Important Facts You Should Aware Of About Consuming Ponmo

Ponmo, a widely enjoyed traditional dish in West Africa and areas with significant African populations, is referred to as “Kanda” in Hausa and “Welle” in Ghana.

This flavorful beef dish pairs well with soups, stews, vegetables, and sauces. It is commonly sold as a street food and snack, particularly in beer parlours where it is enjoyed alongside beer and other drinks.

Nonetheless, ponmo presents various health risks as well as advantages.

Here are the Health advantages of consuming ponmo:

1. Radiant skin

Ponmo is rich in collagen, which is vital for maintaining skin health, ensuring it remains firm, smooth, and youthful.

2. Enhances bone density

Collagen also contributes to stronger bones by mitigating bone density loss, which is crucial for preserving a robust skeletal structure as we grow older.

Additionally, ponmo is abundant in phosphorus and calcium, essential minerals for developing and sustaining strong bones. These nutrients work in tandem to promote bone health, making them essential for preventing ailments like osteoporosis.

3. Supports digestion

Ponmo is high in fiber, which aids in digestion and encourages regular bowel movements.

Fiber plays a key role in maintaining a healthy digestive system by facilitating smooth food transit through the digestive tract, lowering the chances of constipation, and enhancing overall gut health.

4. Rich source of energy

A 2024 study on ponmo published in Science Direct indicated that the highest nutritional benefits are present in wet white ponmo, which contains fiber, protein, and fat. Nevertheless, all types can serve as a valuable energy source.

The Al-Qadisiyah Journal for Agricultural Sciences (QJAS) offers details regarding the nutritional makeup of ponmo, covering aspects like moisture, energy, protein, total fat, and ash content.

Ponmo’s mineral content varies between 0.40-14.80 mg/100g, featuring key nutrients like phosphorus, calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, and potassium.

However, its nutritional benefits depend on proper preservation, cleaning, and handling during production, storage, and cooking

Here are the health Risks of Eating ponmo:

1. Fecal Contamination

A 2024 research article published in Science Direct indicated that ponmo and the soaking water showed the highest bacterial levels, highlighting the need for vendors to frequently change the water.

The detection of E. coli indicates possible fecal contamination, which can lead to food poisoning, typhoid, and other significant health issues.

2. Contact with pathogens and harmful chemicals

The process of melting cow hair exposes it to dangerous substances such as heavy metals, tire materials, and engine oil, which pollute the air.

Some vendors opt to burn cow skin, while others use chemical soaking methods to achieve a thicker texture. Foodborne illness outbreaks and product recalls have been associated with dried food.

In 2019, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) issued a warning against consuming animal skin due to possible chemical contamination. In February 2022, the agency expressed concerns over the distribution of contaminated ponmo in Lagos, Nigeria.