Birom is an ethnic groups located at the North Central, precisely plateau state, Nigeria.
They are known for preparing different meals which reflects her cultural heritage.
According to 2006 census, Birom’s population is approximately 1.6 million, and it houses Jos North, Jos South, Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas.
In Nigeria, Birom’s meal comprises of different varieties of locally sourced food ingredients.
Here are, Birom traditional food & Health Benefits.
1. Pate
Image source: flickr
Pate is a delicious cuisine that is commonly eaten by Berom individuals. To cook pate, you need to have pumpkin leaves, or bitter leaves, millet, onions, pepper Among others. Whether you serve pate with other dish or not it is nutritious and contributes largely in human body.
Nutritional Fact of pate
Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin k, thiamin riboflavin, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, caroteneoid, flavonoids, and quercetin,
2. Kunu
People drink kunu because of it nutritional value and benefit. It is Made from Millet or sorghum, ginger, and cloves. The millet is ground, soaked and sieve to obtain fluid which can now be mixed with spices.
Nutritional Fact of kunu
Calories, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, magnesium, phosphorus, saponin, capsaicin, dietary fiber.
3. Nama
This is a traditional food that can be eaten with pounded yam or tuwo. In preparing nama you either choose bitter leaves or pumpkin leaves as well as spices, meat, fish and herbs.
Nutritional Fact of Nama
Vitamin C, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, folate, magnesium, calcium, Phosphorus, iron, dietary fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, Beta-carotenoid.
4.Fura da nono
It is often called Berom snacks. It is produced from Millet or cow’s milk.
The millet is ground into a powdered form and mixed with water to obtain a small ball and cook for small minutes.
Traditionally, Ball is served with nono, a fermented cow milk.
Nutritional Fact of Fura da nono
Carbohydrates, calcium, protein, phosphorus, thiamin, riboflavin, dietary fiber
Health Benefits of Birom traditional food
Help improve gut health: Berom food contains numerous nutrients responsible for boosting beneficial bacteria – meaning it has potent to inhibit indigestion such as diarrhea, constipation, among others.
May Prevent growth of colon cancer: as a good source of dietary fiber, bioactive compounds enables our body to eliminate oxidative stress – a known risk factors of cancer development.
Improves brain alertness; Taking a cup of Fura da Nono Helps in brain’s maintenence owing to the omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamin A, vitamin C (1)
Help moderate blood pressure: in terms of blood pressure, Birom’s is helpful due to the presence of magnesium, potassium, antioxidant. These nutrients aid in scrapping out build up in the blood vessels.
Help Boost eyesight: deficiency of certain vitamins and antioxidant have been linked with poor eye sight whereas adequate intake of vitamin A, C and Beta-carotenoid are said to improve eye health. Birom traditional food contains these nutrients in abundance.
It serves as energy sources: Berom foods are popular staple food consumed in Birom’s towns which offers substantial amount of calories to the people.
Maintains Heart health: regular consumption of Birom food helps the body get fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, selenium, vitamin E. These nutrients are responsible for heart maintenance.
Read more;
10 incredible health benefits of curry powder
Proven health benefits of Bay leaves
Science-based health benefits of Cumin
Conclusion
Birom is an ethnic group found in the Northern region, they’re primarily farmers.
They prepare different dishes that reflects their cultural heritage.
Birom traditional food & Health Benefits include; pate, kunu, Nama and fura da nono
