Singed cowhide meat or Ponmo, as it is popularly called in Nigeria, is the tough outer layer of a cow’s skin.
The western world will say you should not eat it as food. They believe eating it means you are eating away your country’s leather industry.
Basically, they use it for production of leather products such as shoes, bags, and belts.
But in Africa and Nigeria to be precise, Ponmo is a popular meat that is often present in soups and stews.
Unfortunately, because the western do not really eat it, there is a limited amount of research done as regards its nutritional value.
Again, the western world believe that consuming animal hides or skins can pose health risks, as they may contain contaminants or chemicals used in the tanning process.
Additionally, they say singeing or burning the cowhide could release harmful substances.
Health Benefits Of Ponmo
But here in Nigeria Ponmo is an amazing delicacy that people love. Really, are there nutritional values that this meat offer? Or do people just eat it for the love of it?
It is important to note that a study says the processing of the Ponmo determines the amount of nutrients that it carries (1).
1. Ponmo Is Rich In Fibre
Cowhide is rich in fibre and this is one amazing thing about this form of meat.
Fibre is good for you because it has other benefits, like stopping bad cholesterol from sneaking into your blood scream.
As a result, this form of meat offers other benefits.
It does not contain fat and it will also help clear the colon, dragging out all hanging fat.
Also, the fibre in Ponmo comes with collagen. So, Ponmo is one of the animal foods that contain materials for collagen production in your body.
Studies say collagen’s main role is to provide structure, strength and support throughout your body. It roles include: Helping fibroblasts to form in your dermis (middle skin layer).
This helps new cells grow (2).
Also, it plays a role in replacing dead skin cells.
2. Helps with Weight Loss
Because of the fibre it contains, it can help you stay full for long, positively reducing how often you want to eat.
For persons who want to lower weight, it could be an amazing thing to add to your diet.
3. Beneficial To Your Heart Health
One of the reasons cholesterol can sneak into your bloodstream is if your diet lacks fibre.
With fibre from Ponmo, fat in your intestine are pushed out with excreter to ensure that it does not sneak out to clog your arteries.
Clogging of the arteries as a result of bad cholesterol build up is dangerous to your heart.
However, adding cowhide to your meal will help lower this bad cholesterol.
4. It Contains Other Nutrients
Also, Ponmo comes with different nutrients even though they may come in small amounts.
A study found that white scaled Ponmo (not roasted with fire) contains more potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc (3).
Also, it has protein and carbohydrate.
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Therefore, it is advisable that you go for the white scaled Ponmo when you want to add it to your diet.
Also, it is important to note that these nutrients are in low amounts and requires that you add other sources of protein and other nutrients to your diet.
5. A Good Meat For Ageing People
You see, as you age, your body gradually makes less collagen.
However, collagen production drops most quickly due to excess sun exposure, smoking, excess alcohol and lack of sleep and exercise (4).
To keep collagen largely consistent as you age, you may want to increase foods that your body needs to make collagen.
Ponmo is one of such foods that can offer that.
Although, there are limited studies on whether you can eat collagen from foods, it is not a bad thing to try.
In fact, a study says peptides of cowhide collagen has superior antioxidant and functional properties.
6. Source Of Antioxidant Peptides
Also, Ponmo is rich in antioxidant peptides.
According to a study, this peptides are specific protein fragments possessing antioxidant activity (5).
They can be utilised to maintain human health, and food safety and quality. These antioxidant peptides mitigate oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation caused by free radicals generated during oxidation reactions of a human body and food products.
So, when you add Ponmo to your diet, it will bind to toxins or free radicals in the intestine and guide them out of your system.
Furthermore, the study demonstrates that peptides of cowhide collagen has superior antioxidant and functional properties.
The Right Ponmo To Eat
Unfortunately, not all Ponmo is healthy for consumption. Some come with chemical additives that make them appear so big and attractive.
Others roasted with tyres and other chemicals come with high toxicity.
But a study recommends that the white scaled Ponmo is most nutritious and it comes without chemicals that could be harmful or toxic (6).
So, if you want to eat Ponmo, go for the white scaled category; that is, one that was not roasted.