5 Nigerian Foods Contributing to Weight Gain and Fat Accumulation

Nigeria’s rich culinary traditions feature many delicious dishes, but some are high in calories, fats, and sugars, which can contribute to weight gain and fat accumulation when consumed excessively. Other negative effexts are Type 2 Diabetes, Fatty liver and increased risk of some cancers.

Here are five common Nigerian foods that can cause weight gain:

1. Pounded Yam

Pounded yam, a staple in many Nigerian households, is heavy in carbohydrates and calories. When eaten in large portions, it can quickly lead to excess calorie intake. Paired with calorie-dense soups like egusi or ogbono, pounded yam can contribute to fat storage, especially if consumed frequently.

2. Jollof Rice

Jollof rice, a popular dish made from rice, tomatoes, and oil, is often cooked with additional fats and served in large portions. The combination of refined carbs (rice) and added oils makes it calorie-dense, and overeating can contribute to weight gain.

3. Bread

Bread is made from refined flour and sugar, making it high in simple carbohydrates. It has little fiber and can cause rapid blood sugar spikes, leading to fat storage when consumed in large amounts or frequently.

4. Cake and snacks

Cake, flour-based snacks and ice cream are empty calorie dense food. Regular consumption, however satisfying, leads to weight gain rapidly.

5. Alcohol and Soft Drinks

Frequent consumption of soft drinks (such as Coca-cola, Pepsi etc) or beer is a very common cause of weight gain in our environment. They contain refined sugar which raises blood glucose and stores as fat.

Conclusion

While these foods are part of Nigeria’s culinary heritage, they can contribute to weight gain when consumed in excess or without proper balance. To maintain a healthy weight, it’s important to enjoy these dishes in moderation and pair them with lean proteins, vegetables, and healthier cooking methods.