Five African Mucilaginous Foods That Heal.

Mucilage is a type of fiber of viscous or slimy nature. Africans have always loved and eaten mucilaginous foods with starchy pastes with the most common one being okra. They are usually prepared into soups called draw soups in Nigeria. Below are five highly mucilaginous vegetables that constitute a big part of a typical Nigerian diet;

1. Okra called Abelmoscus esculenta, ila, lady fingers, etc. Read more about the health benefits of okra here.
2. Jute leaves called orchorus olitorius, ewedu, Jew mallow, saluyot, rama, ahihiara, etc. Read more about the health benefits of jute leaves here.
3. African mango seeds called Irvingia gabonensis, ogbono, apon, dika, etc. Read more about the health benefits African mango seeds here.
4. Water leaf called Talinum triangulare, gbure, etc. Read more about the health benefits of water leaf here.
5. Malabar spinach called Basella alba, amunututu, toromoganna, etc. Read more about the health benefits of Malabar spinach here.

Mucilage produces slime that soothes the intestinal wall and makes stools slippery, allowing smooth

movement out of the bowel. It absorbs moisture and increases stool size, softening it and making it easier for it to move through the intestine and colon. Mucilage is beneficial to health because;

• It lowers blood cholesterol levels by preventing the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine.
• It lowers blood sugar levels by regulating the absorption of carbohydrates and preventing sudden spikes in blood sugar levels.
• It has laxative properties.
• It helps to regulate bowel movement.
• It prevents constipation and hemorrhoids.
• It treats inflammation of the intestinal tract and inflammatory conditions of the digestive system.
• It alleviates cramping.
• Mucilage regulates acidity of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Mucilage removes waste and toxins out of the colon.
• It protects against inflammation of all mucous membranes.

Mucilages can be used to heal internally as demulcents and topically as emollients because they hydrate, soothe, soften and heal the skin and other tissues. Mucilage is used to treat numerous skins, hair and scalp like dryness, cracks, ulcers, inflammation, etc.

Most of our traditional foods are usually in their natural forms with minimal processing when consumed. This means that most of their nutrients and fiber are still present, which is the best way to eat food. Some health issues develop when we start to eat foods that have been highly processed with most of their fiber and other beneficial nutrients removed. We need to go back to eating more of what our forefathers ate for better health.

There are other foods that are rich in mucilage which are eaten in

Africa, which are not usually mentioned in most write ups. Let us know the names of those that you know about below. Follow on Twitter @heal2bwell for updates.