Palm wine is an alcoholic beverage produced from the fermentation of sap of different palm species. Palm wine is a sweet, milky, effervescent, and alcoholic beverage. Palm wine is composed of amino acids, proteins, vitamins, and sugars. Palm wine is said to contain varying amounts of alcohol ranging from 2%–8% by volume depending on its state of fermentation.
This traditional beverage is an important beverage in countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and other West African countries, in India three types of palm wine called sendi, tari, and nareli are also produced, too. Palm wine is usually consumed in homes and at social events, thus occupying a distinct place in the society. It is often added to various herbal medicines or products and is said to be a nourishing drink that promotes health.
Health Benefits of Palm Wine
Here are some of the amazing health benefits of palm wine:
Boost Breast Milk Production
According to a study published in the Journal of Anatomical Sciences, palm wine is a galactagogue (food that can help a breastfeeding mother to increase her breast milk supply). In countries like Cameroon, Ghana, and Nigeria, palm wine helps a lactating mother when she has limited breast milk production.
Rich in Vitamins and minerals
Palm wine has also been reported by studies to have some nutritional components and mineral elements such as carbohydrate, crude protein, lipid, crude fiber, Vitamins A and C, iron, copper, magnesium, calcium, and zinc
Promotes healthier skin, hair, and nail
Without iron, your hair can become dull, thin, and dry and without iron, your nails could become brittle and break easily. Palm wine contains Iron and vitamin B complex. Also Iron is very very useful for the development, growth, and functioning of some cells in our body. This is why palm wine is helpful in promoting wound healing. Because it repairs the tissues and promotes the growth of healthy cells.
Reduces the risk of heart diseases
Scientific evidence indicates that light to moderate drinking of palm wine on a daily basis may significantly reduce the risks of coronary heart disease (CHD). Additionally, the potassium which is contained in palm wine has been proven to improve heart health and bring down hypertension. However, excess consumption of palm wine has adverse effects like destroying the liver. SEE: 5 Amazing Health Benefits Of Non-Alcoholic Wine
Promotes healthy eyesight
For general eye health, vitamin-A-rich foods are recommended over supplements. Palm wine contains the antioxidants, Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Vitamin A deficiency is rare in developed countries, but if unaddressed can lead to a serious condition called xerophthalmia. Several observational studies suggest that vitamin C may help lower your risk of developing cataracts, a condition that causes your eye to become cloudy and impairs vision.
Side Effects of Palm Wine
The impact of fermented palm wine on your body starts from the moment you take your first sip. While an occasional glass of wine with dinner or ceremony isn’t a cause for concern, the cumulative effects of drinking palm wine can take its toll. Here are the major side effects or disadvantages of drinking palm wine;
According to a study published in the Nigerian Postgraduate Journal of Medicine, palm wine consumption may deplete the body’s antioxidants against free radical attacks and render the body in a state of oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress is a phenomenon caused by an imbalance between the production and accumulation of oxygen reactive species (ROS) in cells and tissues and the ability of a biological system to detoxify these reactive products. Oxidative stress can damage cells, proteins, and DNA, which can contribute to aging. It may also play a role in the development of a range of health conditions, including diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. The body naturally produces antioxidants to counteract these free radicals.
The liver is an organ that helps break down and remove harmful substances from your body, including alcohol. Long-term fermented palm wine use interferes with this process. It also increases your risk for chronic liver inflammation and liver disease. The scarring caused by this inflammation is known as cirrhosis. The formation of scar tissue destroys the liver. As the liver becomes increasingly damaged, it has a harder time removing toxic substances from your body.
The pancreas helps regulate your body’s insulin use and response to glucose. When your pancreas and liver aren’t functioning properly, you run the risk of experiencing low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. A damaged pancreas may also prevent the body from producing enough insulin to utilize sugar. This can lead to hyperglycemia or too much sugar in the blood.
If your body can’t manage and balance your blood sugar levels, you may experience greater complications and side effects related to diabetes. It’s important for people with diabetes or hypoglycemia to avoid excessive amounts of fermented palm wine. SEE: What Does Action Bitters Do In The Body?