Nutritional benefits of Bambara nut (okpa)

Hello lovely people, welcome once again to my page.

If this is your first time visiting, you are the real MVP. I'm literally screaming with joy right now. Thanks for stopping by.

Today I'll be sharing the wonderful health benefits of Bambara nuts and I'll be focusing on one of my home made favourite "okpa".

Bambara nut pudding "okpa" contains numerous nutrients; this is because none of the nutrients are lost during the processing of the nuts into flour or the cooking process of the pudding since the steaming method is predominantly used.

  

The nutrients supplied include:

✷ Carbohydrate

✷ Protein (lysine, valine and other amino acids)

✷ Fat

✷ Vitamins

✷ Fibre

One of the most important health benefits of the Bambara nut pudding is that; it prevents malnutrition as it contains all the requisite nutrients the body needs.

The mineral content include :

✷ Calcium— It is very essential in building strong bones and teeth, blood clotting, nerve impulse, transmission and fluid balance within cells.

✷ Copper—  It helps maintain healthy bones, blood vessels, nerves, and immune function, enables the body to form red blood cells and it contributes to iron absorption.

✷ Iron— It is important for the proper functioning of  the cells in the body. It helps the red blood cells helps carry oxygen to other body cells and tissues. 

✷ Manganese— It helps with protein, some vitamins and amino acid digestion and utilisation.

✷ Magnesium— It helps to maintain normal nerve and muscle function, supports a healthy immune system, keeps the heartbeat steady, and helps bones remain strong.

✷ Potassium— It helps regulate fluid balance, muscle contractions and nerve signals. 

✷ Phosphorus— It plays a major role in the formation of bones and teeth, also helps with utilisation of carbohydrates and fats.

✷ Selenium— It is essential for proper metabolic process and thyroid function, it also helps protect your body from damage caused by oxidative stress.

✷ Sodium— It is an essential electrolyte that helps maintain the balance of water in and around your cells. 

✷ Tryptophan— It is an essential amino acid that helps the body make proteins and certain brain-signaling chemicals.

✷ Zinc— It helps the immune system fight off invading bacteria and viruses.

✪Research has it that it helps to manage ulcer.

My love for this dates back to when I was about 8 years old. It was on a pretty normal Saturday, my mum announced she was making a special treat for the family and I was curious as usual. This was new because she had never prepared this before, as long as I could remember. The process was quite simple and could be carried out by practically anyone.

I've included the recipe for your sake:)

The ingredients needed include:

-okpa(Bambara nut flour)

-crayfish

-onions

-fresh pepper

-seasoning(Maggi)

-salt

1. Sieve the okpa into a bowl, add your desired amount of crayfish, onions, fresh pepper, seasoning, salt and palm oil one after the other and mix thoroughly.

2. Add lukewarm water to the mixture, keep turning until a smooth consistency is achieved.

3. Put the mixture into small transparent polyethylene bags, aluminium foils or little water proof tins (you can go crazy with your imagination and use tins of various shapes!).

4. Put the filled vessels in a pot of boiling hot water.

5. Cook for about an hour (this might vary according to cooking method, or the vessel used to steam it).

6. When it's done, take it down and your "okpa" is ready to serve!

The joyful bliss of savory sweetness I experienced when I had my first bite is what I undergo anytime I have Bambara nut pudding, "okpa".

Heavenly taste of goodness.

Fun facts:

✿ Bananas are berries, but strawberries aren't! 

✿ Lobsters & oysters used to be working class food.