Amá-la is a popular Nigerian staple food that originated with the Yoruba people of the western part of the country.
There types of Amala based on the different sources from which they are made.
They are as follows:
`Ama`la ogede(plantain flour)
`Am`al`a la`fun (cassava flour)
This article will teach you about the nutritional value and Health benefits of Amala
A) A`m`ala isu ( yam flour).
This is one of the most common Amala varieties.
Yam tubers are sliced ,peeled , parboiled,dried, and ground into powder.
It is made into a thick paste with boiling point water and served with any dish .
Amala isu has the following Health benefits:-
1) It improves the digestive system.
Yam flour has a high starch content , which referred to as resistant starch .
Resistant starch aids in the growth of “good bacteria” in the Large intestine.
The bacteria aids in the reduction of constipation, the prevention of diarrhea , and the stimulation of the immune system , increasing resistance of infection and the prevention of other geriatric diseases.
It also ,aids in the Reduction of cholesterol levels and the risk of developing colon cancer.
2) control blood glucose levels.
As previously stated,yam flour contains resistant starch in the small intestine, resistant starch is broken down into glucose and absorded into the blood stream Resistant starch is fermented in large intenstine rather than digested in the small intestine , so it does not raise glucose levels Diabetes patients can benefit from yam flour.
3)Lower cholesterol levels:- if you’re trying to reduce your cholesterol intake ,yam flour is a good option.
It is good for your gut and acts on bad cholesterol in your gut, lowering your risk of obesity and the cardiovascular disease.
B)A`ma`la ogede (plantain flour)
This Amala is made from dried unripe plantains.
Plantains are harvested ,peeled ,sliced ,dried , and ground into powder.
It is made by combining it with boiling water until it forms a thick paste and it is served with any desired dish.
Health benefits of Amala ogede .
4)It aids digestion:- Fiber can found in unripe plantains flour .
Fiber helps with bowels movements, Softens stool , and keeps you from becoming constipated
5) Antioxidant source:-Antioxidants are chemicals that inhibit oxidation , a chemical reaction that generates radicals that destroy cells in organism .
Unripe plantain powder is high in vitamin C ,an Antioxidant that helps protect the body from free radicals damage and even protect against some type of cancer.
6)Heart Health food :- unripe plantain powder contains potassium which is necessary for regulating fluid balance as well as heart rate and rhythm low potassium levels have been linked to muscle cramps , abnormal heart rhythms,a an increased risk of stroke .
Unripe plantain powder is high in potassium , which helps to prevent heart attacks , hypertension and strokes by regulating heart rate and blood pressure .
Plantain powder contains potassium , which is necessary for regulating fluid balance as well as heart rate and rhythm.
Low potassium levels have been linked to muscle cramps, abnormal heart rhythms and an increased risk of stroke .
Unripe plantains powder is high potassium , which helps to prevent heart attacks, hypertension and strokes by regulating heart rate and blood pressure.
8) Best swallow for diabetic patients:- unripe plantain flour has a high concentration of resistant starch .
This aids in the regulation of glucose and cholesterol levels in the body, which is beneficial for diabetics.
8) Weight management :- unripe plantain powder is a good choice if you’re trying to lose weight.
It has a low Carbohydrates content as well as carbs and fibre that take longer to digest.
This gives you a fuller feeling and prolongs your satisfaction after a meal , causing you avoid snacking on unhealthy foods. It is one of the healthy Nigerian foods for weight loss and should be eaten in conjunction with protein .
C) A`m`ala la la`fun :- This type of a`m`al`a is made from dried cassava flour is ma`la`fin cassava flour,
When dried , fermented, and flaky, can be eater,as Garri which is used to make Eba,
Health benefits of Amala lafun
9) Gluten free food.
Many Nigerians are unaware that mala`lafun made from cassava flour is glutten free.
Glutten -intolerantor or celiac celiac patients must avoid glutten -containing foods . As a result , ama`la`la fun is one of the gluten free Nigerian food.
10) Excellent source of energy :- cassava is one of Nigeria’s most important sources of food carbohydrates.
Nigeria is the world’s largest cassava producer .
Cassava flour is high in Carbohydrates and calories which provides energy to the body..š