Okazi soup, also known as wildflower soup, is a famous soup in the Eastern part of Nigeria. It’s known for its texture, taste and flavour. With variants across the SouthEast, this soup is a nutritious meal filled with essential vitamins and minerals. This article will outline the importance and safety of okazi soup during pregnancy.
What is okazi soup?
Okazi soup is prepared with okazi leaves, also known as wild spinach. Wild spinach is not the same as regular spinach, as it has a slightly bitter taste and a dark green colour. However, they belong to the same family. Okazi soup is usually thickened with achi, ofo, or starch from yam, cocoyam, cassava or pumpkin. These thickeners make the soup appear thick with a creamy consistency.
Okazi soup is mainly popular in Eastern states, and you can pair it with a range of swallows such as eba, pounded yam, wheat, and tuwon masara. In Akwa Ibom and Cross River, okazi is known as Afang soup. However, the preparation is entirely different, with different ingredients.
Health benefits of okazi soup in pregnancy
Okazi soup contains nutritious benefits for your pregnancy. Green leaves are a major source of nutrients for you and your baby. Some benefits include;
- Rich in vitamins A and C: It’s high in vitamin A, which helps protect your eyesight and promote wound healing. These vitamins boost the immune system, which is most vulnerable during pregnancy.
- Aids in weight loss: Okazi leaves are high in fibre with a filling effect. It also helps relieve you of constipation, which is a common pregnancy symptom. Okazi soup has a low glycemic index, which rarely spikes blood sugar.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Okazi soup helps reduce inflammation in the body, which is common in pregnancy.
- Rich in iron: Anaemia is a common condition during pregnancy. Okazi contains a high level of iron, which promotes oxygen transport to the blood.
- Strengthens bones and teeth: Due to the calcium and vitamin D, it may help to fight osteoporosis and rheumatism.
Can a pregnant woman eat okazi soup during pregnancy?
Okazi soup is generally safe to consume during pregnancy. However, some women may experience allergic reactions depending on individual factors. Consult your doctor for proper dietary guidance.
How to make okazi soup
Ingredients:
- Okazi leaves
- Water leaves, ugwu leaves or uziza leaves
- Thickener
- Crayfish
- Palm oil
- Seasoning cubes
- Assorted meat
- Dry fish
- Salt
- Ground pepper
- Stockfish
Procedure:
- Wash and cook assorted meat
- Soften the stockfish in hot water or boil them to hasten the process
- Combine meat and stock fish in a pot, and add your pepper, salt, seasoning cubes, and water
- Boil until tender
- Soak your dry fish in hot water and wash it properly. Remove the gut for impurities and sand.
- Heat your palm oil, add your ground crayfish, and stir for 5 minutes
- Dissolve your thickener (achi, ofor or ukpo in warm water and add it to the post containing your meat and stock fish
- Stir well and allow to cook till the water thickens
- Adjust taste by adding seaming cubes and salt
- Rinse and slice or pound your okazi leaves
- Add your okazi and water leave or any leaves of choice to the soup
- Do not cook for long to prevent the leaves from being too soft
Before eating okazi soup, wash your vegetables to prevent bacteria contamination. Serve hot with any swallow of your choice. Remember that moderation is vital.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can okazi soup cause heartburn during pregnancy?
Due to the fibre content, excessive consumption may cause heartburn in some pregnant women.
- Is it safe to eat okazi soup during pregnancy?
Eating okazi soup during pregnancy is generally safe, but exercise in moderation.
- Can okazi soup treat malaria?
Some people believe okazi leaves treat malaria in pregnancy. There is no medical evidence to back such claims. If you are sick with malaria, do not self-medicate with drugs or herbs. Consult your doctor for appropriate medication.
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