![images (2).jpeg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmfERcZzPTyqfuPVn3FcSMN3zb1rPJqCG5xmPnSVdPW9du/images%20(2).jpeg) [imagesource](https://images.app.goo.gl/8H5beBYNRLYx3b7m8)

## Introduction

Akamu or Ogi is an African delicacy made from maize - It is the starch extracted from maize. The starch is made by first grinding the maize and then mixing it with water and using a sieve to separate the starch (the filtrate) from the shaft by continuously adding water and stirring it.

![images.jpeg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmaE5nZcq6M27h7k6XoCoaRuatrNwtT67GMmJeM6GTvhqY/images.jpeg) [imagesource](https://images.app.goo.gl/DPnQh5D9r3y54Nug6)

The filtrate is allowed to settle, then the top, which is mostly water is decanted and then the starch, which settled at the bottom is set aside. This is your Akamu. Akamu contains lots of useful vitamins and minerals like, thiamin, folate, vitamins C and E, B, and K, magnesium phosphorus, zinc and coper. It also contains protein, sugar and Fat, and some antioxidants.

## Akamu as Food

![images (1).jpeg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmaPPx44wuj7n2VeLrpEcCbSiK6RJwVDYoNH3HKURMvQgE/images%20(1).jpeg) [imagesource](https://images.app.goo.gl/eGQi7VfEUgK2Tfz2A) Akamu is usually eaten cooked, by adding boiled water to it and continuously stiring it to get a good poridge. Sugar, milk and other beverages can be added to give it different tastes. It is usually eaten with food like beans, akara, moimoi, bread etc. Some people do take it alone.

## Akamu Protects Our Body From Damage

Vitamin C and antioxidants present in it helps in protecting our body cells from damage; and warding off diseases like heart disease and cancer.

## Akamu Promotes Healthy Eyes

Akamu made from yellow corn are very good for the eyes as they contain carotenoids which is very good for the health of the eyes by protecting it from diseases like cataracts.

## Akamu Abates Runny Stamoch

If you have runny stomach and a pharmacy is not close by, maybe because it's late at night, a very simple solution is to dissolve a little bit of Akamu in water, as if you want to prepare it with hot water, but without adding any hot water to it. Between four to five spoons of that taken raw stops the runny stomach in less than ten minutes.

## Akamu as a Treatment for Ulcer

Taking Akamu described above, morning and evening can help reduce the pain of ulcer or even cured it completely if taken consistently for a long time. Since it is food and has no side effects, it can be taken consistently for a long time until the ulcer disappears. However if you are watching your weight or your blood sugar, you should not take it so much because it contains a lot of carbohydrate (and sugar).

## Conclusion

Akamu or Ogi is a very delicious food in Africa and has lost of nutritive value and health benefits and should be a part of our daily diet. CC: @focusnow @steemalive @ngoenyi @ijelady @mesola