A popular Nigerian saying goes “Anyone who does not wear Ankara will not eat semo”. Of course, it is just a joke, but that joke exemplifies just how highly regarded semo is in this country.
While mostly enjoyed as a ball food with a side of delicious soup, Semovita can also be enjoyed as pudding or used as flour to bake delicious pastries.
Semovita is so widely consumed because it is easy to prepare and it tastes good, but perhaps most importantly because it is so nutritious. Rich in protein while containing no cholesterol, it is a nourishing choice, especially as you grow older.
Find below 8 amazing benefits of eating semolina:
Aids Weight Loss
One thing Nigerians commonly say about semolina is that ‘E dey hold belle’, meaning that it keeps you full for a long time. While most people attribute this to the relative heaviness of semolina to other foods, it actually has more to do with its nutritional content than its weight.
Semolina is very rich in protein as well as fiber, both of which cause the body to absorb it at a slower rate, thereby keeping you fuller for longer. As a consequence, you’re going to get hungry less quickly which means that you’re going to eat less which is great if you are trying to lose weight.
Helps To Ensure a Balanced Diet
Because of the presence of protein, Vitamin B complex and Vitamin E in semolina flour, you can use it to diversify your diet, pairing it with other food classes to make the best of your meals.
You can use semolina flour to make meals like homemade bread, cakes, and other pastries. It can also be used as a thickener in your soups, stews, and sauces.
Semolina should be included in any low-cholesterol diet as it’s low in fat and cholesterol.
Helps To Control Blood Sugar Levels
Nutritionists and doctors recommend semolina to their diabetic patients because of its low glycemic and high fiber content.
Blood sugar levels tend to spike after meals, but fiber helps to reduce the rate at which carbohydrates are absorbed into the bloodstream, thereby keeping the spikes minimal.
And this works both ways. The fiber helps controls rapid spikes as well as rapid declines in blood sugar.
So, if you know someone who’s diabetic, recommend Semolina as part of their diet.
It is Cholesterol-Free
Made from durum wheat, Semovita does not contain trans fatty acids, saturated fats or cholesterol. This helps to greatly reduce the risk of high cholesterol as well as heart disease.
There are two types of cholesterol. There is the “good” cholesterol also known as low-density lipoprotein [LDL] cholesterol. There is also the “bad’ cholesterol, otherwise known as high-density lipoprotein [HDL] cholesterol.
Durum wheat and subsequently semolina contains fiber which slows the rate at which the body absorbs LDL. Just five to ten grams of fiber per day will reduce your LDL significantly.
Provides Energy
You will stop the carb slander after reading this. While you might have been told by your favourite social media workout guru to “cut down on the carbs’, the truth is that you probably need more carbs than you are currently getting.
Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of energy and at least, a third of your diet should include carb-rich foods like Golden Penny Semovita. There are 72.6 grams of carbohydrates per every 100 grams of Golden Penny Semovita making it a delicious way to boost your energy and stay active.
Boosts Body Functions
Wheat products like Semovita are fantastic natural sources of essential vitamins, minerals and a myriad of other nutrients that can boost many body functions.
People who live active lifestyles would benefit from eating semolina Semolina as it plays a role in boosting their physical fitness and general wellbeing.
It contains phosphorus that is essential for metabolizing energy, and magnesium, which boosts bone, nerve and muscle function. Semolina flour also contains calcium for bone strength while zinc helps in boosting the immune system.
Boosts Iron In The Body
Iron is an essential mineral that helps the body perform multiple important functions. It boosts the production of hemoglobin which provides oxygen to the cells in your body. Iron helps boost the immune system and also keeps your energy levels up, so you don’t suffer from fatigue etc.
Supports Heart Function
The heart is the hardest-working organ in the body and it goes without saying that a well-functioning heart is important to wellness.
Semolina is rich in nutrients like fiber, folate, and magnesium – all of which boost heart function and may reduce your risk of heart disease.
If you take one thing away from this article, let it be this- you don’t need to wear Ankara to eat semo. You just need a desire to eat well and be well.
