Palm wine advantages and disadvantages
Palm wine is a traditional alcoholic beverage made from the sap of various species of palm trees. The drink is called different names among different people in Nigeria. It is called Mmanya among the Igbo, Gya in Hausa, Emu or Oguro among the Yorubas and Ukot mmong among the Anang people of the South-south Akwa Ibom State.
Here are some advantages and disadvantages of palm wine.
Advantages of palm wine
There are numerous advantages of palm wine and they are as follows,
It contains some essential nutrients
Palm wine is rich in vitamins A, B, C,E, amino acids, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus and minerals.
It boosts the immune system
As mentioned above, palm wine is rich in vitamin C which is important for the immune system. Vitamin C helps to protect the body from disease and infection.
It has antioxidant properties
In palm wine, there is the presence of antioxidant properties which serve as potential health benefits to the human system.
Palm wine aids in digestion
This is another benefit of palm wine. It contains a compound called Pectin, which helps in the absorption of water and toxins in the intestine and can help in relieving constipation and bloating. It also helps to break down food more effectively.
It cures malaria
One of the most well-known health benefits of palm wine is that it can help cure malaria. Palm wine has been effective in treating malaria because it contains a called Quinine, which is an antimalarial drug.
Palm wine has cultural significance
In cultures such as Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa and many others, palm wine holds significant cultural and ceremonial value, playing a role in social gatherings and traditional practices.
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5 Disadvantages of palm wine
Here are the disadvantages of drinking palm wine
- It decreases blood clotting leading to uncontrollable bleeding therefore posing health risks to consumers.
- Its alcoholic contents may have detrimental effects on one’s physical and mental well-being.
- Excessive consumption of palm wine can lead to various health issues, including liver damage, addiction, and impaired cognitive function.
- Palm wine could give rise to neurological symptoms such as affecting body rigidity and muscle contraction.
- Fermented palm wine contains a high percentage of alcohol, which is probably higher than what is found in some of the alcoholic beverages we drink. Since the lifespan of palm wine is twelve hours, that means fermented palm wine can destroy the liver, kidney and other vital organs in the body. This might result to hypertension.
Frequently Asked Questions About Palm Wine
Q. What is the work of palm wine in the body?
A. Palm wine helps to maintain a healthier body if taken responsibly. It is a proud carrier of vitamin B complex and Iron.
Q. What are the negative effects of drinking too much palm wine?
A. Drinking too much palm wine can cause drunkenness, dizziness, addiction, and light headaches. It can also damage the heart, pancreas, liver, brain and other vital organs.
Conclusively,
Individuals need to be mindful of the way they consume palm wine. There is a need to take into consideration their physical and mental health and consume it responsibly.
