When Ogbono is cooked ithas a mucilaginous (slimy) texture like cooked Okra and Jute leaves (Ewedu). This is a stew and not a soup in the real sense but we call it soup anyways! If you are acquainted with ogbono soup, then you will agree with me that one distinguishing feature of this soup is that it draws quite a lot. So mum believed that my main reason for firstly passing the soup/fufu around my head before eating it is to stop the ogbono soup from being so draawwyyyyy. But I suppose I could have been in a better position to explain to people my motives behind eating ogbono soup in this manner if only I knew what I was doing then. Antioxidants are substances that help the body fight against free radicals that cause cell damage and diseases like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. However, more human studies are required to fully understand its mechanisms. Gastrointestinal activity Unlike some other varieties like Irvingia wombulu that produces bitter fruits, the fruits of Irvingia gabonensis are fleshy and edible. The pulp is rich in vitamin C and yields about 70% juice.

Use your favorite meat choice. Use whatever you have on hand; you don’t have to use what is listed. That’s the beauty of this soup; you can make it yours! Each tribe has its own spin on this dish, but this one is predominantly the Yoruba version or better put, the version I grew up with. I need to mention that in the Yoruba-speaking part of Nigeria, we often refer to this soup as Obe apon. Notes: Kuete et al., (2007) support that the methanolic extract of Irvingia gabonensis can be used for treating bacterial and fungal infections. Kudos to my sweet mama for sharing this thrilling story with me because it kind of made me love this soup the more. Interestingly, I've grown to find out that apart from being a delicious soup condiment, that ogbono seeds and other parts of the tree are useful for several remarkable benefits.Dika fat, the fat extracted from the seeds, is a good source of myristic, lauric, palmitic, and oleic fatty acids [ 2]. Irvingia was described as a genus in 1860. [5] [3] It is native to Africa and Southeast Asia. [4] The genus is named in honour of Edward George Irving, a Royal Navy surgeon. [6] Species [ edit ]

The beauty of making Ogbono soup is that you can make it all your own.You can use fish in place of meat and you can also add or remove the extras like the periwinkles. Another study in animals found that a single oral administration of the methanol extract of Irvingia gabonensis at doses of 150 and 250 mg/kg significantly lowered the plasma glucose levels in diabetic mice two hours after treatment [ 6]. On average, 100g of ogbono contains 704kcal, 7.9g protein, 66.9g fat, 16.4g carbohydrate, 2.2g fibre. Ogbono lowers blood glucose levels in rats with diabetes. And although it increases insulin sensitivity, lowers blood glucose, waist circumference and triglycerides in patients with metabolic syndrome, there is currently insufficient evidence for its benefits in humans with diabetes. Is Ogbono Soup Fattening?As you can imagine, this is one seriously loaded soup! It will feel like there’s a party in your stomach because there is just so much richness in this appetizing dish. How to cook ogbono soup Ogbono soup is a Nigerian dish made with ground dry ogbono seeds. Ogbono seeds (the local name for Irvingia) [1] [2] are originated and were first grown in Southern Nigeria [3] [4] [5] with considerable local variation. According to research by Chris Chinaka and J.C. Obiefuna, Ogbono is an indigenous forest tree associated with plants classified as 'non-timber forest products. It goes by various indigenous names among Nigerians. Common use of the word “ogbono” in general Nigerian parlance stems from the Igbo name for the word. Among the Nupe, it is called 'pekpeara', 'ogwi' in Bini, 'uyo' in Efik, and 'oro' or ‘apon’ in Yoruba. [6] Although ogbono (dika nut) and ugiri, the Igbo name for bush-mango, are very similar indeed and often regarded as equivalents, there is technically a distinction. The part plants, especially the seeds are rich in fats, protein, carbs, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants. However, more studies are needed are to confirm the exact mechanism of action of ogbono seed extracts. High cholesterol How 'ogbono soup' can improve efficacy of anti-malaria drugs - Researcher". Premium Times Nigeria. April 24, 2018 . Retrieved October 2, 2018.