Image source: flickr
Efik traditional foods are seem as those foods prepared with locally produced ingredients whic h form main sources of energy, minerals, vitamins and natural compounds for Efik people.
Efik is an ethnic group located in Niger Delta region, precisely cross River state.
In efik communities, there food are typically made of fresh ingredients, offering a pleasant aroma and depict their cultural heritage.
Here are efik traditional food & Health Benefits
1. Edikang Ikong Soup
Image source: flickr
This is a traditional food of efik peoples; it ingredients are sourced locally. Edikang Ikong Soup is a delicious cuisine made with two or three leaves such as waterleaf and fluted pumpkin leaves. Other ingredients include meat, fish, and spices. People eat Edikang Ikong Soup with pounded yam, fufu, and Akpu.
Nutritional Fact of Edikang Ikong Soup
Dietary fiber, carb, protein, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitaminD, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, calcium potassium iron Phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, flavonoids, and Beta-carotenoid
2. Afang soup
Share same characteristics with Edikang Ikong Soup. It is prepared with variety of meat, fish, spices as well as afang leaves. Afang soup is one of the traditional food in efik served with pounded yam, Garri or fufu.
Nutritional Fact of Afang soup
Dietary fiber, protein, fat, carb, magnesium, potassium, iron vitamin C, A, E, calcium, Beta-carotenoid, and thiamin
3. Atama Soup
Atama soup is a delicious food made from the leaves of the Atama plant. Atama soup originated from Niger Delta region of Nigeria. To cook a Atama soup you need palm fruit extract, seafood and spices. You can eat Atama soup with pounded yam and Garri.
Nutritional Fact of Atama soup
Dietary fiber, protein, fat soluble vitamins, selenium, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, potassium.
4. Ekpang Nkukwo
Image source: flickr
Ekpang Nkukwo: Ekpang Nkukwo is a traditional Efik dish made from cocoyam, leaves as well a variety of vegetables. It is a nutritious. It provides energy, vitamins, and minerals. Cocoyam is a good source of dietary fiber, potassium, and vitamin C.
Abak Atama Soup
Abak Atama soup is a popular Efik delicacy made with Atama leaves and palm fruit extract. It is typically prepared with seafood, such as crayfish and different types of fish. The soup is rich in vital nutrients and healthy fats, contributing to brain health and overall well-being.
Efik traditional food Health Benefits
Support blood pressure: cocoyam and pumpkin leaves are ingredients used in preparing efik traditional food. They contain potassium which play an important role in blood pressure optimization.
Boost immune system: palm oil extract is, an ingredients used in preparing Abak atama soup contains vitamin E, is a strong antioxidant that support your immune system.
Skin care: many ingredients involves in cooking efik traditional food are good sources of vitamin E, vitamin C, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. These help ward off toxic substance designed to trigger skin infections.
Red blood cells formation: They contain iron, protein and vitamin C. These nutrients contribute considerably in red blood cells production. Vitamin C aid absorption of iron in the intestine whereas iron known for red blood formation.
Promote strong Bone: there are presence of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D in some efik foods which assist in bone development.
Allspice essential oil Health benefits
Conclusion
Efik traditional food are healthy food as they contain indispensable nutrients and antioxidant.
They made with locally sourced ingredients, making them a non- additives food.
Efik traditional food & Health Benefits include Abak Atama, Bole, Ekpang Nkukwo, Afang soup among others
