What your body experiences when corn pap is eaten by you
Corn pap is a fermented maize pudding that is prepared and eaten in Nigeria. It has different names, such as akamu, ogi, koko, or eko. It is a light and nourishing food that has been consumed for a long time by many Nigerians.
Corn pap was found to be rich in various beneficial nutrients by a 2018 study on its nutritional composition. These nutrients include carbohydrate, vitamins (A, B5, B3, B1, riboflavin, C), folic acid, potassium, chromium, selenium, zinc, phosphorus, and magnesium. It also has high levels of amino acids like tryptophan, phenylalanine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, and valine. 152 calories are contained in one serving of pap.
You should read this article carefully if you like pap or you are curious about its health effects. You will be told what your body experiences every time pap is eaten by you.
1. Blood pressure is regulated
Blood pressure is regulated
Pap is rich in potassium and has no sodium content. This makes it a good food for people who have high blood pressure or who want to prevent or control hypertension. The impact of sodium on your body can also be reduced by potassium-rich foods like pap and the tension in your blood vessel walls can be eased. This can protect you from various health problems related to high blood pressure, such as stroke, heart attack, or kidney damage.
2. LDL cholesterol is reduced
Cholesterol is a type of fat that circulates in your blood. There are two main types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL is also known as “bad” cholesterol because it can build up in your artery walls and cause plaque formation. This can impair blood circulation and increase the risk of heart disease.
Some minerals that can help lower your LDL cholesterol levels are contained in pap. These include chromium, zinc, and magnesium. LDL cholesterol can be lowered by chromium and plaque formation in your arteries can be prevented by it. It can also improve your blood sugar levels, reduce the risk of diabetes, enhance your energy levels, and boost your healing ability. Zinc and magnesium can also lower LDL cholesterol and support your heart health.
Your intake of calories, sugar, and trans fats should also be limited by you to increase your HDL or “good” cholesterol levels and lower your LDL levels. You should also exercise regularly, quit smoking, and eat more Nigerian foods with low cholesterol.
3. Nursing mothers can benefit
Pap is one of the most popular foods for nursing mothers in Nigeria. The production and flow of breast milk for lactating mothers are stimulated by pap because it has a high water content and other components. Strength is also restored by it after illness or childbirth. Moreover, it is easy to digest and gentle on the stomach.
4. Energy is provided
Pap is an excellent source of carbohydrate, which is one of the main nutrients that your body needs for energy. Your body is not only fueled by carbohydrate-rich foods like pap but also your mental clarity is enhanced and fat metabolism is promoted by them.
5. Digestion is improved
Pap is one of the easiest foods to digest. Toxins and chemicals are eliminated from your body quickly by it by increasing the frequency of urination. Another advantage of eating easily digestible foods like pap is that they put less strain on your digestive system and are suitable for people recovering from illness. Additionally, people with digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), irritable bowel disease (IBD), or a sensitive stomach may benefit from eating easily digestible foods like pap as they are mild on the digestive system and rarely cause problems.
6. Kidney health is improved
The kidneys are vital organs that filter waste products and excess fluids from your blood. Uric acid, urea, toxins, and other harmful substances can damage your kidneys if they accumulate in your body. These substances are flushed out from your body through urine by pap because more often you urinate when pap is eaten by you.
7. Healthy pregnancy is supported and neural tube defects are prevented
Folic acid is an essential nutrient for pregnant women. Folic acid deficiency can lead to low birth weight or neural tube defects in newborn babies. Neural tube defects are serious birth defects that affect the brain and spinal cord.
Pap is high in folic acid which makes it a safe and healthy food for expectant mothers. Besides that, breast milk production can also be increased by pap after delivery.
8. Babies and toddlers are nourished
Pap is one of the best foods for babies and toddlers in Nigeria. It is a common weaning food that is introduced to infants. It is affordable, easy to prepare, and very nutritious for growing children. Brown pap is the best type of pap for babies. Carbohydrate, millet, and guinea corn are consisted of by brown pap which provide some proteins, vitamins, and minerals that are vital for the growth and development of babies.
Conclusion
Pap is not just a “normal” food. It is packed with many health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol, benefiting nursing mothers, providing energy, improving digestion, enhancing kidney health, supporting pregnancy, and nourishing babies. Pap is a superfood that should be included in your diet by you. If you want to learn more about the amazing benefits of pap and other Nigerian foods, subscribe to our newsletter and get the latest updates on healthy eating.
