If you a Nigerian and have been sick or given birth, you’ve probably drank Nigerian pepper soup as a remedy to get yourself back to full strength. Nigerian pepper soup is a delightful gem showcasing a rich cultural heritage and nutritional wisdom of Nigeria. This hearty soup, steeped in history, and full of nutrient-dense goodies, is celebrated for its health benefits, especially during times of sickness and postpartum recovery.
The Historical Roots of Nigerian Pepper Soup
Pepper soup originates from West Africa, and is particularly eaten by Nigerians going back many centuries. The soup consists of watery based seeped in flavour from peppers, calabash nutmeg, uziza seeds, utazi and ukazi leaves and more. Protein is also added and can include base meats such as beef, cow foot, ponmo (cow skin) and also offal (liver, kidney and heart). This all combine makes from a rich soup that provides so many benefits that we will get into further below.
Nigerian Pepper Soup in Times of Sickness and Postpartum
In Nigeria, pepper soup is more than just a meal; it’s a healing elixir. Growing up, when I or any of my siblings had a cold or fever, my mum would quickly prepare pepper soup and get us to consume it. Drinking Nigerian pepper soup puts a fire in your belly and helps to sweat out the toxins and break the fever.
After giving birth, I always looked forward to my mum’s pepper soup which is abundant with many meats including offal which is so often overlooked by many. But adding beef liver for example is fantastic as it is rich in iron, riboflavin, vitamin B12, vitamin A, and copper. Thus why postpartum women from Nigeria are often advised to consume pepper soup regularly, because they have lost so many blood and it’s essential in rebuilding it. The soup is also wonderful in increasing milk supply for breastfeeding mothers.
The Nutritional Benefits of Nigerian Pepper Soup Ingredients
Protein of choice
Typically made with fish, goat meat, chicken, or beef, the soup provides a hearty dose of protein, essential for tissue repair and muscle growth. Protein is particularly crucial for postpartum women as it aids in the recovery process and repairing muscle.
Scotch bonnet
This key ingredient is not just for the heat; they’re packed with Vitamin C and capsaicin. Vitamin C boosts immunity, while capsaicin has anti-inflammatory properties, helping to alleviate pain for the postpartum woman who may experience contraction pains after birth.
Calabash Nutmeg (Ehuru)
This spice, full of flavour is also full of nutritional benefits. Its antimicrobial properties make it beneficial in fighting various pathogens. But not only that, calabash nutmeg is a good source of minerals like magnesium, which aids in muscle and nerve function, and iron, crucial for blood health – wonderful for women who’ve just given birth.
Grains of Selim (Uda)
These seeds are great for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, beneficial for the sick or postpartum woman. They are also a good source of antioxidants, which help in combating oxidative stress in the body, thereby reducing the risk of chronic diseases. They are also known to be a great pain reliever too.
Grains of Paradise
Grains of paradise falls under the same family as ginger and turmeric and tastes like black pepper≥ It is known to be great in assisting fat loss and killing off harmful bacteria. Great for diabetic, this spice is also good for lowering blood pressure and supporting the liver.
Uziza Leaves
Often used in the soup, these leaves are rich in minerals and vitamins, contributing to the overall nutritional value. It’s a great addition as it also supports in alleviating stomach pains and menstrual cramps.
Lemongrass
Known for its calming effect, lemongrass helps in digestion and is often recommended for women during postpartum. Lemongrass essential oils are often used to reduce stress and anxiety, thus being included in Nigerian pepper soup has the same effect.
Conclusion
Nigerian cuisine is rich in nutritional properties and pepper soup is one of those dishes that packs a punch in many ways. So whether you are down with a cold or have just given birth – drink a bowl of Nigerian pepper soup!
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