For a very long time now, Kpomo has been generally accepted in society despite controversies concerning the consumption of Kpomo.Â
Kpomo (commonly known as cow skin meat) is very popular among Nigerians regardless of societal status. People love eating Kpomo because of its amazing taste and texture. It is also known as Kanda or ponmo.
Kpomo is the outer part of a cow that is processed to be prepared and consumed as meat. In this article, we will shed more light on the nutritional value and health benefits of Kpomo.
Nutritional Value Of Kpomo
Kpomo, like other regular meats, contains low protein. It has a moderate level of fats, fiber, collagen, and carbohydrates.Â
Here’s a breakdown of nutrients in 100g of boiled, thick cow skin:
- 224.65 calories of energy,
- 6.80g of carbohydrate
- 43.9g of water
- 46.9g of protein
- 1.09g of fat
- 0.02g of fibre.
- Calcium (61mg)
- Iron (4.3mg)
- Magnesium (12mg)
- Phosphorus (36mg)
- Zinc (6.79mg).
7 Health Benefits of Kpomo
Here are some of the possible nutritional benefits that can be obtained from eating kpomo.
1. Great for weight loss
Kpomo has a low level of calories, and this helps in losing excess weight. One piece of kpomo has only 47 calories. Reducing your consumption of calories will reduce your energy intake and also help you lose weight.Â
2. Good source of zinc
Kpomo contains zinc which is one of the essential minerals needed for the proper functioning of the body. Zinc deficiency can lead to hair loss, weight loss, eye problems, and diarrhea.Â
Zinc is essential for the proper development and function of the male sex organs. It is also involved in the activities of almost all enzymes that take part in digestion, metabolism, muscle and nerve function, and other activities in the body.
3. Aids development of strong bones and teeth
Kpomo contains calcium and phosphorus, which are essential minerals needed for the development of strong bones and teeth.
Calcium is needed by the body for the development of strong bones and teeth because all calcium in the body is stored in the bones and teeth. It gives the bones and teeth their structures and hardness.
Phosphorus is the second most abundant mineral in the body. It is also needed for the proper development of strong bones and teeth because almost all the phosphorus in the body is stored in the bones and teeth.
4. Great source of dietary fiber
Kpomo contains dietary fibers that aid digestion and proper bowel movements. It helps in improving cholesterol and blood levels. It also helps in preventing diseases such as heart disease, bowel cancer, and diabetes.
5. Regulates muscle and nerve function
Kpomo contains magnesium which is a mineral that is responsible for the regulation of muscle and nerve function in the body.
It also plays an important role in neuromuscular conduction and nerve transmission.
6. Good source of animal protein
Although ponmo has low protein content when compared to other animal protein sources because it doesn’t contain all essential amino acids, it is still a good source of protein.
It is a good food for athletes and bodybuilders.
7. Rich in collagen
Kpomo or cow skin meat is used to produce a type of collagen known as Bovine collagen.
Collagen is an abundant protein that is produced by your body. However, as you age, your body’s collagen production will start to decline, and that can lead to many health issues, such as bone, joint, and skin problems.
Eating cow meat skin or kpomo is a great way to increase collagen production in your body. It is rich in bovine collagen, which can help to reduce wrinkles, promote elasticity, increase skin moisture, and prevent bone loss.
Health Risks Associated With Kpomo
There are also some side effects or health risks association with kpomo meat.
First, it highly unhygienic processing conditions could pose public health risks and lead to health problems. One study found out that a typical kpomo sold in the market contain a plethora of harmful microbes and bacteria.
This health risk can be prevented by proper cooking and washing of the meats with salt and clean water, prior to cooking. It must also be adequately cooked before consumption.
Furthermore, when kpomo is not cooked well, it will still be hard, making it difficult to chew. This can cause toothache. Hence, kpomo should be cooked till it is soft enough to be chewed with ease.
Bottom Line
Kpomo is one of the most common local delicacies in Nigeria. It is cow skin, processed to be consumed like other meat.Â
Despite the controversies and arguments concerning the consumption of Kpomo, in Nigeria, there are a lot of meals that are incomplete without this unique taste delicacy. There are definitely some health benefits of kpomo.
Kpomo aids in the regulation of muscle and nerve function. It is a great source of dietary fiber, collagen, and zinc. It aids the development of strong bones and teeth, and it also aids weight loss.
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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.
