Gbegiri soup is a type of Nigerian soup that is peculiar to the Yoruba tribe of Nigeria. It is a delicious soup made from peeled, cooked beans. Hence, it is also known as beans soup and is commonly served at local restaurants. Gbegiri soup is delicious, velvety, and mildly flavoured; however, on its own, it may not look appealing, but it comes alive when you add ewedu soup and meat from your beef and chicken stew. It is also eaten with Amala, a type of Nigerian swallow.
Gbegiri is not just a delicious Nigerian meal, but it is also healthy. Here are some of the health benefits of gbegiri soup.
Health Benefits of Gbegiri Soup
The nutritional benefits of gbegiri soup are based on the main ingredients used in preparing the soup. The major ingredients are beans (black-eyed beans, brown beans, or honey beans), palm oil, and scotch bonnet pepper.
1. Rich in nutrients
Gbegiri soup is rich in nutrients because it is made with many healthy ingredients. Some nutrients and minerals found in this meal include zinc, folate, copper, potassium, iron, calcium, and others. A couple of vitamins are also contained in gbegiri, such as vitamins A, B2, B6, C, D, and E. These minerals and vitamins are responsible for most of the nutritional value of the soup.
2. Rich in protein
Since the main ingredient is beans, you should expect this meal to be rich in protein. Beans are one of the richest sources of protein, and gbegiri packs a lot of protein. Eating foods that are rich in protein can boost metabolism and increase fat burning. They also improve muscle mass, strength, and bone health.
3. Good for pregnant women
Gbegiri soup is also a great food for pregnant women. Beans, the main ingredient in gbegiri, is rich in folate, and folate is an important nutrient that is required during pregnancy. Consuming foods that are rich in folate helps to prevent birth defects and is recommended for pregnant women. However, note that gbegiri prepared with potash should be avoided by pregnant women.
4. Great for weight loss
If you’re on a weight loss journey, then this is a good meal for you to eat. It’s much lighter than beans-only meals since it’s made into a paste. Therefore, you can eat it, feel full, and not be worried about calories consumption, as gbegiri soup contains about 125 calories.
All the ingredients used in preparing it have low calories. It is also best prepared with goat meat, which is less fattening, unlike other meats. You don’t have to eat it every day, but having it once a week will undoubtedly leave you full. Furthermore, the high fiber content in the soup also keeps you full longer, which prevents you from eating more. Hence, you can also include it in your diet to control your weight.
5. Boosts blood production
Beans are also rich in copper and iron, which enable the body to form red blood cells and boost blood production in the body. It also strengthens the immune system.
6. Reduces risk of heart disease
Patients with heart issues are advised to avoid certain meals to lower the risk of high blood pressure. Gbegiri soup, however, is one to embrace with wide arms. Beans, the main ingredient, are rich in minerals and help lower cholesterol.
Minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and copper, which help improve the heart’s state, are found. Also, they ensure the proper carrying out of metabolic activities.
7. Lowers blood sugar levels
For diabetic patients, this is an excellent meal to try and will make a pleasant addition to your diet. In addition, the fiber content of the soup causes a slower breakdown of carbohydrates.
Simply put, the conversion of sugar to glucose is reduced. With this reduction, blood sugar levels remain normal even after eating as much as you want.
An additional health benefit of gbegiri is that it improves gut health. Gbegiri promotes a healthy digestive system. The high soluble fiber content in beans ensures that it promotes bowel movement and prevents constipation.
Conclusion
Gbegiri soup is a delicious Nigerian staple food made with beans and is usually eaten with ewedu and amala. It is incredibly nutritious and possesses a lot of health benefits.
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