Africans’ uniqueness is the foods or diets and cultural diversity; many African foods can be taken for weight loss.
Loss of weight, however, is more difficult these days. Many people never do things right, even after trying different weight loss plans with food.
Several foods from Africa can help lose weight; some do not originate in Africa but are widely consumed in Africa.
These foods help lose weight
1. Unripe plantain
Unripe plantain is much better than ripe plantain when trying to lose weight. The greens have resistant starch, while the tough starch in the yolks has turned into sugar. And resistant starch helps with weight loss by boosting metabolism and reducing fat.
2. Egg
Even though high egg consumption raises the “bad” LDL cholesterol level in some people, they are one of the African foods to eat if you need to lose weight. They are rich in protein and fat and are very filling.
Research shows that overweight women who eat eggs for breakfast can lose twice as much weight as people who start their day with bagels.
3. Brown Rice
Brown rice is not ordinary rice in Africa, but it is an excellent source of phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are links to lowering the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. It has fiber and resistant starch that burns fat in the body. It is low in calories but filling. The filling nature of brown rice is why most people go for it as a weight loss meal.
4. Sweet Potatoes
It is another source of resistant starch that allows you to feel satiety. It has nutritional support for the body with vitamins A, C, calcium, iron, and potassium. Sweet potatoes are also low in calories and contain dietary fiber.
5. Beans
Beans help with weight loss, as studies suggest. On a per-serving basis, there are more than 5 grams of protein and fiber in beans. It also contains resistant starch, which is nearly 2 grams in a half-cup. All of these nutrients are necessary for weight loss.
6. chili pepper
Chilli uses in the preparation of Moi Moi (bean pudding), jollof rice, etc. It contains a powerful compound called capsaicin. The ability of capsaicin is seen in the ability to increase fat burning time and as a vitamin C source.
7. Irish potatoes
Irish potatoes are high in carbohydrates, but they are still one of the meals that will reduce your weight. Potatoes are great for weight loss when you eat them in moderation. A good feature of potatoes is that you feel full when you have potatoes as a meal. Potatoes are number one in the satiation index according to the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
8. Nuts
Nuts like cashew, walnut, etc., despite being high in fat, nuts are not as fattening as you might expect. They are a great snack, containing balanced amounts of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Researchers have shown that eating nuts can improve metabolic health and even promote weight loss.
Besides, population studies have shown that people who eat nuts tend to be healthier and leaner than those who do not.
9. Spinach
Green leafy vegetables like spinach and a few others speed up the weight loss process because they are small in calories but high in insoluble fiber, making it easier to lose weight. Before you start eating this, make sure your meal is a healthy plan. If possible, you can consult an expert to advise you on including spinach in your diet for weight loss purposes.
10. Avocados
Avocados are exceptional fruit with loads of healthy fats, while most fruits are rich in carbohydrates. They are incredibly high in monounsaturated oleic acid, the same type of fat found in olive oil.
Although they are primarily fatty, avocados also contain a lot of water and fiber, making them less energy-dense than you might think.
