Health benefits of Agidi: Can a pregnant woman eat Agidi?
Agidi or Eko as it is commonly called in yoruba is a delicacy in Nigeria that cuts across tribes, class, region or religion in Nigeria. From north to south everybody enjoys it. Agidi is made from corn (maize) has been described as Nigeria’s jello.
Agidi is a cordified (solid) form of ogi (akamu) or pap and can be eaten with pepper soup, egusi soup, ogbono soup, stew, ewedu, banga soup, and so on.
Eko can be plain white or coloured depending on the type of corn used. As for taste, agidi tastes bland or garnished.
Agidi contains a lot of essential nutrients, minerals, vitamins and fibres.
I am going to analyse the health benefits of agidi and comment on its safety in pregnancy in this article.
Nutritional Content of Agidi
According to nutritionists, 1 wrap of of Agidi (eko) contains 125 calories, 27 g of carbohydrates, 4 g of protein, 9g of sugar, 2 g of fat and 75 mg of iron.
Nutritional value and health benefits of agidi
Agidi is made from corn and the health benefits of eko is more or less the health benefits of maize as stated below:
1. Treats constipation: Agidi contains a good amount of fibre which promotes bowel movement.
2. Energy: Agidi is a rich source of carbohydrates and calories – energy giving foods
3. It is satisfying: Eko provides bulk which helps fills the stomach and guarantees satisfaction
4. Agidi is rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
5. Agidi is one of the foods in Nigeria that can be eaten to gain weight because of its calorie content.
5. The corn in Agidi is rich is in Vitamin B12, folic acid and iron which helps in the production of red blood cells in the body. Agidi therefore helps prevent anemia.
6. Agidi helps lowers blood cholesterol. Some dieticians are of the view that it can help control blood sugar in diabetics.
7. Agidi contains potassium. As an an essential nutrient, potassium is important for blood pressure control and may improve heart health.
8. Eko improves eye health
9. Agidi protects against diverticular disease of the large intestine called diverticulosis.
Can a pregnant woman eat Agidi?
Yes of course! Agidi is very helpful during pregnancy. There are a significant number of benefits during pregnancy for both mother and the baby.
Agidi which is made from corn is rich in folic acid, and contains zeaxanthin and patothenic acid which reduces the risk of birth defects in baby like spinal bifida and cleft lips(palate).
It can protect the baby from muscular degeneration and physiological problems like fetal distress.
Due to its high fiber content, agidi also treats constipation, which is a very common concern for pregnant women. Agidi is completely safe in pregnant and non pregnant women. There are no side effects to worry about.
Sources:
1. food.ndtv
2. Healthline
3. Dr Udomoh
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