Have you eaten Nigerian Pepper Soup before? If you have then, you would agree with me that it is not just spicy but also delicious and will make you lick your fingers. Pepper soup is one of the peppery soup recipes enjoyed in most African countries. A typical Nigerian version of the soup is prepared by bringing meat or fish to boil.
The broth is then seasoned with beautiful spices such as onions, garlic, hot pepper, and ginger. However, the choice of ingredients can vary depending on individual preferences. It can be eaten with some healthy Nigerian swallows such as agidi, garri, and semolina, or semovita. It can also be eaten with yam or rice. It’s all depends on what you like to try it with.
Is Nigerian pepper soup healthy during pregnancy?
Yes, it is. Nigerian pepper soup contains many essential nutrients, including capsaicin, that may help combat fever and cold during pregnancy.
The main factor that determines the healthiness of Nigerian Pepper soup is the stock used to consume it. For example, replacing beef with dried steak and replacing red meat with fish can make the pepper soup healthier.
Pepper soup with red meat is not all that healthy since scientists have warned that red meat is a risk factor for colon cancer.
No matter the variation of the recipe, meat and fish are often present. And both constituents are excellent sources of protein and other nutrients, making pepper soup both nutritious and healthy.
Hence, for fans of pepper soup, it is better to eat fish and/or chicken pepper soup. They are healthier.
Health Benefits of Pepper Soup During Pregnancy
A typical pepper soup contains ingredients such as fish, meat, onions, garlic, hot pepper, and ginger that packs many essential nutrients. Some of the benefits of pepper soup.
- Helps with cold, cough and respiratory issues
- promotes weight loss
- Excellent Source of Protein
- Aids digestion
- helps to regulate heart rate and function
- Keeps you hydrated
- it also provides the body with antioxidants that help mop up free radical cell
- Improves dental health
Medicinal Benefits of Pepper Soup During Pregnancy
Habanero pepper used in most peppery soup recipe contain an ingredient called capsaicin.
Capsaicin has analgesic properties, which is an effective pain reliever.
More so, spicy foods can help ease nasal congestion. When taking hot, pepper soup can help clear out the blockages in the nasal passages so that you can feel and breathe better.
Aside from helping with nasal congestion, capsaicin in habaneros may help patients with high blood pressure manage the situation.
Calories in Nigerian Pepper soup
Pepper soup is a low-calorie diet but high in proteins. However, the calories vary with the variety of pepper soup.
Below are the different types of pepper soups in Nigeria and their calories.
- Goat meat pepper – 150kcal
- Fish pepper soup – 110kcal
- Beef pepper soup – 176kcal
- Chicken pepper soup: 310kcal
- Calories in assorted meat pepper soup – 186kcal
Is pepper soup healthy/good for pregnant women?
This appears to be one of the frequently asked questions about pepper soup.
A lot of pregnant women have asked me if pepper soup is safe in pregnancy.
This is because they are aware that Negro Pepper, is a major ingredient in most pepper soups cooked in restaurants. It has been scientifically proven that Negro Pepper can cause miscarriage and pregnancy loss, especially in the early trimester.
Like most foods, moderation is the key when it comes to pepper intake. When carrying a baby in your womb, ensure to include pepper in your diet in moderation.
While it is safe when you take pepper soup in the right proportions, certain pepper types could trigger irritation. For instance, red chillies and green chillies could cause a burning sensation, indigestion, and acidity.
Apart from pepper, the potash used by some persons to soften meat may cause miscarriage.
While you may avoid using some of these harmful substances, you can’t be sure about the foods you buy from your restaurants. So, it is best to prepare your meals at home throughout the pregnancy period.
Conclusion
The choice of ingredients used plays a role when it comes to how healthy your pepper soup will be. You can make the recipe more nutritious by using quality meats and flavours.
In summary, the Nigerian pepper soup is very healthy and medicinal. For pregnant women, it is important they avoid pepper soups made with Negro Pepper otherwise, it is safe and healthy.
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