Moin Moin is a popular Nigerian food prepared by mixing ground beans with oil, onions, peppers, and other spices. It is a Nigerian steamed bean pudding, that is very rich in protein. Egg, fish, corn beef and sardine are usually added to moin moin to make it more appetizing. It is wrapped in Ewe eran leaves or in cups and sold commercially.
A lot of Nigerians love and enjoy moin moin, it is delicious, keeps you full and above all it’s a very healthy Nigerian food. Let’s learn about the nutritional value of moin moin, calories in moin and health benefits of moin moin.
Nutritional Value of Moin Moin
Moin Moin is an excellent source of antioxidants and essential properties, including fiber, protein, B vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium, copper, zinc, and selenium. However, it is known to contain a lot of protein. [1]
Calories in Moin Moin
1 serving of moin moin contains approximately 154 calories. That’s one leave wrapping of moin moin. A cup of moin moin should contain 345 calories.
Health Benefits of Moin Moin
1. Improves Blood circulation
Moin moin is a great source of folate, one of the B-vitamins the body relies on to produce red and white blood cells in the bone marrow. In fact, the importance of folic acid in the body can never be overemphasized as it also helps in converting carbohydrates into energy and stimulating the production of DNA and RNA.
More importantly, folate is found to be essential during periods when the body is undergoing rapid growth, including pregnancy, infancy, adolescence, among others. It also shields pregnant women against miscarriage and reduces the risk of birth defects as well as congenital deformities.
2. Boosts Heart health
Moin moin contains a significant amount of soluble fiber and some other potent properties that are very beneficial to the human heart.
The soluble fiber content of moin moin helps in reducing the risk of heart disease, certain cancer types while also improving the intestinal tract. High-fiber foods like moin moin are also proven to be great for reducing “bad” low-density lipoprotein LDL cholesterol levels, blood pressure, as well as inflammation.
Aside from fiber, moin moin is also a good source of folic acid and vitamin B12, which promotes healthy heart by lowering the levels of homocysteine, one of the leading causes of various cardiovascular diseases.
3. Aids Digestion
The dietary fiber in moin moin is often considered one of the nutrients that aid the digestive system. This is because high-fiber foods help in improving stool quality and solidifying it, and by so doing, you will have lesser chances of developing constipation and other digestion-related foods.
4. Great for Weight loss
They are quite a few Nigerian foods that can help you lose weight – one of which is moin moin.
If you are also eager to lose weight fast, then moin moin might be an ideal food option for you. The reason is that moin moin contains a high amount of fiber, which promotes satiety and help in keeping hunger at bay. That is, eating moin moin might help you eat less during the day, and thus reducing your caloric consumption – one of the effective strategies for losing weight fast.
5. Rich in Protein
Protein is essential for the growth and maintenance of bones and muscles.
With the high amount of protein in moin moin, it is recommended for people with protein deficiency or those longing to give their overall health a huge boost.
The protein in moin moin helps provide the building blocks for muscle, hair, skin, blood, enzymes, and other essential tissues in the body. It also plays a vital role in the growth and repair of those tissues.
In addition to the above, protein is among the macronutrients that help in the formation of bones and muscles, as well as the supply of energy to the body. Again, moin moin is a great food for weight watchers as it improves metabolism and reduces cravings for food.
6. Improves bone and muscles health
Moin moin is rich in magnesium, the fourth largest mineral in the body. It plays a significant role in boosting the body, brain, and overall health. Part of its functions in the body is the activation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which stimulates the production of energy.
In addition to the above, the magnesium in moin moin contributes largely to neuromuscular signals and contractions, meaning it can help relieve muscle aches or spasms. It also combines with calcium to keep the blood pressure levels in check and prevent hypertension.
Other benefits linked with eating magnesium-rich foods like moin moin include – Improved sleep quality, controlled migraines, improved digestion, elevated relaxation.
7. Prevents anemia
Anemia is a health condition in which the blood has no enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin to transport adequate oxygen to the essential tissues. Some of the common symptoms of anemia include tiredness, weariness, and feeling of weakness.
On the plus side, moin moin contains a good amount of iron, which plays a major role in the production of hemoglobin and myoglobin in the body to improve your energy levels and make you become healthier.
Other health benefits of moin moin:
- Lowers blood pressure
- Keeps blood sugar levels in check
- Lowers the level of homocysteine, one of the leading causes of cardiovascular diseases
- Reduces the Risk of Cancer
- Reduces insulin resistance, one of the major causal factors of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes
- Curtails fatigue and irritability [2]
Conclusion
Moin Moin is a healthy Nigerian food, with numerous healthy nutrients and health benefits. You should definitely eat moin moin often!
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.
