A look at “15 Surprising Health Benefits of Puff Puff Snack” Among the snacks served at events and merry occasions in West Africa, puff puff is a popular snack. It is commonly referred to as bofrot in Ghana, botokoin in Togo, gato in Guinea and Mali, bofloto in the Ivory Coast, and puff-puff in Nigeria.
The snack is made from cassava flour, water, and sugar. It is deep-fried until it puffs up like a ball and becomes crispy outside. The texture is similar to doughnuts, but it is less dense and chewy.
Puff puffs are made from cassava flour, water, sugar, and oil for frying. Eggs help make the doughnut dough rise when fried.
Due to its high calorie content, puff can be unhealthy when consumed in large quantities.
When eaten in moderation, puff puffs can also have some health benefits.
We will therefore examine the health benefits of puff puff and how to make it healthier.
15 Surprising Health Benefits of Puff Puff Snack
Puff puff is a popular Nigerian snack that has gained a lot of attention in recent years. This deep-fried dough is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits that you might not be aware of. In this article, we will explore the 15 surprising health benefits of puff puff snacks.
#1. High in Nutrients
Puff puff contains several nutrients that are essential for your health. It is rich in carbohydrates, protein, and fats. Additionally, it also contains vitamins and minerals such as iron, potassium, and vitamin B6.
#2. Boosts Energy
Due to its high carbohydrate content, puff puff can provide an instant energy boost. It is an ideal snack to eat during long working hours or after a workout session.
#3. Improves Digestion
Puff puff contains fiber that helps in improving digestion. It promotes bowel movement and prevents constipation.
#4. Lowers Cholesterol
Puff puff is low in cholesterol, making it a healthy snack option for those who are trying to maintain their cholesterol levels.
#5. Rich in Antioxidants
Puff puff contains antioxidants that help in protecting the body from damage caused by free radicals. It prevents oxidative stress, which can lead to several health issues such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.
#6. Good for Heart Health
Puff puff is rich in healthy fats that can lower the risk of heart disease. It contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that help in reducing inflammation and improving heart health.
#7. Boosts Immune System
Puff puff contains several vitamins and minerals that help in boosting the immune system. It contains vitamin C, which helps in preventing infections and diseases.
#8. Good for Brain Health
Puff puff contains choline, which is essential for brain health. It helps in improving memory and cognitive function.
#9. Prevents Anemia
Puff puff is rich in iron, which is essential for the production of red blood cells. It helps in preventing anemia, which is a condition that occurs due to a lack of iron in the body.
#10. Promotes Skin Health
Puff puff contains vitamin E, which is essential for healthy skin. It helps in preventing skin damage caused by UV rays and pollution.
#11. Aids Weight Loss
Puff puff is low in calories, making it an ideal snack option for those who are trying to lose weight. It can help in reducing hunger pangs and preventing overeating.
#12. Improves Vision
Puff puff contains vitamin A, which is essential for good vision. It helps in preventing night blindness and other vision-related issues.
#13. Reduces Inflammation
Puff puff contains anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing inflammation in the body. It can help in preventing several chronic health conditions such as arthritis, asthma, and diabetes.
#14. Improves Bone Health
Puff puff contains several minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for strong bones. It helps in preventing bone-related issues such as osteoporosis.
#15. Lowers Stress
Puff puff contains magnesium, which helps in reducing stress and anxiety. It promotes relaxation and improves sleep quality.
Nutritional Value of Puff Puff
Puff Puff is a popular West African snack made from a simple dough mixture of flour, sugar, yeast, and water. It is deep-fried until golden brown and served either alone or with a dipping sauce.
While Puff Puff may not be the first food that comes to mind when you think of a healthy snack, it actually has some surprising nutritional benefits. In this article, we will explore the nutritional value of Puff Puff and why it can be a good addition to your diet.
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High Carbohydrate Content
One of the primary components of Puff Puff is carbohydrate. Carbohydrates are the body’s primary source of energy and are essential for a healthy and active lifestyle. Puff Puff is rich in carbohydrates, making it a good source of energy for individuals who engage in physical activities.
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Vitamins and Minerals
Puff Puff is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, and niacin. Calcium is essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth, while iron is necessary for red blood cell production. Niacin, on the other hand, is important for proper brain function and healthy skin.
While Puff Puff may not be the richest source of these nutrients, it can still contribute to your daily recommended intake when consumed in moderation.
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Fiber Content
Fiber is an essential nutrient that is important for digestion and overall health. Puff Puff has a moderate amount of fiber, which can help regulate digestion and prevent constipation. This is especially important for individuals who may not be getting enough fiber in their regular diet.
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Low Fat Content
While Puff Puff is a fried snack, it has a relatively low fat content compared to other deep-fried foods. This makes it a healthier option for individuals who are trying to reduce their overall fat intake. However, it is important to note that consuming Puff Puff regularly may still contribute to weight gain and other health issues associated with a high-fat diet.
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Low Cholesterol Content
Another surprising benefit of Puff Puff is its low cholesterol content. Cholesterol is a type of fat that can build up in the arteries and lead to heart disease. By consuming Puff Puff in moderation, you can help reduce your overall cholesterol intake and promote better heart health.
How to Make Puff Puff Healthier
There’s no doubt puff puff is delicious, but it can only be healthy if you make it right.
To make your puff puff healthier and more nutritious, follow these simple tips:
- Use coconut oil or virgin olive oil instead of vegetable or palm oil: Vegetables and palm oil have high calories and many fats and account for about 50% of the fat and calories content of the puff puff.
- Add more vegetables: Adding vegetables will add nutrients and flavor without adding too much extra calories. You can add grated carrots, spinach, banana, or plantains. You can also add other foods like legumes or grains if you want to increase the nutritional value of your puff puff.
- Add less sugar: You can make puff puff healthier by reducing the sugar you use. You can replace white sugar with brown sugar or honey for a healthier option.
- Substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or oat bran flour, which are lower in calories than regular flour because they contain more fiber than white flour. Use two tablespoons instead of 3 tablespoons for each cup of wheat flour or oat bran flour.
- Avoid using ingredients that contain trans fatty acids.
- Add fruit pulp to your puff puff.
Enjoy your homemade Nigeria Puff Puff! You can also learn more in the video below;
Conclusion
Puff puff is not only a delicious snack but also offers several health benefits. It is high in nutrients, boosts energy, improves digestion, and promotes heart health. Additionally, it also aids weight loss, promotes skin health, and improves vision. So, next time you crave a snack, consider indulging in some delicious puff puff!
See Also | 9 Amazing Health Benefits of Moringa Leaves and Ginger
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