Dairy foods are food products made from milk. They could be derived directly from milk or be used in making the products. The milk used is gotten from animals like cows and nanny goats.
Most local dairy products in Nigeria come from the Northern part of the country, where people have reared cattle for centuries. These days, such products are found in all parts of the country and even outside.
Dairy foods are a good source of calcium, which is good for the bones and teeth. They are also rich in fats, protein, sodium, potassium, and Vitamin D. In short, dairy products are very healthy and should form a regular part of your diet.Â
In today’s article, we will be looking at some of the dairy foods we have in Nigeria.Â
1. Milk
Milk is the most basic dairy product. It comes in both liquid and powdered forms. Milk could be sweetened, unsweetened, or condensed.
The milk seen in shops is a processed form of milk gotten from cows. The milk goes through processing to remove impurities from the milk and fortify it with nutrients.
In Nigeria, we use milk for a lot of things, including making tea and cereal and also in making baked goods.
It is incredibly healthy because it is loaded with important nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, B vitamins, potassium, and vitamin D. Furthermore, it’s a good source of protein.
2. Custard
Custard is another popular dairy food in Nigeria. It is a cooked mixture prepared with eggs and milk or cream; it is also usually thick and creamy.
Milk is the main ingredient of custard. Hence, it is a good source of protein and contains calcium, which is good for bone health.
3. Yoghurt
Yoghurt is another common dairy product we have in Nigeria. It is made by heating milk, sterilising it, and then adding lactose-fermenting yeast to it. Yoghurts could come sweetened or unsweetened (Greek Yoghurt).
Yoghurt is a very healthy drink infused with lots of nutrients. It is a healthier choice than carbonated drinks that are loaded with sugar and other chemicals.
Yoghurts are also very satisfying and is good for people who want to lose weight as they can take it. One of the most popular type of yoghurt in Nigeria is the Greek yoghurt.
4. Fura da Nono
This is one of the local dairy products from Northern Nigeria. The name translates to millet and milk, which is what the food is made from.
The millet or fura is sold in the form of balls, while the nono is made from fermented milk, which gives it a thick consistency.
The fura is mashed into the milk and mixed properly, then eaten like a cereal. Fura da nono helps with weight loss and aids digestion.
5. Wara
Wara or milk curds is a food from the South Western part of the country. It is made by adding an extract from the bomubomu tree, or Sodom apple, till it congeals.
Salt and seasoning can be added to it to improve the taste, and it can be eaten with soups or stews.
Some people even use it as an alternative to fish or meats, as it is also very rich in protein. It can also be eaten alone as a snack.Â
6. Cheese
Cheese is a dairy food derived from milk that is produced in a wide range of flavors, textures, and forms by coagulation of the milk protein casein.
It is made up of proteins and fat from milk, typically the milk of cows, buffalo, goats, or sheep.
Cheese is an excellent source of calcium, fat, and protein. It also contains high amounts of vitamins A and B12, along with zinc, phosphorus, and riboflavin.Â
7. Butter
Nigerians use butter for a lot of things: to spread on bread, to cook, and to bake things.
Butter is gotten from churning the cream gotten from milk. It contains high amounts of fats as well as other nutrients.
Unlike other dairy products, butter cannot be eaten alone but is eaten along with other kinds of foods.Â
Butter is rich in vitamin D, a nutrient that is vital for bone growth and development. Like most dairy Foods, it also has calcium, which is essential for bone strength.
Calcium also helps prevent diseases such as osteoporosis and can help make your skin healthier.
8. Kefir
Kefir is a cultured, creamy product with a unique, tart flavor and an impressive list of health benefits.
Often referred to as a drinkable yogurt, kefir is a fermented dairy product made by adding kefir grains to milk.
These grains are a combination of bacteria and yeast that interact with the milk to ferment it into a rich and tangy beverage teeming with probiotics.
Nutritionally, kefir is a powerhouse. It surpasses traditional milk in its probiotic content, making it an excellent food for gut health.
It is also abundant in essential nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and B vitamins, which are vital for bone health, energy metabolism, and overall wellness. It also contains a good amount of protein, which is important for muscle repair and growth.
9. Ice-cream
Ice-cream is another dairy food found in Nigeria; this popular treat is relished for its creamy texture and variety of flavors.
It’s typically made from cow’s milk and can come in different forms such as regular, low-fat, or non-dairy alternatives.
While often seen as an indulgence, ice cream can contribute to a healthy diet when consumed in moderation.
It provides essential nutrients such as calcium for bone health and protein for muscle repair. Enjoyed responsibly, ice cream can be a delightful way to satisfy a sweet tooth and cool down in Nigeria’s warm climate.
10. Casein
Casein is a slow-digesting protein found predominantly in milk and dairy products, representing about 80% of the protein content in cow’s milk.
In Nigeria, casein is often used as a dietary supplement to aid muscle recovery overnight and as an ingredient in protein-rich snacks and meals for sustained energy release.
YOU SHOULD ALSO READ:
- 7 Healthy Spicy Foods In Nigeria
- 7 Healthy Prebiotic Foods In Nigeria
- 10 Healthy High Carb Foods In Nigeria
- 10 Potent Anti-Inflammatory Foods In Nigeria
- 8 Healthy Blood-Building Foods In Nigeria
- 7 Nigerian Foods That Are Rich In Oestrogen
- 12 Nigerian Foods That Boost Breast Milk Production
- Lactation Supplements To Increase Milk Supply Quickly
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.
