Shea butter is renowned in the Western world for its moisturizing properties in cosmetics. However, in Africa, it is an essential culinary ingredient, bringing a unique richness to various traditional dishes. Here’s why including shea butter in your diet could be beneficial.
Although popular in the beauty industry in the West, shea butter has culinary roots in Africa. This nutritional treasure is derived from the oil extracted from shea nuts and enriches many African recipes. Used in sauces or for frying regional specialties, shea butter should be consumed cooked and can even be found in chocolate delights.
Nutritional Benefits of Shea Butter
Unrefined shea butter is full of nutritional benefits:
Essential Fatty Acids: Abundantly present, oleic acid (40 to 60%) and linoleic acid (3 to 10%) are found in shea butter, providing cardiovascular benefits and vital contributions as omega 9 and omega 6.
Saturated Fatty Acids: It is also a source of stearic acid (30 to 50%), palmitic acid (2 to 7%), and arachidonic acid (<2%), which are essential for a balanced diet in fats.
Vital Vitamins: Shea butter is a storehouse of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant for body cells, and vitamin A, crucial for vision and the immune system.
Triterpenes: These compounds lend shea butter its notable anti-inflammatory properties.
Therefore, far from being confined to a mere beauty ingredient, shea butter is a rich African culinary component with multiple health benefits.