Akamu

Akamu

Breakfast

Item Rating: 78/100

1 serving (50 grams) contains 184 calories, 3.5 grams of protein, 0.8 grams of fat, and 40.0 grams of carbohydrates.

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868.3
calories
16.6
protein
189.3
carbohydrates
3.5
fat

Nutrition Information

1 cup (236.6g)
Calories
868.3
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 3.5 g 4%
Saturated Fat 0.5 g 2%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg 0%
Sodium 23.7 mg 1%
Total Carbohydrates 189.3 g 68%
Dietary Fiber 5.9 g 21%
Sugars 0 g
protein 16.6 g 33%
Vitamin D 0 mcg 0%
Calcium 23.7 mg 1%
Iron 5.9 mg 32%
Potassium 354.9 mg 7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Food Attributes

🍯 Low sugar
🧂 Low sodium
🧂 Low salt

Source of Calories

88.6%
7.8%
3.7%
Fat: 31 cal (3.7%)
Protein: 66 cal (7.8%)
Carbs: 757 cal (88.6%)

About Akamu

Akamu, also known as Ogi, is a traditional fermented cereal pudding popular in West African cuisine, particularly Nigeria and Ghana. It is made from grains like maize, sorghum, or millet, soaked, fermented, and finely sieved to produce a smooth paste. Akamu is typically cooked into a porridge and served warm, often paired with milk, sugar, or side dishes. Nutritionally, Akamu is a good source of carbohydrates (80g per 100g), providing energy, with moderate amounts of protein (7g) and low fat (1.5g). It also contains calcium (10mg), iron (2.5mg), and dietary fiber (2.5g), contributing to mineral intake and digestion. While low in vitamins C and D, Akamu's fermentation process aids digestive health by fostering beneficial microorganisms. This dish is a staple comfort food and breakfast item in many households.

Health Benefits

  • Provides sustained energy due to its high carbohydrate content (80g per 100g)
  • Enhances iron intake, supporting red blood cell production and preventing anemia (2.5mg iron per 100g)
  • Promotes digestive health through dietary fiber (2.5g per 100g) and fermentation-based probiotics

Dietary Considerations

Allergens: Contains corn, sorghum, millet
Suitable for: Vegetarian, low-fat
Not suitable for: Gluten-free (unless made with non-gluten grains), low-carb

Selection and Storage

Store uncooked Akamu paste in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3-5 days. Cooked Akamu should be refrigerated and consumed within 2 days.

Common Questions About Akamu Nutrition

Is Akamu high in protein?

Akamu is relatively low in protein, containing about 7 grams per 100 grams of dry powder. It is primarily a carbohydrate-rich food, making it less suitable as a primary protein source but can be paired with protein-rich foods for a more balanced meal.

Can I eat Akamu on a keto diet?

No, Akamu is not suitable for a keto diet because it is high in carbohydrates, providing 80 grams of carbs per 100 grams of dry powder. This exceeds the daily carbohydrate limit typically allowed on a ketogenic diet.

What are the health benefits of Akamu?

Akamu, also known as pap, is easy to digest and can serve as a quick energy source due to its high carbohydrate content. It's a natural and minimally processed food, low in fat, and beneficial for people needing a light, easy-to-digest meal. However, its low protein and fiber content mean it should be complemented with other nutrient-rich foods.

What is a recommended serving size for Akamu?

A typical serving size for Akamu is about 250-300 ml of the cooked porridge, which is usually made by adding water to the dry powder. This serving size contains approximately 80-100 calories but varies depending on additions like sugar or milk. It's best consumed with protein-rich or fiber-rich sides for a balanced meal.

How does Akamu compare to oatmeal in terms of nutrition?

Compared to oatmeal, Akamu is significantly higher in carbohydrates (80g in Akamu vs. 68g in oatmeal per 100g) and lower in protein (7g in Akamu vs. 13g in oatmeal). Oatmeal also has more fiber (10g compared to 2.5g in Akamu) and better supports satiety and digestive health, while Akamu is lighter and easier to digest.

Data Sources & Scientific References

Our nutrition data comes from trusted, authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and reliability. Below are specific scientific references and authoritative sources for this food item.

Additional Authoritative Sources:

Daily value percentages based on FDA guidelines. Nutrient recommendations from NIH Office of Dietary Supplements and Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

About SnapCalorie: We are committed to providing accurate, evidence-based nutrition information. Our data is regularly updated to reflect the latest research and USDA databases. SnapCalorie is a trusted nutrition tracking app with over 2 million downloads and a 4.8/5 star rating.