Maryam Abdullahi, in full Maryam Abdullahi Bala was born December 24th,1995, Adamawa state, Yola, Nigeria. She is a veteran northern Nigerian actress from Kano state known for her immense contribution in the Kannywood industry (The Hausa entertainment industry) where her career started. She adopted Maryam AB Yola as her stage name which she’s popularly known for in and outside of the kannywood industry.
Maryam Abdullahi was raised and schooled in Adamawa and subsequently Abuja where she spent most of her youth. Having being born with a strong passion for acting, she made sure to engage in activities that nurtured and shone her talent alongside her academics. Following her secondary school education, she decided to pursue a career in acting with of course the permission of her parents. Between the years 2011-2012, the kannywood industry welcomed Maryam Abdullahi as their newest member where she made her debut in the movie ‘Alkawari’.
Maryam Abdullahi’s talent and acting skills were undeniable and she consequently made a second appearance in another movie ‘NAS’ alongside the famous kannywood actor, musician and director, Adam A Zango, who was at the time her mentor. The movie ‘NAS’ was a love story of a young innocent girl and an emotionless, vicious thug which we would like to believe prompted the romantic relationship between the two-star actors.
Just after the premier of their first movie together in 2013, the couple, Adam A Zango and Maryam Abdullahi tied the knot in a grand wedding fatiha in Abuja. Life was rosy for the couple until few months after the wedding when the marriage unfortunately hit rock bottom and crashed. Eventually the knots were untied due to personal reasons known to just them and their families. The divorce between them drove Maryam into taking a long hiatus from the kannywood screen which in my opinion was good for her because she resurfaced in 2018 charged and ready to take on the kannywood industry.
Maryam Abdullahi took on another movie ‘mujadala’ after her comeback in 2018 and her zeal and hard work led her to even breaking into the hausa music industry where she was featured on songs like inda dadi, ribar soyayya, jigo na zuchiya ta and so much more.
Maryam was considered a promising actress and even city people movie award nominators thought the same when she was nominated for kannywood’s most promising actress of the year award. She also won several other awards including kannywood’s best actress award for her role in ‘Hafeez’ (2019). She is renowned for her outstanding performances on the screen especially in the movies Fauwax (2019), Hikimi, Akeelah (2019), and so much more.
Maryam Abdullahi’s impeccable beauty also didn’t go unnoticed and it bagged her another award from fresh hausa fulani for the best beautiful kannywood actress in 2020. Through her dedication and hard work, she has become a role model and mentor for upcoming actors and artists who wants to thrive in the competitive kannywood industry.
Despite Maryam’s failed attempt at love in 2013, the actress found love again in 2022 and unlike the first marriage, she is seemingly the happiest wife in the world as she displays affection for her husband and deep content in her marriage at the slightest chance she gets. Her fans expressed their delight for her new marriage and showered her with blessings and prayers. Although rumour has it that she announced her exit from kannywood and the big screen in general in 2020, she still has a lot of fans that love and look up to her.
Tuwon Alabo, or cassava swallow, as people like to call it, is a local dish made from cassava flour (Alabo), which is produced by fermenting peeled cassava in water, sun-drying the fermented cassava, and milling it into powdered form. This flour comes from a root vegetable called cassava. It is also a great substitute for wheat flour and yam flour in a variety of recipes, including tuwon masara. This article seeks to teach you how to prepare Tuwon Alabo.
In addition, Tuwon Alabo is widely consumed and enjoyed by most Nigerians, irrespective of tribe. It is popularly known as Lafun or White Amala in the western part of Nigeria.
The ingredients needed to make this delicacy are just cassava flour and water
Procedure for Preparing Tuwon Alabo
STEP1: Sieve the cassava flour (Alabo).
STEP 2: Place the cooking pot over medium heat, add water to the pot, and allow it to boil.
STEP 3: Once the water is boiled, remove it from the heat and stir in the sieved alabo with a wooden spatula into the boiled water. Stir continuously until it gets thick and smooth.
STEP 4: Add a little hot water to it and place it back on fire. Leave to cook on medium heat for at least 2 minutes or more to give a smooth-looking tuwo.
STEP 5: Stir again until it becomes smooth and lump-free.
STEP 7: Use the plastic fetcher or the calabash fetcher and pack the tuwo into a food warmer.
STEP 8: Serve hot with any soup of choice.
How to Serve Tuwon Alabo
Tuwon Alabo should be accompanied with Spinach Soup, Okro Soup, Bitterleaf Soup, or any soup of choice. Plain tuwo is somewhat neutral in terms of taste and would taste bland. It would also go perfectly well with any beverage you choose to use.
Occasions Best to Serve Tuwon Alabo
Tuwon Alabo can be served on any occasion whatsoever, as long as the dish is being enjoyed by its consumers.
How to Store Tuwon Alabo
Tuwon Alabo can be stored in a refrigerator like any other dish, and it can last for a very long time, but to the detriment of its delicious taste.
Nutritional Benefits of Tuwon Alabo
Fermented foods offer certain health benefits, including anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-mutagenic activities. It reduces several health risks, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, GI disorders, and obesity.
Tuwon Alabo plays an immense role in the health and nutritional status of people, as cassava flour is said to be an option for those with high cholesterol or high blood pressure because it contains low sodium sugar, and fat.
More so, cassava flour (Alabo) contains resistant starches that have a variety of potential health benefits; this includes improved digestive and colon health, improved insulin sensitivity, and may also help with weight loss efforts.
Cassava is widely known for its richness in carbohydrates, which are the main source of energy for the body and contain important vitamins and minerals. Therefore, Cassava Flour Snack, or Tuwon Alabo, is very beneficial to the body.
Conclusion
Now that we’ve seen how easy it is to prepare Tuwon Alabo and its contribution to the body, I trust that I have been able to help someone here with dinner preparations.
If that person is you, please leave a comment in the comments section on how this piece has been helpful to you and the final outcome of your Tuwo.
Ever heard of the old adage, “You are what you eat?” Well, it has never been truer! As time goes by, exposure to ultraviolet rays can cause premature aging of the skin and a sign of sun damage such as wrinkles, leathery skin, sunburns, skin cancer, and the list goes on. However, feeding your skin with essential supplies can go a long way in protecting your skin from these numerous skin problems, thereby giving it healthy and supple-looking skin. To get amazing results, a natural approach is an ideal way! Including fruits in your daily diet provides you with that natural glow and shine that you have been looking for! So why are you stressing over your facials when all you need is within arm’s reach? Technology has even made it less stressful for you, as you can now easily get all the best fruits for healthy skin at your doorstep at any time.
According to experts,fruits are rich in antioxidants that prevent oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Getting that healthy-looking skin requires a healthy dose of nutrients that can only be gotten from consuming the right fruits and vegetables. Those same fruits that you thought were just meant to satisfy your taste buds and starving stomachs actually do so much more than that! They contain an optimal level of nutrients and minerals, most of which are present in all the best fruits for healthy skin. So if you have not been religious about eating your fruit and veggies, I think it’s high time you start now!
What Makes Up Healthy Skin?
A healthy skin is an oxidant-free skin. It is skin that is well hydrated, blemished, and acne-free and has a fine texture. It is neither dry, flaky, nor wrinkled.
Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants boosts the production of collagen and elastin. These fibers keep the skin firm, thereby delaying skin aging and preventing various skin problems.
Let me quickly fill you in with all the best fruits for healthy skin!
11 Best Fruits for Healthy Skin
1. Watermelon
A healthy skin is a well-hydrated skin, and what better way to get hydrated than through the use of water? As the name implies, ‘watermelon’ is a naturally hydrating agent as it contains 92% water. The high water content in this refreshing fruit hydrates your skin to its peak, giving it that yummy glow. It contains essential vitamins like vitamins C, A, B1, and B6 that help maintain even and radiant skin. Rich in antioxidants, lycopene, and vitamin C, watermelon may help lower inflammation and oxidative damage. It is perfect for sensitive or acne-prone skin types.
2. Mango
Aside from being tasty, mangoes have a long list of benefits, as they have healthy nutrients that can help support your skin and overall health. This succulent fruit is a rich source of fiber and dietary sugar and contains vitamins A, C, E, and K. The antioxidant called zeaxanthin in mangoes may help you prevent premature aging and protect your skin from sun damage, which is linked to free radicals.
Mangoes also serve as an anti-inflammatory agent for the skin.
3. Orange
Generally, citrus fruits are one of the highest sources of vitamin C and good amounts of other vitamins and minerals necessary for healthy-looking skin; however, oranges rank higher! This juicy citrus fruit has the highest vitamin C content amongst all citrus fruits and one medium orange provides 70mg of vitamin C which is essential in the production of collagen, one of the building blocks of the skin.
Aside from being a high source of vitamin C, oranges contain more vitamins, including A, E, B1, B2, B3, B5, and B9. They also help in promoting healthy skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, and assisting in the healing process of blemishes.
4. Papaya
Papaya, also known as paw-paw, has gained immense popularity for its wonderful results in terms of skincare. Several antioxidants are found in papaya, most notably vitamins C, A, and E which help boost the immune system. It has also been used in many skincare products over time, so if you are longing for healthy, clear, and blemish-free skin, then you should start thinking of making papaya part of your daily diet.
Who knew cucumbers were actually fruits and not vegetables? Apparently, they are from the same family as watermelons and pumpkins. Well, this super fruit helps moisturize and soothe the skin as it has a high level of moisture, which is essential for healthy and glowing skin. They have small amounts of vitamin K and vitamin A that boost the immune system and subsequently boost the production of collagen.
Antioxidants such as beta-carotene in cucumbers can help fight free radicals in your body that ravage the skin and cause numerous skin problems. Putting them on your skin may help ease sunburn pain, swelling, and damaged skin.
These molecules are solely responsible for the damaging of cells and increased oxidative stress that promotes the aging of the skin and other skin issues; the antioxidants present in tomatoes alleviate the chances of this happening. They are alsoa great source of vitamin C, potassium folate, and vitamin K.
7. Kiwi
High in antioxidants (Alpha-tocopherol), vitamin C, and dietary fiber, kiwi fruit fights against free radicals, thereby preventing oxidative stress, which can result in cell damage and signs of aging. The physical appearance alone of the kiwi fruit shows that it is no ordinary fruit! And what else is expected of an extraordinary fruit if not an endless supply of general health benefits, which include skin health?
I am of the opinion that whoever wrote the famous saying ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’ must have omitted that an apple a day also keeps the dermatologist away! The nutrients and minerals this fruit carries are not only crucial for your health systematically but also skin-wise, as they provide extra protection from the UV rays coming from the sun. Apples are rich in vitamins A, C, and B complex, catechin, quercetin, soluble fiber, and chlorogenic acid, which are responsible for many health benefits. They regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation as they fight against oxidants. Regularizing your intake of apples helps get rid of pathogens and excess oil and boosts the renewal of skin cells. They also work as a natural skin toner, as they assist in the brightening of the skin as well as uneven and blemished skin tones.
In addition, apples contain a lot of water, which assists in the hydration process of the skin, giving it a hydrated and healthy look. Applying apple juice or using mashed apple paste as a face mask regularly can give you some relief from acne.
9. Banana
Another one of the best fruits for healthy skin is our very yummy and beloved banana. This fruit contains alpha and beta-carotene, selenium, choline, catechins, and soluble fiber, all of which have antioxidant properties that relieve the skin from oxidant-induced problems like chronic inflammation. One medium-sized banana can provide up to 33% of vitamin B6, and like most fruits, it contains a good amount of vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system, production of collagen, and healing process. They also contain healthy nutrients and 7.5 mg of flavonoids while providing protection from free radicals. Bananas can be eaten sliced or mashed or a smoothie can also be made out of them.
10. Lemon
Looking for something that sends acne and blemishes away within a twinkle of an eye? Well, finding it is easy, peasy, lemon squeezy! Lemon is one fruit that works wonders in the body and on the skin; it is one of the best fruits for healthy skin. Lemon juice naturally contains antioxidants that may help reduce skin damage and premature aging. Due to their massive vitamin C content, lemons are very effective in brightening up the skin complexion and reducing dark spots and acne on the skin. They also protect the skin from further damage caused by ultraviolet rays.
11. Avocado
A slice of avocado and kiss that stubborn acne goodbye! Avocados are renowned for their exceptional skin benefits and are used as an ingredient in many skincare products. They possess anti-inflammatory properties which may help ease sunburns and help reduce the redness and inflammation associated with acne. Avocados may help speed up the healing process of wounds, and dry, flaky, and irritated skin as the essential fatty acids and oleic acid in avocado oil can promote the production of collagen and the formation of new healthy skin. They also help reduce inflammation during the healing process.
The combination of vitamins E and C present in consuming avocados may help provide protection to the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. In addition to these vitamins, avocado oil contains dietary fiber, lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamins A, K, B3, and B6 as well as riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, potassium, lecithin, beta carotene, omega-3 fatty acids and many other nutrients that can nourish, soothe and moisturize the skin. These may also reduce the risk of acne.
Conclusion
We all know that the first signs of aging usually appear on the skin, using harsh chemical products may affect the skin further, and I can personally attest to that. Consuming rich vitamins such as those found in all the best fruits for healthy skin can help the skin retain its elasticity and render it young again.
Irish potatoes (white potatoes) are a common food in many parts of the world. They are one of the most consumed and enjoyed vegetables worldwide, as they are very easy to prepare and pleasing to the eyes and stomach. Due to the versatility of Irish potatoes, they have become a primary ingredient in all types of cuisine, as they can easily be fried, boiled, mashed, baked, or cooked as porridge. It also serves as a complement to different dishes, and new recipes can be created from them, like our delicious Irish potato porridge recipe for today.
Irish potato porridge, also known as white potato porridge, is a simple and fast meal to prepare, just like sweet potato porridge and yam porridge. It is not only super mouth-watery but also naturally packaged with medicinal benefits. Interested? Let me guide you through.
To begin with, for this easy Irish potato recipe, we need:
Irish Potatoes Vegetable oil or Palm oil Onion Red and Green Bell peppers (tatta sai) Chilies (shombo) Habanero Pepper(atarugu) Seasoning cubes Salt (to taste) Carrots (optional) Garlic Ginger Curry Scent leaves (efirin) Fresh Pumpkin leaves (Ugu) or Spinach (Alayaahu) Water Stock (chicken meat or fish)—optional
Procedures for Preparing Irish Potato Porridge
The preparation of some Irish potato porridge is somewhat similar to that of yam and sweet potato porridge. However, I really love to get creative and spice things up a bit. So, if you’re curious about this special and easy recipe, keep reading!
STEP 1: Wash and season beef, chicken, or fish with enough garlic, ginger, curry, thyme, and seasoning cubes to your own taste (for this Irish potato porridge recipe, I will be using beef). Cook till almost tender.
STEP 2: Separate the beef from the stock once it is cooked and cut the beef into bits. Set aside.
STEP 3: Add a little water to the meat stock in order to have enough stock for the potato porridge and boil.
STEP 4: Peel the potatoes, wash them, and cut them into medium sizes. Stir in potatoes to the already boiling beef stock and cook for at least 5 minutes to absorb the flavor.
STEP 5: Taste for salt and add seasoning cubes if necessary. (It is necessary to cut down on salt since the beef stock is already well seasoned.)
STEP 6: Add in oil of choice (preferably vegetable oil), chopped bell peppers, chilies, and onions. Add beef bits as well, and leave the mixture on fire to cook on high heat till it becomes very soft.
NB: Unlike yam and sweet potato, Irish potato is waxy in nature. It does not have a high starch content as it still holds its form even after cooking, which is why it is less likely to be mashed and to take on a thick form on its own. So you can decide to remove and mash some of your potatoes and add them back to help thicken the porridge if you think it’s too watery.
STEP 7: While the porridge is still cooking, wash and cut the leaves and carrots.
STEP 8: Remove the lid and stir the potato porridge well, then add the carrots, pumpkin leaves, and scent leaves. Reduce heat and leave to simmer for about 3 minutes.
STEP 9: Put off the heat and serve steaming hot.
How to Serve Irish Potato Porridge
This Irish potato porridge can be served as a main dish or as a side dish; whichever way, it still tastes great. It can absolutely be enjoyed with bread or any desired pastry, and beverages of any kind, like zobo, are also welcome to complement this yummy dish.
Occasions Best to Serve Irish Potato Porridge
The serving of Irish potato porridge is up to you! It can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, whichever way you prefer, and on any occasion. Serve this at any event, and I bet your guests will come asking for more.
How Irish Potato Porridge is Stored
Leftover Irish potato porridge should always be stored in the refrigerator to prevent it from being stale and to ensure proper preservation.
Nutritional Benefits of Irish Potato PorridgeRecipe
Studies on Irish potatoes have shown that they have a higher level of dietary fibre and carbohydrate which improves digestion, optimizes body function, and regularizes bowel movements. The vitamin C content in Irish potatoes prevents scurvy and also serves as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that repairs damaged cells within the body. also supports the immune system and gives relief to any form of inflammation, such as arthritis.
Consuming potatoes will give a good source of potassium to the body which is capable of lowering blood pressure and preventing heart attacks, it also works to reduce cramps, therefore, proving Irish potato porridge is a nutritious and medical dish.
Are there more benefits to eating Irish potato porridge? Oh yes! The dietary fiber and carbohydrates present in the potatoes help with both weight loss and weight gain, which lots of people work hard towards achieving. The nutrients obtained from eating a potato dish also help the skin regenerate and maintain healthy skin.
Is that all? Oh no! Because of the other ingredients present in the dish, it is loaded with carbohydrates, proteins, minerals vitamins, and even fat and oil—these are what I like to call the complete package.
Conclusion
And it’s a wrap for this luscious Irish potato recipe my dear comrades! It is indeed very simple, easy to prepare, and has a variety of impressive health benefits. I have no doubt that you can make this Irish potato porridge at home for your family and friends. Please make me proud by sharing their thoughts and yours in the comments section below. Let’s get cooking guys!
Sweet potatoes are root vegetables that are highly nutritious and a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is a great substitute for African yams in many local recipes. These recipes include porridge, which happens to be our main focus today. The sweet potato porridge recipe, or pottage, as some people like to refer to it, or Faten Dankali in Hausa, is a typical Nigerian dish that features mostly vegetables like sweet potatoes and some of our local condiments, which makes it more of a medicine than just a means to quench hunger. This potato porridge recipe is pretty standard, easy, and very healthy.
Furthermore, it is a homemade recipe that can be done easily with few ingredients. These ingredients can be found anywhere, regardless of location, and are ready to be consumed in no time. All potatoes are actually welcome in this recipe.
If you wish to be a partaker of all this goodness, then keep scrolling!
Healthy potato porridge is made of all the ingredients below:
Sweet Potatoes Palm Oil Onions (chopped or diced) Fresh Pepper (atarugu) Chili (shombo) Bell Pepper (tattasai) Crayfish (ground) Seasoning Cubes Salt Garlic Fresh Ugu Leaves or Spinach (Alayyahu) Scent Leaves (efirin) or Basil Leaves Water or Stock (meat or fish)
NOTE: All ingredients listed above are the necessary ingredients in this recipe. You can also add, substitute, or subtract any ingredient to suit your taste perfectly, as there is no rule that says you cannot add to the already-listed ingredients.
Let’s get creative, guys!
Procedures for Preparing Sweet Potato Porridge
STEP 1: Peel and chop the potatoes into desired sizes. Put it in a bowl of water immediately to avoid discoloration.
STEP 2: Wash vegetables with vinegar or salt, cut them carefully, and put them into a clean bowl.
STEP 3: Blend all the different peppers and set them aside. Then;
STEP 4: Place a pot on fire and add enough oil that can go around for the number of potatoes chopped. Add onions to the oil once it gets hot, but do not let the oil bleach.
STEP 5: Immediately after the oil starts to sizzle, add blended pepper and fry for some time before adding seasoning cubes, salt, crayfish, and any other ingredient of choice. Stir well.
STEP 6: Add a reasonable amount of water or meat stock to the mixture and boil for a few minutes.
STEP 7: Stir in the potatoes and make sure the water is up to the potato level; if not, add in more water, cover the pot, and allow it to boil. Stir occasionally to help the porridge thicken, and add more water if it’s still too dry.
STEP 8: Once the porridge has taken on a thick form, add the vegetables and leaves and leave to simmer on medium heat for a minute in order to retain the nutrients in the vegetables.
STEP 9: Remove from heat, and your sweet potato porridge is ready!
How to Serve Sweet Potato Porridge
The sweet potato porridge recipe can eminently be consumed with beverages and complements of any kind as you see fit, or it could just be taken plain without anything; either way, it will still taste great. Needless to say, sweet potato porridge is best served hot.
OccasionsBest to Serve Sweet Potato Porridge
Although sweet potato porridge is said to be a really healthy way to start the day, as it is full of fiber, healthy carbs, and vitamin A, we cannot call it a breakfast meal; it can be served at any time of the day or on any occasion whatsoever, as we need nutrients every hour of the day.
How Sweet Potato Porridge Is Stored
In order to retain the quality of sweet potato porridge, it is advised to store it in a refrigerator where it stays fresh and does not go bad.
Nutritional Benefits of Sweet Potato Porridge
Studies show that just one sweet potato provides 400% of the vitamin A needed each day, which helps keep the eyes healthy, prevents macular degeneration, and helps boost the immune system. As they are rich in antioxidants and enhance brain functioning, they are shown to be a better source of beta-carotene than most vegetables. With the number of nutrients sweet potatoes give when consumed, they may help with diseases like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and many more. Let’s not forget the other vegetables and ingredients in the porridge, which is also highly rich in vitamins and protein.
In essence, sweet potato porridge is very nutritious, medicinal, and healthy, as we effectively get a good amount of all our daily vitamins in just one meal.
Conclusion
This homemade sweet potato porridge recipe is tasty, nutritious, very healthy, and a great substitute for yam porridge to lessen the intake of carbs into the body system. Now that you have reached this point with me, my faithful comrades, here’s a huge tip: be a full partaker of all this goodness! Try it at home and share it with your family and friends. Don’t be stingy, guys! And like I said earlier, be creative to the best of your ability.
If this recipe was in any way helpful to you, please leave a comment in the comments box and let me know the final outcome of your first tryout of this recipe.
