in some parts of northern Ghana.
It is served with sheabutter oil and onions. It is delicacy for the people of the northern region.

Yumbeka: This is not a foreign name. It is a local dish made out of bean leaves best known for its nutritious contents.

Kwankwan: The name of this dish was coined out of the noise food vendors make whenever they serve their buyers. It is similar to the best known waakye but made from local rice and served with a spicy tomato sauce.

Source: yen

Nutrition

Benefits of Tamarind Juice

Tamarind seed

Tamarind juice is particularly abundant in vitamin C, which is important for a strong immune system, healthy skin and wound healing.

Additionally, tamarind provides significant amounts of B vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin and niacin, as well as essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iron.

– Antioxidant properties

Tamarind contains potent antioxidants, such as polyphenols and flavonoids, which combat harmful free radicals in the body. This oxidative stress reduction can help prevent cell damage and lower the risk of chronic diseases, including cancer.

-Digestive health

Tamarind contains dietary fibre and natural laxatives that promote regular bowel movements, alleviate constipation and improve overall gastrointestinal health.”

– Heart health

Regular consumption of tamarind juice may have a positive impact on cardiovascular health. It can help lower cholesterol levels due to its high fibre content and antioxidants, reducing the risk of heart disease.

– Anti-inflammatory properties

Tamarind juice does a great job in curbing inflammation in the body. High in anti-inflammatory compounds such as polyphenols and bioflavonoids, this property makes it potentially beneficial for individuals suffering from conditions like arthritis or chronic inflammatory diseases.

– High magnesium content

Tamarind is rich in magnesium- 110 mg per 120 g of pulp. This simply concludes that drinking tamarind is a convenient way to meet your daily magnesium requirements. It plays an important role in the formation of bones, regulates heart rhythm, and contraction of muscles, and keeps blood sugar levels under check.

Source; Healthshots.com