Tiv is an ethnic group found in the Northern part of Nigeria, precisely Benue state. In the Northern Nigeria, Tiv population is approximately 2.4%.(1)
It has a rich cultural heritage which reflects to their feeding pattern, food choice as well as preparation. Tiv meals are nutritious and offers flavor.
Tiv traditional food refers to those foods made with locally sourced ingredients and have deep meaning to their tradition and provides indispensable nutrients to the body.
Tiv ethnic group are predominantly farmers, making them major producer of yams, sorghum, cassava, millet, sweet potatoes, in the Northern, Nigeria.
Tiv traditional food & Health Benefits
1.Swange
To some Tiv people, swange is their favourite whereas some like other types of traditional food. Swange is a traditional food made with pounded yam, served alongside other varieties of soup. Swange is seasoned with meat, spices and fish.
Nutritional Fact of Tiv traditional food
Carbohydrates, protein vitamin C, fat, bioactive compounds, iron, selenium, zinc, copper, vitamin E, D, calcium.
2. Iwo
Image source: flickr
This is a special traditional cuisine of Tiv people, made from roasted yam or plantain. The plantain is roasted and cook with various food ingredients like vegetable, palm oil and spices.
Nutritional Fact of iwo
Dietary fiber, protein, magnesium, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin E, copper, zinc, iron, vitamin B12, thiamin, riboflavin, antioxidant.
3.Yam Porridge
Image source; flickr
Yam porridge is another traditional cuisine often eaten in Tiv cultural events. The Yam is cut into pieces and cook with vegetable, spices, meat or fish until it is soft.
4. Ikpambe
Like every other ethnic groups that have their own way of preparing food, Tiv is not an exception; Ikpambe is a traditional food made with pounded yam and smoked fish. The smoked fish is cooked with vegetable, spices and palm oil and serve alongside the pounded yam.
Nutritional Fact of ikpambe
Carbohydrates, fat, iron, dietary fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, vitamin C, thiamin, magnesium, potassium, zinc, calcium.
5.Kwaghir
Kwaghir is a traditional cuisine made from fermented ground millet.
Nutritional Fact of Kwaghir
B vitamins, iron, fat, vitamin A, phosphorus
6. Agbera
As traditional food in Tiv has different methods of preparation, agbera is one of them. Agbera is cooked by mashing beans and mixed with other food ingredients such as palm oil, spices vegetables and served plantain.
Nutritional Fact of Agbera
Dietary fiber, Vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, protein, selenium, flavonoids, thiamin.
7. Aku
Akure is a special food in Tiv town as it is prepared with varieties of locally sourced ingredients. To make a pot of aku soup, add dried meat or fish, vegetables, spices and thickene with ground locust beans, or crayfish. It is usually served with pounded yam.
Nutritional Fact of Aku
Healthy fat, dietary fiber, potassium, magnesium, copper, vitamin E, vitamin A, antioxidant properties.
8. Akpu
Image source; flickr
Akpu is produced from fermented cassava tube. It is a common staple food in Tiv cuisine. Akpu is served with soup.
Nutritional Fact of Akpu
Complex carbohydrates, thiamin, riboflavin, magnesium, potassium,
Tiv traditional food Health Benefits
Serve as energy sources: Akpu is a traditional food widely known for it ability yo generate energy.
Moderate blood pressure: Akpu is accompanied by soup which contains vegetable and spice. Leafy vegetable has been associated with maintenance of blood vessels.
Boost immune system: as a rich source of essential nutrients, Tiv foods promote effective functions of the immune system. They have iron, protein, calcium, calories, vitamin C, and vitamin A.
May Prevent Colon Cancer: They contributes considerably in prevention of colon cancer owing to the presence of dietary fiber, and antioxidants. These help stop accumulation of free radicals in the walls of the colon.
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Conclusion
Tiv traditional food is superb as they possess abundance of nutrients and antioxidant.
Tiv traditional food & Health Benefits include Agbera, Akpu, Kwaghi, Ikpambe among others.
However, Health Benefits include prevention of colon cancer, immunity, blood pressure etc.
