Many Nigerians today suffer from cholesterol problems. High cholesterol is very detrimental to your health and can even expose you to serious health conditions, including chest pain, heart attack, stroke, atherosclerosis, and heart failure. [1] The normal cholesterol level for an average healthy adult is below 200 mg/d. When your cholesterol levels are between 200…
Spices are just as important as the salt is to a meal. They are the taste of every meal. But more importantly, spices are organic substances, unlike the salt, which is inorganic. Being organic, spices contain many important molecules which the body needs to build cells, repair worn out tissues as well as synthesize other…
Ofada rice is a local variety of rice grown in Nigeria and used in the preparation of many dishes. Ofada rice are a mixture of different rice varieties, which are are not indigenous to Africa. It is mainly grown in the southwestern part of Nigeria and is said to be named after the town of…
Palm wine is a popular alcoholic beverage gotten from the sap of various palm trees. It is widely consumed in many parts of Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and South America. In Nigeria, Palm wine is also a common alcoholic drink. The local names for palm wine in Nigeria are, Nkwu Ocha, emu, nkwu, Palmy, Ukọt…
Spinach is a green vegetable scientifically regarded as Spinacia oleracea from the Amaranth family. Spinach is a green leafy vegetable that is native to central and western Asia. It is not native to Nigeria, so there is no Yoruba, Igbo or Hausa Nigerian name for spinach. Although some native Nigerian leafy vegetables might look a…
Irish Potato is a tuberous crop from the perennial nightshade Solanum tuberosum, and it is consumed in almost every part of the world, ranging from Africa, Asia, America, and lots more. In Nigeria, Irish potatoes are a widely consumed food product. Irish potato farming in Nigeria is also a big market, as the country is…
Did you know, the food you cook, no matter how delicious or expensive it is, can be bad for you when cooked in an unhealthy way? Also, no matter how great we are at cooking, there are habits or actions we unintentionally commit while cooking, which can make our food unhealthy. Habits are tough to…
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day as it has a direct impact on how your body will function throughout the day. Breakfast gives the body and brain with energy after ‘fasting’ overnight. In addition to the above, some other reasons you should eat healthy foods at breakfast is because breakfast influences your…
Pepper fruit [scientifically known as Dennettia tripetala G. Baker.] is a peppery fruit from the Annonaceae family, and it is widely consumed in West African countries like Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, and the likes. This spicy fruit is often called different names by different tribes in Nigeria; it is called “Mmimi” in Igbo land, “Ata…
African Velvet tamarind, scientifically known as Dialium Guineense is an indigenous fruit popularly consumed in West African countries, including Nigeria. This seasonal fruit is often called different name by each tribe; the Yorubas call it “Awin,” Igbos call African velvet tamarind, Icheku, while the Hausas call it “Tsamiyar kurm.” Nigerian velvet tamarind is one of…
