Memory boost with gonja

Apr 03, 2011

GONJA is one of Africa’s oldest plantains. It is a type of banana, quite similar to matooke and the yellow banana, but with less sugar.

By Viqué-Ocean Kahinju
GONJA is one of Africa’s oldest plantains. It is a type of banana, quite similar to matooke and the yellow banana, but with less sugar.

Damalie Gusenga, a nutritionist at Ebenezer Health Centre in Kampala, says people prepare plantains differently but in order to benefit from the plants nutrients, it is advisable to boil or steam the plantain with its peels. Steamed gonja gives the body more nutritional values than the grilled, fried or roasted one,” explains Gusenga.

Nutrients in gonja
Alexander Mugisha, a nutritionist in Kampala, says, being a potassium-rich food, gonja plays a great role of lowering blood pressure and guarding against risks of heart diseases.

At least three servings of the plantain, a week, will keep you healthy, he adds.
Gonja is rich in Vitamin A, which helps check poor night vision, dry inflamed eyes, dry and rough skin, loss of appetite and diarrhoea.

The plantain also increases resistance to infection such as a cold. “Severe deficiency of Vitamin A may cause weak bones and teeth and in extreme cases partial blindness, explains Mugisha.

Steamed gonja comprises vitamin B6, Vitamin C that boost immunity. Vitamin C plays a significant role in the production of collagen, a structural protein that strengthens blood vessels, aiding body tissue development and boosts immunity to diseases, Mugisha adds.

Among other vitamins embedded in the gonja are thiamin (Vitamin A), riboflavin (Vitamin B2), niacin (Vitamin B3), pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5), pyridoxine (Vitamin B6), folate (Vitamin B9), zinc, protein, copper, natural fats and sugars, as well as carbohydrates and iron.

Gonja can improve body flexibility by energising the body thus reducing fatigue and acting as an anti-depressant.

The plantain also supports brain function, boosting memory and checking nervous system disorders and anaemia.

Gonja recipe
Preparation
Select relatively ripe gonja, wash them thoroughly to remove soil and dirt. Cut off the tips of the plantain and steam the plantains for about 20 minutes till completely cooked. The more ripe the plantain, the faster it will cook. When ready, peel and cut the plantain into thin slices.
Serve as a side dish.
Compiled by Viqué-Ocean Kahinju

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