Going the natural route is unarguably one of the best ways to stay healthy. Palm wine is one of the free gifts of nature that has natural health benefits. Filled with antioxidant, Vitamin C, palm wine is known to promote good eye health and give other benefits to the body.
Palm wine, which is a popular tasty drink, is obtained from the sap of various species of palm trees such as the Palmyra, date palms, and coconut palms. Its popularity spans across West Africa, Central Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and South America.
Palm wine is good for our bodies. We shall dive deep into its health benefits below:
- Fighting cancer
This may seem unbelievable, but it is true. Palm wine contains riboflavin, which is also known as Vitamin B2. Riboflavin is an antioxidant which helps in the fight against some cancer-causing agents called free radicals. Drinking fresh palm wine moderately supplies the body with the right amount of Vitamin B2.
- Good for eyesight
Palm wine is made up of antioxidants, Vitamin C, which helps in maintaining good eye health. In addition, palm wine also contains Vitamin B1 (thiamine), which also helps in improving our vision. No wonder it has been debatable that our grandparents in the village have better eyesight than us because palm wine is their beverage.
- Maintaining healthier skin, hair and nails
Palm wine contains Iron and vitamin B complex. These components give healthy skin, hair, and nails. Moreso, Iron is very useful for the development, growth, and functioning of some cells in our body. Palm wine also promotes wound healing because it repairs the tissues and builds healthy cells.
- Reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases
According to research, heart failure, which is an example of cardiovascular disease, can be regulated by drinking moderate amounts of palm wine. This study was conducted by Lindberg and Ezra in 2008. Furthermore, there is potassium in palm wine which has been proven to improve heart health and reduce hypertension.
- Promotes lactation
In countries like Cameroon, Ghana, and Nigeria, palm wine helps a lactating mother when she has little or no breast milk production. This solution is effective.
The addition of preservatives and sweeteners spoils the content of palm wine; therefore making it unhealthy to drink. On the contrary, just like every other thing that is excessively consumed, palm wine can have its negative effect as well. Fermented palm wine drank in excess is detrimental to one’s health. Fermented palm wine is like spoilt fruits, only in rare cases can it be good for use.
In conclusion, if we must consume palm wine for its sweetness and various health benefits, then we should take fresh palm wine.