Fufu is a staple food native to Central and West African countries. Because this staple food means a different recipe to many people, its preparation methods vary with regions.
This article will do a kind of review on Fufu. It will answer questions like what is fufu, health benefits eating fufu during pregnancy, side effects of eating too much, what’s fufu made out of, Soups palatable with Fufu, and most importantly is fufu good for pregnant woman and lots more.
So let go!!!
What is Fufu?
Pounded yam, Eba, Amala, Semo, and many other staples made from starchy root vegetables are regarded as Fufu.
However, their preparation methods, tastes, and textures are different.
But to an indigenous Nigerian, the real Fufu is the starchy, dough-like consistency preparation gotten from fermented cassava tuber.
Other staples of Fufu have distinguished names through which they are identified.
Going forward, we’ll be focusing on the typical Nigerian Fufu.
What is Fufu made out of?
Some people spell it as Foofoo while some spell it as fufu whatever the spell. if they are thinking the same thing then they are correct.
Being a Staple food, Fufu is made out of Cassava just like another common food in Nigeria called Garri.
The Process of making Fufu and Garri are entirely different but the raw material (product) is the same. One traditional way of making fufu is by boiling starchy food crops (Cassava) and then pound them into a dough.
How do you Eat Fufu?
You eat it by scooping a handful from the plate and rolling it into a ball before dipping it into a sauce.
You do not chew this type of finger food; instead, you swallow it. Maybe that’s why the food item is popularly referred to as “swallow foods”.
The “true” Nigerian Fufu staple tastes bland. The only way to enhance the taste is by using tasty soup or stew.
Fufu goes well with Egusi soup that is somewhat thickish and sometimes packed with assorted meat and fish. Not just Egusi, other soups such as Oha soup, Afang soup, Banga soup, etc., can fuse well with Fufu.
What is Fufu used for?
This is another question asked. Fufu is a meal that can not be eaten alone but with the help of a Soup for it to go down the throat.
Fufu is used as Food in a Nutshell although there might be other uses of this Nigerian meal.
Let’s now go to the real business of this article being Health Benefits of Eating Fufu during pregnancy…
Health Benefits of Eating Fufu during pregnancy
Eating Fufu has a great impact on our health.
Below is the highlight of the Health Benefits of Eating Fufu.
- Improved nervous system
- It is very low in Cholesterol
- It is kind of heavy and keeps you full for a long time
- Combination with some soup can serve as a Balanced diet.
- Reduced risk of osteoporosis
- It supplies lots of energy to the body
- Contains low fat
- Lowered blood sugar levels
- Lowered Insulin Resistance
- It is rich in Potassium and prescribed to those people with a low level of Potassium in their Blood.
Fufu Combinations or Soups Eaten with Fufu
1.Fufu and Egusi Soup:
Egusi soup is also known as melon soup. This is the most popular type of soup eaten with fufu in Nigeria.
2. Fufu and Okro Soup:
Okra is being called Okro in Nigeria. This soup is quite delicious when served with fufu.
Other soups include Oha soup, Afang soup, Banga soup, Ewedu stew, etc.
Is Fufu Good for Pregnant Women?
When taken in moderation, pounded yam, Fufu, Eba, Amala, and other edible starchy root vegetables are safe to consume during pregnancy.
Carbohydrate, which is the leading nutrients found in starchy staple foods, is one essential nutrient needed during pregnancy. Not only does the nutrient benefit you, but it also supports your growing baby.
When any of these staples is sauced with healthy soup or stew and taken in moderation, you’ll get nutritional and health benefits.
Side Effects Of Eating Fufu during pregnancy
- Fufu Allergy: Some people have a type of food allergy that make fufu consumption a nightmare for them. Food allergy is an immune system reaction that occurs soon after eating a certain food. Even a tiny amount of allergy-causing food can trigger signs and symptoms such as digestive problems, hives, or swollen airways.
- Cyanide poisoning: One major risk of fufu consumption is related to the under-processing of fufu, which is rampant and has harmful implications on health. This is because the cyanide content is not reduced to a non-toxic state. Women and children are susceptible to cyanide poisoning as they are usually the ones who carry out the processing of fufu.
- Linamarin toxicity: One of the most common types of fufu is cassava-based fufu. Research has shown that every part of the cassava plant has a toxic chemical called Linamarin. This chemical, even after boiling the cassava, doesn’t change its state and this could be harmful during digestion.
Conclusion
Although fufu is considered to be packed with lots of health benefits, yet there are certain things you need to keep in mind to be on the safer side.
Now to you our readers: Let us know your thoughts on “eating fufu during pregnancy’ in the comments section.
Don’t forget to share with friends and family.
Thanks for reading through.
Related reading
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- 5 Benefits of eating watermelon during pregnancy