EXAMINING THE INTERSECTION OF HUMAN NUTRITION AND YORUBA CULTURE

Abstract

The Yoruba people, one of Nigeria's largest ethnic groups, possess a rich cultural heritage that profoundly influences their dietary practices. This narrative review explores the intersection of Yoruba culture and human nutrition, highlighting the nutritional value of traditional foods, the socio-cultural factors shaping dietary choices, and the health implications of evolving food habits. Traditional Yoruba cuisine is characterised by a balanced intake of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, derived from staples like yam, cassava, and legumes, complemented by vegetable-based soups and fermented foods such as ogi. These diets are nutrient-dense, high in fibre, and emphasise plant-based ingredients, offering significant health benefits, including improved digestion and reduced risk of chronic diseases.
Cultural and social factors, including religious observances, gender roles, and communal celebrations, play a pivotal role in food preparation and consumption. However, urbanisation and globalisation have introduced processed foods and altered traditional eating patterns, contributing to rising rates of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. This review also examines the medicinal properties of indigenous ingredients like efirin (scent leaf), efo (African spinach), and ewedu (jute leaves), which are integral to both nutrition and traditional medicine.
A comparison with the modern Western diet underscores the health advantages of Yoruba dietary practices, which prioritise natural, minimally processed foods. Nevertheless, the encroachment of Western dietary habits poses a challenge to maintaining these traditions. This review advocates for integrating modern nutritional education with cultural dietary practices to promote healthier lifestyles while preserving Yoruba culinary heritage. By addressing these dynamics, this study contributes to culturally sensitive approaches to nutrition and public health interventions in Yoruba communities and beyond.