Akpu is a thick, staple Nigerian food extracted from cassava tubers. It is also called Fufu can also be made with plantain flour. It is best served with typical traditional soups, including bitterleaf soup, groundnut soup, egusi soup, ora, and vegetable soup.
Some of the nutritional content of akpu include – carbohydrates, dietary fibre, protein, calcium, iron, and high amount of potassium. The calories in Akpu or Fufu is 267 kcal in 100g serving. [1]
Back to the main discussion. Below are the health benefits of fufu of akpu:
1. It supplies lots of energy to the body
Akpu 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 akpu [fufu] 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.
2. It is very low in cholesterol
Cholesterol is a soft, waxy, fat-like substance located in humans 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. You can find out about some other Nigerian foods with low cholesterol.
3. It is rich in potassium
Akpu 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. High fiber, high benefits
Akpu 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 akpu helps in normalising 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 akpu 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.
5. 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.
OTHER HEALTH BENEFITS OF AKPU (FUFU)
- Lowered blood sugar levels
- Reduced risk of osteoporosis
- Lowered Insulin Resistance
- Improved nervous system
FINAL WORDS
Although akpu is considered to be packed with lots of health benefits, yet there are certain things you need to keep in mind to be on the safer side.
Multiple studies reveal that cassava plant (from which fufu is made) contains a toxic substance called “Linamarin” and cyanide, which could trigger certain effects during digestion.
Collins Nwokolo is a human physiologist, writer and health enthusiast. He loves writing helpful articles on health and fitness, which he enjoys sharing with everyone.
Excellent ❤️