Afang ( Gnetum africanun) is the most widely acceptable green leaves used in preparing soup in Nigeria, especially the Southern part of the country where the afang soup was initially originated from.
The leaves contains carbohydrate, protein, fibre and fat with calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc.
Gnetum africanun serves many purposes.
It can be used as both food and medicine. It contains the recommended level of amino acid, which is essential for healthy living.
The leaves also serve as antiinflammatory, anticarcinogenic and antioxidant.
With the recommended level of fibre, the afang leaves helps in weight loss and digestion. It a highly recommended leaves for patient suffering from obesity and for those having difficulties with digestion and metabolism.
People having sore throat can also chew the afang leaves. And those suffering from malaria can also use the leaves as treatment.
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The nutritional composition of the leaves makes it a good source of food when they are being used in preparing delicacies. The leaves can also be used in treating skin diseases such as rashes, eczema, just by applying the water extracted from the leaves on the affected area.
Afang soup which is one of the delicacies from the afang leaves is generally accepted as the best soup in Nigeria. Not just for the taste, but also for the nutrients in it.
Traditionally, the soup has been given so much attention in Nigeria and other parts of the world. The soup can simply be prepared by cutting the afang leaves into pieces and then pound it with a mortar.
With water leaves and other food ingredients such as palm oil, meat, fish, periwinkles, pepper, etc, you can prepare a delicious afang soup.
Every part of Gnetum africanun is essential and important to the body.
The leaves can be used as food, treating of sore throat, rashes etc. The leaves can also be used by pregnant women during childbirth inorder to reduce pains, and can also be used by men
to reduce menstrual pains. Both the seeds and leaves have been proven medically efficient for treating enlarged spleen. The seeds can be chewed raw to control excessive urination in kids and adults as well.
Medicinally, Gnetum africanun is attributed to curing different diseases of mankind.
