Anang traditional food is made from locally available ingredients, such as leafy green vegetables, pepper, waterleaf, meats and fish.
Anang is among the Niger Delta state, located in Akwa ibom and cross river state. Anang cuisine has a diverse health benefits, which makes it gain massive acceptance in other parts of Nigeria.
Let’s explore Anang traditional food & Health Benefits.
1. Afang soup
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Afang soup is superb. It is commonly eaten by the people of cross river state, though it is rapidly gaining massive adoption in a non Niger Delta states, due to its unmatched health benefits. Ingredients involves in preparing Anang include waterleaf, meats, fish, pepper, and periwinkle among others.
Nutritional Fact of Anang
Dietary fiber, protein, magnesium, potassium, calcium, fat soluble vitamins, selenium, iron, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, copper, folate, and niacin
2. Edikang Ikong Soup
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This a delicious meal predominantly prepared by the people of Anang. It is a special food often serve during events like birthday, festival, traditional marriage and burial.
People consume Edikang Ikong Soup, because of some incredible ingredients used in making it. This includes Ugu leaves, waterleaf, meat, fish and spices.
Nutritional Fact of Edikang Ikong Soup
Folate, Beta-carotenoid, dietary fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, copper, zinc, selenium, iron, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, flavonoid, capsaicin riboflavin, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium.
3. Ekpan Nkwukwo
This is a traditional Anang cuisine gotten from corn kernels that has been fermented. The fermented corn kernel is them ground into a paste. Some people cook it with palm oil and spice while some may not add spice due to health problems.
Nutritional Fact of Ekpan Nkwukwo
Vitamin A, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, Vitamin E,
Thiamin, and niacin.
4. Atama soup
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Atama soup is a local delicacy found in every kitchens of Anang people. Whether you eat it with fufu or Garri, it provides satisfaction as there are numerous nutrients and phytochemical in Atama soup. Atama leaves, a palm fruit extract and spices are used in cooking Atama soup.
Nutritional Fact of Atama soup
Vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin D, vitamin k, dietary fiber, fat, iron, calcium potassium, Phosphorus, magnesium, folate, niacin, zinc.
5. Nsala soup
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Nsala soup is also refers as white soup. It is believed to have been originated from Akwa ibom. To cook Nsala soup, you require blended spices like utazi leaves, fish, enough meat, and yam.
Nutritional Fact of Nsala soup
Protein, iron, fat soluble vitamins, dietary fiber, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, Sulphur, copper, niacin, vitamin B12.
6. Usung Ikong
This is a traditional food originated from Akwa ibom. It is served with pounded yam or fufu. It is cooked with two different leaves and spices such as Ugu leaves and waterleaf.
Nutritional Fact of Usung Ikong
Carbohydrates, protein, fat, magnesium, potassium, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, iron,
Health Benefits of Anang traditional food
Help improve immune system: Anang cuisine contains various essential nutrients our body needs to function optimally. For example, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, selenium, vitamin A and vitamin C.
Prevent constipation: constipation makes it difficult for one to pass out stool. Thanks to Anang food as it provides dietary fiber, even antioxidant to the body (1). Fiber promote gut health, helping you keep symptoms of constipation at bay.
May lower cholesterol levels: Many of Anang’s foods are packed with significant nutrients that have capacity to lower cholesterol levels. Vitamin E, act as antioxidant which prevent formation of plaques in the blood vessels.
Eye health; eating Anang food can assist in elimination of symptoms associated with eye diseases. Your body produce vitamin A, vitamin C, Beta-carotenoid, antioxidant that are very supportive in terms of eye care.
Skin and hair care: they contain essential nutrients our skin and hair needs to fight against bacteria and fungal infections. Only incorporate them in your family food plans in order to obtain all these benefits.
Check out;
10 incredible health benefits of Oha leaves
Health Benefits & toxicity of Palm oil
10 fascinating Health benefits of aloe vera
Conclusion
There is no doubt, Anang traditional food is nutritious and made primarily by Anang people.
There are numerous nutrients and phytochemical that are linked to its health benefits.
Anang Traditional Food & Health Benefits include; Edikang Ikong Soup, afang soup, usung Ikong, among others.
The health benefits include, prevention of constipation, immune Boosting, cholesterol levels, eye care to name but a few