Fufu is a dough-like food made from fresh or fermented cassava and it is an essential food across African countries.
It’s eaten majorly across West Africa, in Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Sierra Leone, Togo, Cameroon, and more. It pairs well with most soups such as egusi, okra soup, tomato stew, and more.
Fufu is also known as akpu can be made out of any of the starchy ground provisions like cassava, plantains, or malanga.
This is not chewed but swallowed in small oval balls molded in the palm of the hand and dipped in a bowl of appropriate soup, subject to the preference of the diner.
Experts say that a 347.8-gram portion of fufu furnishes the body with 364.40 kcal of energy. In this article, we will discuss the health benefits of eating fufu.
1. Rich in Fiber
The fiber in fufu helps in normalizing bowel movements by increasing the weight and size of your stool and softening it while it also reduces the risk of colorectal cancer.
Fiber-rich foods go a long way in improving the digestive system and overall health.
Studies reveal that fiber-dense foods like akpu are capable of lowering the total levels of blood cholesterol simply by reducing ‘bad’ lowering low-density lipoprotein in the body.
2. Low in Fat
When you consume too many trans fats or saturated fats, you are gradually exposing yourself to certain health conditions, including heart problems, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, strokes, and high blood pressure. One of the best ways to prevent such is to eat low-fat foods like fufu.
Fufu is gluten-free. People with non-celiac gluten sensitivity and celiac disease can take it without experiencing any adverse effects.
3. Rich in Potassium
Fufu contains a good amount of potassium, one of the essential macrominerals the body relies on for proper functioning.
Potassium helps regulate your heartbeat and promotes normal muscle function. Potassium-rich foods are said to be effective for reducing the risk of stroke, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular diseases.
The potassium in fufu is linked with fluid balance regulation, improved bone mineral density, lowered formation of kidney stones, reduced risk of loss of muscle mass, and a host of other benefits.
4. High in Resistant Starch
Fufu is high in resistant starch, a type of starch that bypasses digestion and has properties similar to soluble fiber. Consuming foods that are high in resistant starch may have several benefits for overall health.
Resistant starch feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut, which may help reduce inflammation and promote digestive health. Resistant starch has also been studied for its ability to contribute to better metabolic health and reduce the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
The benefits of resistant starch are promising, but it is important to note that many processing methods may lower fufu’s resistant starch credentials.
5. Excellent source of Energy
Fufu is an excellent source of energy. The primary function of carbohydrate food like fufu is to provide your body with energy.
There are a lot of benefits you tend to gain from eating akpu (fufu) and part of it is that carbohydrates help in supplying the body with adequate energy while also fuelling the brain, kidneys, heart, muscles as well as central nervous system to boost their overall functioning.
Most of the carbohydrates in the foods you eat are digested and broken down into glucose before entering the bloodstream. Complex carbohydrates are an efficient source of energy that fuels muscle contractions. Once eaten, carbs are broken down into smaller sugars (glucose, fructose, and galactose) to be used as energy for immediate tasks.
Any unused glucose will be converted into glycogen and stored in the muscles and liver for the future.
If you have carbohydrate deficiency, you may develop certain health conditions, including fatigue, weakness, reduced concentration, nausea, weariness, to name but a few.