Healthy Nigerian Dishes You Should Try

There are various benefits to eating healthy foods. When we eat healthily, we feel the impact on our bodies and minds. Nigeria offers some of the most delightful cuisines in the world, with our Banga soup topping CNN’s list of the best soups on the planet.Most people think finding healthy Nigerian dishes can be daunting, especially with the temptations of irresistible aromas from street foods around the corner. However, the myth that Nigerian cuisine is unhealthy is untrue. You will be surprised to know that the traditional cuisine of Nigeria is actually full of healthy robust ingredients, flavours, and spices. So, whether you want to spice up your meal plan or you’re looking for new ways to prepare your favourite dishes with healthy ingredients, here are some of the healthy Nigerian dishes you should try.

Moi-Moi

Moi-Moi Made from beans, Moi-Moi is high in protein and contains fibre. In fact, this delicious Nigerian dish also has other nutrients, depending on the combination of the ingredients used during preparation. They are extremely adaptable, and you can eat them with vegetables. Keep in mind that proteinous foods like Moi Moi are only necessary for good health, but they are also the most filling macronutrient. The dish might keep you feeling full and pleased, which helps you maintain healthy body weight.

Ofada Rice

It’s been said that ofada rice is a healthy alternative to the normal white rice that we eat. According to studies, “ofada rice contains more protein and minerals than other rice brands, which are essential for general mental and physical well-being. Using a simultaneous equation system that accommodates censored dependent variables and continuous endogenous dietary knowledge, this study investigated the effect of households’ dietary knowledge on the consumption of local (ofada) rice.” Thus, you can add ofada rice with a delicious sauce to your healthy meal plan.

Àmàlà

A visit to the western part of Nigeria would make you a believer in Àmàlà. The delicacy has three variations that include plantain flour (àmàlà ogede), cassava flour (àmàlà láfún), and yam flour (àmàlà isu). People on a low-carb diet can use the unripe plantain variation because of its low carb content. Due to its low sugar level but high resistant starch content, unripe or green plantain is very beneficial to diabetics. Àmàlà can be eaten with jute mallow soup called ewedu, or any other soup.

Pepper Soup

The aroma of pepper soup would leave your mouth watery. Depending on the dish that is prepared, it can cure colds and boost immunity. If you love night activities, pepper soup can keep you warm and active. The soup is prepared with organic ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, ginger, habanero pepper, chilli pepper, onions, and other condiments like catfish, meat, chicken, or goat meat. Pepper soup is rich in vitamins, potassium, zinc, iron, and other nutrients.

Boli / Roasted Plantain

Boli is roasted ripe or unripe plantain eaten with fish, peanut, or spicy stew. Most streets in Nigeria have corners where you can buy this healthy dish. Boli is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, potassium, fibre, and iron among others. People with a sweet tooth would love the ripe plantain, while those who want to eat healthier prefer the unripe version.