Mahewu, a traditional fermented African beverage.
When I had my children, my Aunt Charity gave me a packet of chimera (sorghum) to make sure that I always had a steady supply of a traditional beverage which she, (and many elders in my society) believed to be beneficial for increasing milk supply. In Zimbabwe, this drink is called Mahewu and throughout Africa it is known by names such as Amarewu, Togwa , Mabundu, Mapotho. Although I drank it religiously throughout my breastfeeding years, I am yet to find any scientific reports that support its purported breastfeeding benefits. What the science however is telling us is that being a fermented food, Mahewu is a beverage with the potential to improve health and decrease disease risk.
What we know-(a rather quick synopsis):
- Fermented foods are high in probiotics, the good type of bacteria. Numerous studies show that including them in your diet can not only improve your digestive health but also prevent disease such as heart disease and insulin resistance.
- A happy gut is a healthy body. There is a strong connection between the body’s ability to fight disease and the state of the gut. The more good bacteria you have, the better your immune system.
- Fermented foods may reduce obesity. A study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicated that people who included a fermented drink for 12 weeks reduced the amount of fat in their abdomen by almost 5%.
Beyond mahewu, there are a few other beverages that I think we should be including in our diets. Not only because they are good for us, but because they simply taste great. Follow this link for my 5 other favorite beverages: 5 Hydrating Beverages with Amazing Health Benefits.
Want to make Mahewu? Here is my recipe using leftover Sadza. Mahewu, A Traditional African Beverage
