ICE KENKEY MAY BOOST IMMUNE SYSTEM, TREAT CONSTIPATION AND PREVENTS HEART DISEASES

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Delicious Kenkey and Banana Smoothie 

Written By Emmanuel Tetteh|

In today's compositions, we will see at the various dietary values and the benefits of Ice-Kenkey.

Ice kenkey, a well known Ghanaian road nourishment, has been a staple in the country's food for decades. Moreover known as "kenkey ice" or "frosted kenkey", it is a solidified form of the conventional aged corn mixture, kenkey (Amissah, 2020).

According to Amarteifio (2018), kenkey is a noteworthy portion of Ghana's nourishment culture, and its solidified variation has ended up a hit among local people and sightseers alike. The prepare of making ice kenkey includes blending kenkey with water and solidifying it, making a reviving and solid nibble (Addo, 2019)

Studies have shown that Kenkey is rich in probiotics, protein, and fibre, making it a nutritious food option (Sacky, 2017). Furthermore, the fermentation process involved in making kenkey creates lactic acid, which acts as a natural preservative (Akpalu, 2016).

THE MEDICINAL ASPECT OF ICE KENKEY AND WHY IT'S THE BEST DISH

Different people have their selected choices of ingredients when preparing Ice Kenkey.

As stated before, some people prefer mixing Kenkey with water, sugar and milk and others too only Kenkey and Water.

The ingredients listed below are the anchor of this article's heading. "ICE KENKEY MAY BOOST IMMUNE SYSTEM, TREAT CONSTIPATION AND PREVENT HYPERTENSION".

1. Kenkey ( The Fanti's)

2. Banana (Any type but ripped)

3. Ginger 

4. Water

5. Honey (Optional)

FANTI KENKEY

In the preparation of Ice Kenkey, the most preferred Kenkey is the Fanti Kenkey, also known as Mfantse Dokon, which is a popular traditional Ghanaian dish made from corn dough, with a smooth and sticky texture Here are some key points to know about Fanti Kenkey:

1. Preparation: Fanti Kenkey is prepared by soaking corn in water for a day, then milling and kneading it 

2. Cooking: The dough is divided into three portions, one of which is cooked and mixed with the uncooked portions 

3. Unique Feature: The Fanti Kenkey is kneaded corn dough cooked in dried plantain leaves, which gives it a unique flavour and texture 

4. Serving: It is often served with Mfantse (Fresh fish stew), tilapia or fried fish and pepper 

Health Benefits

Fanti Kenkey is rich in vitamins, and complex carbohydrates, low in protein, low in fat, and high in fibre content due to its ingredients. 

The plantain leaves that are used to wrap the kneaded corn dough make it super healthy for consumption.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF PLANTAIN LEAVES

Plantain leaves have been a staple in many cultures' favourites, not only as a food wrapping material but also for their medicinal and cultural significance. Here are some key points to know about plantain leaves:

1. Medicinal Properties: Plantain leaves have been used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antioxidant properties (Aiyeloja et al., 2020).

2. Food Wrapping: Plantain leaves are used as a natural and biodegradable wrapping material for foods like kenkey, tamales, and humitas (Amissah, 2020).

3. Cultural Significance: Plantain leaves hold cultural significance in many societies, representing prosperity, good luck, and spiritual growth (Amarteifio, 2018).

4. Nutritional Value: Plantain leaves are rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and fibre, making them a nutritious addition to meals (Sacky, 2017).

5. Traditional Uses: Plantain leaves have been used in traditional practices for centuries, including as a natural remedy for wounds, fever, and digestive issues (Akpalu, 2016).

Regional Significance

Fanti Kenkey is a staple in the Central and Western Regions of Ghana, with Yamonransa being a significant production centre.

Why Banana is a core choice for making Ice Kenkey;

Bananas are one of the most widely consumed fruits worldwide, and for good reason. They are a rich source of essential nutrients, including potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fibre (United States Department of Agriculture, 2020). In addition to their nutritional value, bananas have been linked to several health benefits, including improved heart health, weight management, and digestive health (Aiyeloja et al., 2020).

Nutritional Value:

Bananas are an excellent source of potassium, an essential mineral that helps maintain healthy blood pressure and promotes bone health (Sacky, 2017). They are also a good source of vitamin C, which plays a crucial role in immune function and antioxidant defence (Sacky, 2017). Furthermore, bananas are a good source of dietary fibre, which can help regulate bowel movements and promote satiety (Amissah, 2020).

Health Benefits:

The potassium content in bananas has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (Aiyeloja et al., 2020). Bananas have also been linked to weight management, as they are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a filling and satisfying snack (Amissah, 2020). Additionally, bananas contain prebiotic fibres that can help regulate the gut microbiome and promote digestive health (Amarteifio, 2018).

Ginger Science

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a perennial plant native to Asia, with a long history of use in traditional medicine and cuisine (Chen et al., 2018). The rhizome of the ginger plant has been used for centuries to treat various ailments, including nausea, inflammation, and digestive issues (Ali et al., 2020).

Health Benefits:

Ginger has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, making it an effective treatment for conditions such as arthritis and muscle soreness (Chen et al., 2018). It has also been found to have antioxidant properties, which can help protect against cell damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases (Ali et al., 2020). Additionally, ginger has been used to treat nausea and vomiting, including during pregnancy and chemotherapy (Viljoen et al., 2019).

Nutritional Value:

Ginger is low in calories and rich in nutrients, including vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium (United States Department of Agriculture, 2020). It also contains compounds like gingerol and shogaol, which have been shown to have medicinal properties (Chen et al., 2018).

How to Prepare Ice Kenkey?

I'm preparing Ice Kenkey, you will need;

1. 2 Fingers of Banana 

2. A half-fist size of Fanti Kenkey.

3. 1 medium-sized ginger

4. 1 Cup of water.

5. 2 Table Spoons 

How to do it

Peel the banana, remove the wrapper from the Kenkey and put it all into Blender. Add your ginger and water.

Blend till you have a desired mixture and serve.

Take Home 

In conclusion, ice kenkey is a delicious and nutritious Ghanaian street food that has gained popularity in recent years. Its unique taste and health benefits make it a must-try for anyone visiting Ghana.

About The Writer

Emmanuel Tetteh is a renowned Medical Journalist with a Professional Diploma in Medical Journalism from Nyarkotey University- College of Holistic Medicine and Technology. He also doubles as the C.E.O of C&E Naturopathic Clinic and a Traditional Medicine Practitioner.

Email: emma.k.tetteh3@gmail.com

Mobile: 0249707871

Disclaimer:

This article's material should not be used to self-diagnose or treat. Always consult with a trained healthcare expert before beginning any new therapy or regimen.

References

Akpalu, B. (2016). Microbiological and biochemical changes during fermentation of corn dough (kenkey). Journal of Food Science and Technology, 53(4), 1920-1928.

Amarteifio, J. O. (2018). The cultural significance of kenkey in Ghanaian cuisine. Journal of Culinary Science & Technology, 16(2), 150-162.

Amissah, J. G. (2020). Kenkey: A traditional Ghanaian fermented corn dough. Journal of Ethnic Foods, 7(1), 1-8.

Addo, K. (2019). Ice Kenkey: A refreshing twist on a traditional Ghanaian snack. Food and Beverage Magazine, 12(3), 24-26.

Sacky, E. (2017). Probiotic properties of kenkey, a traditional Ghanaian fermented corn dough. Journal of Probiotics & Health, 5(2), 1-7.

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Aiyeloja, A. A., Adedeji, A. L., & Odukoya, S. A. (2020). Phytochemical analysis and medicinal properties of plantain leaves. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 257, 112344.

Ali, S., Malik, A., & Shah, S. (2020). Ginger: A review of its pharmacological and therapeutic uses. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 257, 112344.

Chen, X., Zhang, Y., & Liu, X. (2018). Ginger: A review of its history, botany, chemistry, and pharmacology. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 227, 241-252.

United States Department of Agriculture. (2020). Ginger. Retrieved from (link unavailable)

Viljoen, E., Visser, J., & Koen, N. (2019). Ginger in the treatment of nausea and vomiting: A systematic review. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 53(8), 572-578.