Image source: flickr
The Ijaw people are part of Niger Delta in Nigeria; Majority of the ijaws resides in Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta even Edo state (1).
They are commonly known for fishing and subsistence agricultural farming.
Their traditional food have a sharp link to the presence of seafood, palm fruit as well as other natural resources found in the area.
Interestingly, Ijaw traditional food is a dish cooked with local ingredients which reflects cultural heritage as well supply all the nutrients required in the body.
Let’s explore Ijaw traditional food & Health Benefits
1. Pepper soup
Image source: flickr
Pepper soup is a popular food of the ijaw people. It is clearly found on every street and homes of the ijaw community.
Pepper soup can be eaten at all time in ijaw land.
When preparing it, you have to simmer various meat or fish, chilli pepper, garlic, ginger and local herbs.
It contains vitamin A, vitamin C, dietary fiber, Beta-carotenoid, thiamin, riboflavin, magnesium, potassium, zinc, copper, quercetin, flavonoid, capsaicin, selenium and fat soluble vitamins.
2. Banga soup
Image source: flickr
Banga soup is a traditional food prepared by an extract from palm fruit. The oil obtained is cooked in combination of other food ingredients such as meat, fish, crayfish, and spices.
Importantly, these ingredients are loaded with different essentials nutrients and antioxidant like iron, dietary fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, E, and B vitamins.
3. Kekefi soup
Kekefi soup this is another traditional cuisine of the ijaw people. It can also be called vegetable soup because it has similar characteristics to other forms of vegetable soup. And has almost same ingredients used in preparing vegetables soup.
It is made from pumpkin leaves or Ugu and other ingredients including seafood like fish, shrimp, or crayfish. Ugu leaves are rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as iron and other minerals
4. Owo Soup
Owo soup is a delicious Ijaw soup made with a combination of vegetables like waterleaf, spinach, and pumpkin leaves, with seafood. The mixture of vegetables offers a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
5. Ekpankukwo
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Ekpankukwo is a native Ijaw food made from cocoyam and vegetables like pumpkin leaves, waterleaf, as well as Bitter leaves
It is typically served with meat or seafood. Cocoyam and vegetables are good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidant.
Ijaw traditional food & Health Benefits
Boost immune system: Many of ijaw traditional food are extremely good source of dietary fiber, protein, iron, selenium, vitamin A, E, C, Calcium, potassium and magnesium. They are responsible for promoting immune system.
Antibacterial properties: Ingredients used in preparing traditional food of ijaw are packed with antioxidant, antiinflammatory and antibacterial properties which can drastically inhibit symptoms of inflammation.
Aid digestion: They help facilitate proper functions of the digestive tract by systematically improve beneficial bacteria as well reduce symptoms of indigestion. This is because they contain dietary fiber and antioxidant properties.
Support healthy skin: As mentioned earlier, ijaw food contains vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin A. Several studies conducted revealed that they can profoundly stop skin diseases.
Regulate sugar levels: Most of the ijaw foods are low glycemic foods, meaning they have lower tendency to increase blood sugar levels. Plus dietary fiber which delay full absorption of sugar into the body stream.
Support bone health: They support bone health because of the presence of calcium, magnesium, vitamin D and vitamin C.
Read more;
14 Amazing Health Benefits of flaxseed oil
10 Health Benefits of Palm oil & toxicity
Conclusion
Ijaw people are part of Niger Delta, Nigeria. They’re feeding pattern and traditional food reflects their cultural heritage
Ijaw traditional food contains substantial amount of nutrients and phytochemical such as protein, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals.
Ijaw traditional food & Health Benefits include kekefi soup, Banga soup, pepper soup, owo Soup to name but a few.
