My son is a beans (black-eyed peas) lover. Whether you cook it as porridge, fry it as akara or steam it as moi-moi, he can eat it the whole day without saying, “Mummy, my stomach is full”.
Amazingly, he extended his love for black-eyed peas to anything that looks like it; be it fio-fio (pigeon peas), kidney beans, Akidi (African black beans) etc.
This is what led me to research on African black beans and I am happy to share with you its nutritional benefits.
What is Akidi known for?
Akidi is predominant in various parts of Africa like Nigeria where it is a stable food in the southeast.
It is well valued for its nutritional profile and is mostly used in cooking yam, especially for natives of Anambra, and used with Abacha for natives of Enugu state.
It is also an ingredient in various African cuisines like stews, salads and side dishes. In addition, it is embedded with lots of nutrients, from vitamins to dietary fibre, magnesium, complex carbohydrates, iron, folate, potassium, minerals and antioxidants.
Apart from its use as food, it is also used to make medicine.
Features of Akidi
- When it is fresh, the tender enclosing pods are cooked together with the beans. When it begins to dry, the pods harden.
- When it does harden, the beans are separated from the pods and dried properly for storage. At this stage, the bean starts to turn darker – brown or black, which is why it is called black beans.
- It looks like green beans but coiled rather than straight and it comes in other shades like purple, red or mixed, rather than green only.
Nutritional Benefits of Akidi
1. Protein
As far as plant-based protein is concerned, Akidi contains a very rich amount of it, which is essential in muscle repair and growth. Luckily, the protein in Akidi contains no gluten.
2. Gluten-free
Gluten-free food is good for those diagnosed with gluten-related conditions like celiac disease. While gluten is not bad or unhealthy, it becomes hard for some people to digest it.
Therefore, for such cases, Akidi is a good food option even for those who can’t tolerate small amounts of gluten.
3. Complex Carbohydrates
Complex carbs are the primary source of energy in the body. When you eat such foods rich in complex carbs, they digest more slowly than simple sugar.
And as such, sustains more energy while gradually increasing the blood sugar levels after eating. Consuming Akidi delicacies will help reduce a spike in blood sugar levels.
4. High Dietary Fiber
The complex carbohydrate in Akidi contains high dietary fibre, good for promoting regular bowel movement.
The fibre digests slowly, reducing appetite and preventing over-eating. Plus, it feeds on the beneficial bacteria in the gut to boost a healthy digestive system.
5. Antioxidants
Antioxidants are very special compounds in foods due to their ability to neutralize the harmful effects of the free radicals in the body.
More so, it lowers the risks of chronic diseases and supports the immune system. Akidi contains antioxidants in the form of flavonoids and phenolic compounds.
Conclusion
Akidi is a nutritious addition to the diet, and with its healthy nutritional profile, it deserves a place on everyone’s plate for a delicious dining experience.
BloomHood 