INTRODUCTION
Let’s be honest. Most of us eat based on habit, craving, or convenience. We don’t always stop
to ask what our food is doing to us. But what if someone told you that the plate in front of you
can either be your personal pharmacy or your slowest poison?
In Africa, especially Nigeria, food is culture. Food is family. Food is comfort. But food is also
powerful, and it can work for you or against you.
Let’s dive into the real deal: the foods that heal, and the ones that hurt. And trust me, some of
these may surprise you.
Foods That Heal
Some of the everyday ingredients in our kitchens do more than add flavor. They support the
body in powerful ways. From leaves to spices, these foods have long been part of our meals,
not just for taste, but for their ability to help us stay well.
Let’s explore some of these foods that nourish deeply and support the body’s natural balance.
- Bitter Leaf
- Tigernuts and Dates
- Okra
- Unripe Plantain
- Local Spices
You’ve probably seen your aunties squeezing this leaf endlessly to “remove the bitterness.” But
here’s a thought; What if the bitterness is where the power lives? Bitter leaf helps regulate blood
sugar, supports the liver, and fights inflammation. Next time, try it in a smoothie or juice shot.
Your body will thank you (even if your tongue protests).
Ever tried soaking tiger nuts overnight with dates and coconut, then blending it into a creamy
drink? Pure magic. It’s rich in fiber, iron, and can help with digestion and fertility.
And here’s a wild fact: tigernuts aren’t even nuts, they’re tiny tubers!
Yes, it’s slimy. But that slime is full of soluble fiber that’s excellent for gut health. Okra helps with
blood sugar and supports a smooth digestive process. Don’t skip it, embrace the slime!
We love Dodo (Fried, ripe plantains), but unripe plantain is the one that heals. Packed with
prebiotics (plant fibers that support digestion), it feeds the good bacteria in your gut and
supports blood sugar regulation. Grill it, boil it, or mash it with a splash of palm oil and crayfish.
It doesn’t have to be boring.
Ever wondered why pepper soup hits different when you’re under the weather? It’s not just the
warmth — it’s the Uda (Negro pepper) Ehuru (African nutmeg), and Uziza (West African pepper
leaves). These spices are loaded with antioxidants and antimicrobial properties. It’s no
coincidence our elders reached for them. They understood the healing that lived in every bowl.
5 Foods That Hurt
We have always said, “All fingers are not equal,” right? The same goes for food. Some meals
nourish and restore, while others simply fill the stomach without offering much else. They’re not
bad in themselves — in fact, they’re loved across generations. But when eaten too often or
without balance, they can quietly wear the body down, contributing to fatigue, discomfort, or
even long-term illness. The goal isn’t fear, but awareness, so we can make choices that help us
feel our best at every meal time.
- Over-fried Snacks
- Heavily Salted or Seasoned Dishes
- Processed Meats
- Instant Noodles
- Sugary Drinks (Even the Homemade Ones)
We love a crunchy Akara ball, or hot and perfectly round Puff-puff, but here’s the truth: when
fried in reused oil, they absorb toxins that can mess with your heart and increase cancer risk. If
you must indulge, use fresh oil and enjoy it occasionally, not daily.
They may give your soup that deep flavor, but over time, the salt and additives can strain your
kidneys and raise your blood pressure. Try flavoring your meals with with Iru (locust beans),
onions, scent leaf, and other natural spices.
Suya (grilled meat on skewers) is a crowd favorite; smoky, spicy, and packed in those small
newspapers or foil wraps that make it feel even more local. But that packaging? Often not
food-safe. When hot suya meets printed paper or foil, it can release harmful substances that
quietly slip into your food. Add to that the sometimes excessive use of seasoning cubes in the
pepper mix, and you’ve got more than just meat on a stick.
They are quick food option. They are mostly cheap. But they give very little in return. Loaded
with sodium and almost no fiber, they leave your body asking for more. If you must eat noodles,
add veggies, eggs, or protein sources to boost their value.
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Zobo (Hibiscus Tea) can be a healing drink, but only if it’s not drowning in sugar. Swap the sugar
for pineapple juice or dates. Your pancreas will thank you.
Eating well doesn’t mean giving up your roots; it means going deeper into them. With wisdom
and discipline, let us eat more for strength, healing, and longevity.
So here’s a gentle nudge: look at your next plate and ask, is this building me or breaking me?
Sometimes, the difference between thriving and surviving is just one meal away.
