Image source; flickr
Jukun people are an ethnic group located in Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau state.
They are predominantly farmers which reflects their traditional food (1) .
Jukun traditional food refers to those food made with locally sourced ingredients that serve as sources of staple food.
However, like every other ethnic groups, jukun people consume more of the fresh foods and have different ways of preparing food which help preserve their nutritional profile.
Let’s explore jukun traditional food & Health Benefits
1.Millet and Sorghum
Millet and sorghum are common grains in Jukun clan. These are helpful in productions of bread, porridge among others. These grains contain complex carbohydrates, iron, magnesium, dietary fiber. Millet and sorghum are also helpful in productions of bread, among others.
2. Vegetables and Legumes
In jukun vegetables and Legumes are considered as traditional food as they prepared with local ingredients. Therefore, when cooking jukun traditional food you use okra, pumpkin leaves, cowpeas, and bambara nuts. Vegetables and Legumes contain a wide range of vitamins, minerals, fat, antioxidant, dietary fiber,
3. Meat and fish
Meat and fish play an important role in meal preparation. Jukun traditional food often contains reasonable amounts of meat and fish like tilapia, catfish, and mackerel, goat, beef, poultry because most of they live very close to river . Meat and fish supplys high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, fat soluble vitamins and B Vitamins.
4. Palm oil
Palm oil is a food ingredients used in preparing jukun traditional food. It is applied in various traditional food served during wedding, festival, among others. It contains vitamin E and carotenoids, that are beneficial antioxidants
5. Fruits
Traditional food of jukun carries a lot of fruits such as oranges, tangerines, and grapefruits, as well as guava, mangoes, and bananas. It is generally believed that these fruits are powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and phytochemicals.
6. Herb and spices
Colourful various herbs and spices for cooking on dark background
Jukun traditional food incorporate numerous spices and and herbs which contributes greatly in their traditional. For example, cloves, turmeric, garlic, ginger, cinnamon and onions.
Jukun traditional food & Health Benefits
May Prevent Colon Cancer: some of jukun traditional food such as fruits, millet, sorghum, vegetables are packed with dietary fiber. Dietary fiber aid removal of toxic substance in the walls of bowel, which can cause abnormal growth of the colon, leading to cancer.
Rich source of antioxidant: Reasonable amounts of antioxidant are found in jukun traditional food which can help eliminate formation of free radicals – a risk factor of various diseases.
Promote brain function: They contain omega-3 fatty acids that assist promote brain alertness as well reduce mental disorder.
Promote skin care: one serving of jukun traditional food offers you vitamin A, vitamin E, C and antioxidant. These enable the body to resist skin infection. Vitamin C aid skin rejuvenation and maintenance.
Improve immune system: Adequate consumption of jukun traditional food provides nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamin A, C, calcium, magnesium among others.
Supply Energy: jukun traditional food are good sources of complex carbohydrates that help generate energy.
Read more;
9 Health Benefits of Egusi seed
Health benefits of fluted pumpkin leaves
7 health benefits of Geranium essential oil
Conclusion
Jukun traditional food are typically made from ingredients produced by the people of jukun tribe.
Jukun traditional food & Health Benefits include Dambu, meat, fish, vegetables among others.
They are made up of protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, minerals and antioxidant.
Jukun traditional food provides wide range of health benefits such as immune Boosting, rich source of dietary fiber, cancer prevention etc