When it comes to kidney health, what you eat matters a lot. Your kidneys help clean your blood, remove waste, and balance fluid levels in your body. Eating the right foods can help them stay healthy and prevent kidney disease.
According to WebMD, meals that are low in salt, low in fat, and rich in nutrients like antioxidants and fiber are good for your kidneys.
Many Nigerian soups are made from natural ingredients like leafy vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy oils that can help your kidneys function well. These are some Nigerian soups that are good for your kidney health.
1. Edikaikong Soup
This is one of the healthiest Nigerian soups. It is made with fresh green vegetables like fluted pumpkin leaves (ugu) and waterleaf. These vegetables are rich in antioxidants, which help protect the kidneys from damage.
2. Okra Soup
Okra is a vegetable that supports kidney health because it helps reduce inflammation and improves digestion. Okra soup is light, easy to digest, and very nutritious.
It is also rich in fiber and vitamin C, both of which support kidney function. It is advisable to use less salt and palm oil while preparing it in order to make it more kidney-friendly.
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3. Ogbono Soup
Ogbono (wild mango seeds) is full of healthy fats and fiber. This soup is filling and good for people who want to eat healthy without stressing their kidneys.
The soup helps regulate blood sugar, which is important because high blood sugar can damage the kidneys over time. Adding vegetables like ugu or bitter leaf to ogbono soup makes it even healthier.
4. Afang Soup
Afang soup is made with a mix of Okazi leaves and waterleaf. These green vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber that help reduce the buildup of waste in the kidneys.
The water content in waterleaf also helps with hydration, which is essential for good kidney function. Cooking Afang with less salt and healthy protein sources like fish makes it a great addition to a kidney-friendly diet.
5. Ewedu Soup
Ewedu, also known as jute leaves, is one of the most kidney-friendly Nigerian soups. It is low in calories, rich in fiber, and packed with antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamins A and C. These nutrients help reduce inflammation and support proper
6. Oha Soup
Oha soup, made with Oha (African rosewood) leaves, is another healthy choice. Oha leaves contain antioxidants that help remove toxins from the body, which is very helpful for the kidneys.
This soup, when cooked with low salt and palm oil, becomes a balanced and kidney-supportive meal.
While these Nigerian soups are naturally healthy, the way they are cooked matters a lot. Too much salt, maggi, or red oil can make even the healthiest soup dangerous for someone with kidney issues.