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Nutrition

Bitter leaf soup (Ofe Onugbu)

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Bitter leaf soup is a savoury Nigerian soup, commonly eaten with fufu. It has a slightly bitter taste. This soup is made with a leafy green, native to parts of Africa, known as bitter leaf. This nutritious African soup is commonly eaten with fufu,  eba or pounded yam, but you can  eat it also with rice.

Ingredients

  • 500 grammes of  meat precooked
  • 800 grammes  of cow/beef foot precooked
  • 500 grammes  of stock fish precooked
  • 1-2 of dry fish

Other ingredients

  • 250 grammes  of bitter leaves (vegetable)
  • 3 Uziza leaves
  • 1-½ tablespoonfuls  of mkpuru ofo powder
  • 2 tablespoonfuls  of cameroon pepper
  • 2 table spoonfuls  of ogiri
  • 200 grammes of  palmnut paste
  • ¼  cup of coarsely ground crayfish

Preparation (bitter leaf)

-Wash the bitter leaf thoroughly with lot of water to remove sand and other particles. 

-Boil in large pot for 30 minutes. (leave the pot open while cooking otherwise it would bubble over).

-Turn off heat, pour the bitter leaf into a sieve and run it over with cold water. -rinse a few times.

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-Transfer back to pot  and add half  a tablespoonful  of potash or baking soda. Bring to boil again and allow to boil for another 30mins.

-Store or use immediately.

Preparation ( bitter leaf soup)

  1. Put about eight cups of water in a pot. Add salt and bring to slow boil.
  2.  Add the ground crayfish and ground cameroon pepper.
  3. Add the precooked meats,  Turn down the heat to low. ( Don’t cook meats for too long remember they are already precooked)
  4. Add in the palmnut paste or palm oil and stir.
  5. Mix Ogiri with a little water and add to the pot. Then take a cooking spoon of hot liquid from the pot to dissolve the mkpuru ofo powder.
  6. Pour the dissolved mixture into the soup and stir. Taste for seasoning and adjust accordingly.
  7. As the soup thickens, add onugbu leaves followed by the uziza leaves.
  8. Stir  properly and  allow soup to simmer for about a minute.  
  9. Turn off heat. Do not cover pot immediately

Source: chefspencil.com

Health benefits of bitter leaf

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Aids in Weight Loss

The components in bitter leaf juice make it great therapy for burning off that extra fat you have been looking at getting rid of.

Reduces Cancer Risks

Bitter leaf contains numerous anti-cancer properties like andrographolide compound which has been scientifically found to be effective in treating prostate cancers, gastric cancers, and colon.

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Lowers high blood pressure

The same bitterness in bitter leaf that makes it unappetising is also one of its strongest best benefits. The bitterness of bitter leaf juice helps to lower your sugar level and controls blood pressure.

Aids in treatment of abdominal issues

Bitter leaf comes in handy in the treatment of abdominal issues like stomach upset, diarrhea, dysentery and other gastrointestinal tract diseases. Drinking a cup of bitter leaf juice twice daily helps bring relief from stomach problems.

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Enhances fertility

Bitter leaf is very impressive when it comes to its benefit to the reproductive system of women. Drinking bitter leaf juice can help a woman get pregnant as the chemical compounds present in bitter leaf extracts like edotides promotes hormonal balance and boosts your immune system to help fight against toxification.

Source: guardian.ng/life

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Nutrition

Benefits of Avocado

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Avocado
Avocado

Avocado is a healthy addition to our diet, offering a rich blend of essential nutrients, heart-friendly fats, and fibre that support overall well-being.

Avocado is not merely a trendy fruit; it is a nutrient-packed powerhouse that can transform your breakfast into a healthy and satisfying meal.

From enhancing your energy levels to supporting overall well-being, here are eight detailed benefits of incorporating avocado into your morning routine:

-Rich in essential nutrients

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Avocados are a treasure trove of vital vitamins and minerals. They are an excellent source of potassium, which supports muscle function and helps regulate blood pressure. Additionally, they contain vitamin K, crucial for blood clotting and bone health, vitamin E, a potent antioxidant, and B vitamins, which are essential for energy production and brain health.

– Promotes heart health

Avocados are abundant in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help lower levels of harmful cholesterol while increasing beneficial cholesterol. Regular consumption of these healthy fats as part of a balanced diet may reduce the risk of heart disease and improve overall cardiovascular health.

– Provides sustained energy

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Unlike sugary breakfast options that can lead to an energy slump later in the day, avocados provide a steady source of energy. Their combination of slow-digesting healthy fats and dietary fibre keeps you feeling full and energised throughout the morning, making them an ideal choice for busy days.

– Aids in weight management

Despite their relatively high caloric content, the healthy fats and fibre in avocados can promote a feeling of fullness, helping to reduce overall calorie intake. This makes them an excellent option for those seeking to manage their weight without resorting to restrictive diets.

– Supports digestive health

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Avocados are rich in dietary fibre, which plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy digestive system. Fibre promotes regular bowel movements, prevents constipation, and supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, contributing to overall digestive wellness.

– Improves skin health

The healthy fats, vitamin E, and antioxidants found in avocados are highly beneficial for skin health. These nutrients help to nourish and hydrate the skin from within, protect against damage caused by free radicals, and promote a natural, radiant complexion.

– Boosts cognitive function

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The fats in avocados, along with their high folate content, support brain health. These nutrients are associated with improved cognitive function and may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Including avocado in your diet can help keep your mind sharp and focused.

– Highly versatile and delicious

Avocados are incredibly versatile and can complement a wide range of breakfast dishes. Their creamy texture and mild, buttery flavour make them an deal addition to sweet and savoury meals alike. Pulse.gh

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Nutrition

Avocado salad

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Avocado Salad
Avocado Salad

Ingredients:

-3 ripped avocado pears

-2 large tomatoes

-Sliced spring onions

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-2 Cucumbers

– 1 tin of sardine

-1 tin of tuna flakes

-2 tablespoonful of olive oil or mayonnaise

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-Salt to taste

Preparation

-Wash and chop all vegetables

-Place the cubed avocado pear, tomatoes, onion, and cucumber into a large bowl

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-Add tuna, sardine and sprinkle Olive oil and Mayonnaise to the mixture

– Add salt and mix gently to avoid mashing the avocado too much

-Serve immediately with rice or as a side dish

ByLinda Abrefi Wadie

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