Kunu is a popular non-alcoholic beverage widely consumed in Nigeria (especially in the Northern region). It can be prepared using numerous grains, including millet, sorghum, maize, rice, etc. The variety of the Kunu drink that is made from sorghum is usually light-brown in colour, while the one made from millet and maize are usually white. They are different varieties of Kunu drink, such as: Kunu Aya (Tigernut milk), Kunu gyada (groundnut milk), Kunun akamu, Kunun tsamiya, Kunun Baule, Kunun jiko, Amshau and Kunun gayamba, and Kunu zaki (millet), which is the most commonly consumed. Kunu is not just enjoyable and delicious, and it also has nutritional benefits. The nutritional content and health benefits of Kunu are discussed in this amazing article. [1]
It will interest you to know that this nutritious beverage contains a significant amount of Vitamin C, Vitamin B3, Magnesium, Potassium, etc. and that is why it is packed with a wide range of health benefits. However, let’s begin with the nutritional value of Kunu. [2]
In this study, we’d be considering the health benefits of Kunu zaki variety, that is Kunu made from millet as it is the most popular variety.
Nutritional Content of Kunu
Kunu zaki is rich in dietary fiber, because it is made from millet. It contains all the necessary vitamins B, C, A, and K. Kunu zaki has more polyunsaturated fats (omega 3 and 6). The calories in Kunu depends on the ingredients used in preparing it. The major minerals present in Kunu zaki are potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. [3]
Health Benefits of Kunu Drink (Kunu Zaki)
Kunu zaki is mainly made up of millet and maize. It is a gluten-free Nigerian drink. The following are the superb health benefits of Kunu.
1. Lowers Blood Pressure and Promotes Heart Health
Millet, one of the integral components of Kunu, contains a high content of magnesium and potassium – which plays a significant role in human health, including the heart.
To start with, magnesium and potassium are proven to be effective in lowering blood pressure, keeping heart rate in check, minimizing the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and thus boosting the overall cardiovascular health. [4]
That said, the millet used in kunu also contains a significant amount of Vitamin B3 which improves the heart health by reducing Low-Density Lipoprotein “Bad” cholesterols and increasing High-Density Lipoprotein “Good” cholesterols in your body.
However, it will interest you to know that kunu is very beneficial to people with diabetes as it stimulates insulin efficiency in the body and combats insulin resistance, which could spark the glucose levels in the body. [5]
2. Aids Digestion
Kunu zaki is made up of an excellent amount of dietary fiber, which multiple scientific studies reveal that these compounds are capable of improving digestion in humans.
Some of the major roles dietary fiber play in the digestive system include; reduction of gastrointestinal irritation, stimulation of bile and saliva production, minimization of gastric contractions, etc.
Similarly, kunu has very rich fiber content, which helps in preventing constipation while stimulating bowel emptying. [6]
Low-fat diets [such as kunu] are also linked with reduced risk of colon cancer as well as colorectal adenoma recurrence.
3. Promotes Healthy Pregnancy and Adequate Breast Milk Flow
Ginger is one of the major ingredients used in preparing Kunu, and this super ingredient offers a wide variety of benefits to pregnant women. [7]
Firstly, Ginger boosts the circulation of blood both in pregnant women and their babies while also reducing bloating and digestion-related problems.
Again, one of the common symptoms pregnant women experience during their first trimester [first 3 months of pregnancy] is nausea, but the good news is that kunu drink has been proven severally to be effective in controlling these symptoms with utmost perfection.
That being said, another benefit of consuming kunu is that it stimulates the production of breast milk, and this is one of the reasons why kunu is often recommended for lactating mothers in certain parts of Africa, including Nigeria.
4. Boosts Sperm Count
Low Sperm Count is a common sexual problem in men, and the implication of it is that it can make conceiving a child difficult. The causes of low sperm count include but not limited to;
– low hormone levels,
– obesity,
– smoking,
– drinking,
– inadequate air supply to the testicles, etc.
However, the great news is that Kunu drink is great for male fertility because it boosts sperm count.
The reason for kunu’s effectiveness in increasing sperm count is the fact that it contains an excellent amount of Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant which improves blood flow in the human body as well as the penile area.
Not that alone, the Vitamin C in kunu drink is also effective in combating sperm-busting free radicals which in turn may boost your sexual health by a significant margin.
Kunu Aya also known as tiger nut milk, has been reported to improve fertility in both men and women. [8]
5. Promotes Weight Loss
Adequate intake of Kunu drink can help accelerate your weight loss goals.
Kunu drink contains a high content of millet, a nutritious grain with excellent protein levels.
Therefore, by consuming kunu drink regularly, you will be able to meet your daily protein needs without clogging your stomach with high-caloric, obesity-inducing foods like hamburgers, sausages, meat, etc.
Again, the millet in kunu drink contains significant content of soluble dietary fiber and tryptophan – all of which reduces weight as well as appetite.
This aside, you can also boost your weight loss goals by incorporating millet into your diet as it will make you feel full for a longer period and thus preventing you from consuming junk foods that could make you accumulate more weight.
However, there is a link between Kunu and weight gain. It is imperative to know that adding sugar or other sweeteners to your kunu drinks can also trigger weight gain. Therefore, make sure you reduce it to the barest minimum. Kunu drink is undoubtedly one of the healthy Nigerian drinks for weight loss.
6. Relaxes Your Mood and Promotes Good Sleep
The millet in kunu drink contains Tryptophan, an amino acid which boosts the level of sleep-inducing compounds serotonin and melatonin in your brain’s pineal gland.
Part of the essential roles these neurotransmitters play in the body include sleep regulation, stress minimization, mood enhancement, etc. They also help in handling depression, anxiety, and the likes.
Want to enhance your sleep?
Consume kunu drinks regularly, and you will notice a significant improvement in your sleep. A chilled glass of Kunu can help you fall asleep easily and sleep well.
7. Reduces Menstrual Pains for Women
Menstrual cramps are common pains that many women undergo every month, and the pain can be very excruciating most times.
However, studies reveal that adequate magnesium intake can help treat menstrual cramps and other related pains such as PMS, headaches, nausea effectively. [9]
More importantly, millet used in kunu drinks is an excellent source of this same magnesium, which makes it ideal for menstruating women.
Magnesium, when ingested, relaxes the muscles and boosts calcium absorption, which in turn relieves cramp to a significant extent.
In addition to the above, adequate Magnesium intake is also linked with excellent muscle tone and optimal nerve function, healthy heart, improved immunity, stronger bones, controlled blood sugar level, reduced risk of cardiovascular-related conditions and immune dysfunction, among other hosts of benefits.
Bottom Line
Just like zobo drink, Kunu is a healthy Nigerian beverage that is widely consumed and produced. The health benefits of Kunu include its ability to aid digestion, promote heart health, and improve sleep quality. You should definitely drink Kunu once in a while.
