At different stages in your life, consuming nutrient-packed meals and maintaining a balanced diet is essential. Choosing what to eat helps keep you and your baby in good condition. In this article, we breakdown everything you are curious about concerning fura.

 

What is fura da nono?

 

Fura refers to the millet balls, while the nono is the cow milk.

 

Fura da nono or fura da yoghurt is one of the famous locally made drinks in West Africa, bearing in the northern parts of Nigeria, specifically the Fulani tribe. It is a fermented creamy, thick drink whose chief ingredient is millet. It is prepared by moulding the ground fura and mashing it into nono before serving. 

 

The nono is extracted directly from grass-fed cows, ensuring the nutrient content remains intact. Adding the milk is optional; it adds a sweetness to it and makes it a relishing delight to its consumers. You can also replace the milk with plain yoghurt. 

 

Nutritional value 

• Magnesium
• Manganese
• B vitamins
• Calcium
• Antioxidants, Tryptophan, Riboflavin,  phosphorus and some dietary fibres 

 

Health benefits

Fura da nono is under-explored compared to other regular drinks. The millet (Fura) is an important staple food with several health benefits. Below are some of the benefits attached to its consumption.

 

• It boosts brain formation. The milk serving as an additive helps to enhance the brain formation of your baby. It also contributes to strengthening cognitive abilities due to the vitamin B12 content.
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• Calcium and Vitamin D in the milk aids growth development and bone formation. The minerals are vital for optimal body functions, which the fetus needs for forming body parts. 
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• The magnesium content in the millet helps to manage type 2 diabetes due to its low glycemic index.
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• The hot spices (Ginger, cloves and pepper) in fura possess potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which are ideal for fighting off free radicals in the body cells and reducing the effect of arthritis.
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• It is a source of serotonin essential for soothing the nerves and relieving the effects of migraine.
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• It enhances cardiovascular health. Vitamin B3 in the millet drains off the cholesterol, reducing the chances of a heart attack. The magnesium content helps to lower blood pressure. 
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• It contains fibre that helps to ease irregular bowel movement, prevents constipation and aids proper digestion.

 

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Is fura da nono safe for a pregnant woman?

There’s no cause to worry about whether this delicious drink is ideal for you because it is a good source of protein and calcium. Inadequate protein and calcium consumption during pregnancy can hamper your health and your baby's development.

 

The increase in the progesterone hormone secreted during pregnancy is one causative factor of constipation. This is because, at this time, food passes through the intestines slower than before. The regular consumption of supplements can contribute to it. Fura is rich in dietary fibre, making faecal waste easier to pass through your intestine.

 

The millet also contains vitamins like thiamine and folate, which are essential for you and your baby. Folate, when combined with B12 supplements, is necessary for the prevention of congenital disabilities in your baby.

 

Fura da nono plays a significant role in increasing the blood supply. Fura is safe for consumption during pregnancy. However, take it in moderation and buy from hygienic sources. 

 

Side effects of fura da nono 

Fura da nono has no reported adverse effects. It would be nice to do it yourself rather than patronising local vendors. However, If you must purchase and consume from them, you should endeavour to ascertain the hygienic conditions under which it is prepared to prevent the risk of contamination. 

 

Some ingredients and spices used in preparing fura da nono may pose allergic tendencies. In case of any allergic reactions after consumption, do not hesitate to consult your medical doctor.

 

Conclusion 

Fura da nono is packed with lots of essential minerals that notwithstanding, ensure that whatever is consumed is placed under the consideration that you’re in a delicate stage of your life. Pay heed to the method of preparation and consume moderately.

 

As much as it is believed that fura da nono has medicinal properties, you shouldn't substitute for professional treatments.

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