Are Nigerian Meat Pies Healthy?

Ever come across some meat pie recipes and wondering how healthy it could be following the ingredients used in its preparation? You’re not alone, a lot of people are also concerned about the health impacts of meat pies, and we have written this article to address that. Nigerian meat pies, as you probably know, are one of those unique pastries you might want to try out. They are juicy, buttery, and flaky. Also, these meat pies are popular, easy to make, and loved by even those living outside of Nigeria.

But, are Nigerian meat pies healthy?  Nigerian meat pies are healthy due to the nutritional content found in the constituent ingredients. Carrots fillings, potatoes, beef, including eggs, which is an excellent source of protein, make these meat pies desirable to the taste and the body.

However, taking a more detailed look at Nigerian pies reveals more about the shortcrust pastry. Therefore, this article will go over the nutritional and health benefits of Nigerian meat pies.

Basic Nigerian Meat Pie Ingredients and their Health Impacts

Flour

Flour, also known as all-purpose or refined flour, is made from wheat grains and the key ingredient of Nigerian meat pies; other substances in the mix are just side ingredients.

Carbohydrates, protein, fiber, iron, thiamin, and other important nutrients are found in this type of flour. Though most vitamins and minerals in refined flour are taken out during processing, some nutrients are readded to make the flour healthy.

Carbohydrates and proteins, for example, are macronutrients required by the body in large amounts for proper functioning. Both nutrients contribute immensely to the calorie needs of most individuals.

Also, refined flour has a longer shelf life. As a result, some snacks and baked goods made from it can maintain their keeping quality for a long time.

For example, Chin Chin (another tasty Nigerian snack prepared from all-purpose flour) can retain its taste and best quality for about three months when stored in an airtight container.

By having essential nutrients and a longer storage period, all-purpose flour is healthy and useful in making Nigerian meat pies.

Potatoes

Due to its nutritional content, potato is found in many preparations, including the Nigerian meat pie. The vegetable is an excellent source of essential nutrients such as B vitamins, potassium, vitamin C, fiber, and manganese. Vitamin C, for example, promotes good heart condition.

The fiber content in potatoes is also very high, which helps digestion. Eating meat pie loaded with potatoes filings is a convenient way to milk all the essential nutrients it offers.

Carrot

A meat pie that has carrot as part of its constituents provides tons of health benefits. Carrot is loaded with many essential nutrients such as beta-carotene, vitamin K1, potassium, and fiber. Beta-carotene, for instance, is an antioxidant and precursor of vitamin A.

When it gets into the body, beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A, which is required for developing a healthy immune system. Also, the antioxidant properties found in the carrot protect the skin from ultraviolet rays. This protection, in turn, helps maintain healthy and glowing skin.

A meat pie that incorporates even a handful of carrot fillings will help you get a share of the health benefits offered by carrot.

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Ground Beef

Beef meat packs nutrients such as protein, zinc, B vitamins, and other minerals. Beef is also an excellent source of monounsaturated fats found in avocado, olive, and some nuts too.

Monounsaturated fats are healthy fats that can help fight against conditions such as inflammation, heart diseases, and weight loss. Although you might not be able to get a substantial amount of beef in your pie, the small quantity would definitely provide you with some nutritional benefits. And you might want to be generous with the beef stuffed in the pastry.

The zinc found in beef, according to research, plays a significant role in brain development. Therefore, pregnant women must get enough zinc even after pregnancy when breastfeeding. The deficiency of zinc has been associated with lethargy, hyperreactivity, and lower learning ability.

Nigerian meat pie packed with enough beef will mean more nourishment for your body.

Egg

Another ingredient residing in Nigerian meat pie is eggs. Eggs are loaded with high-quality protein, minerals, good fats, and a decent amount of essential minerals such as Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin B6, and more.

All in all, these nutritional benefits make Nigerian pie another super snack to refresh your mouth and body.

Though the ground beef and carrots fillings in a meat pie already have some protein, topping it with egg adds even more nutrition.

For example, the nutritional value of protein is determined by the number of required amino acids it contains. Animal products such as beef are ‘complete’ protein because they have all the essential amino acids. This makes beef an excellent source of protein.

If you are looking for a snack that can fill you up and spice you up, Nigerian meat pie will definitely perform.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Meat Pie

As with other pastries out there, many usually have questions about preparations, health impacts, and nutritional benefits. The Nigerian meat pie isn’t left out too. Therefore, we’ve addressed a couple of questions some have about the pie.

Does Meat Pie Make You Fat?

People often raise this question due to concerns about the fillings found in meat pie. If your fish pie is stuffed with the wrong items, it will make you fat. That’s why it’s best to use eggs, beef, carrots, or other healthy ingredients.

Bad fats add hefty calories to your body, which makes them a big problem. While calories are absolutely vital for proper body functions, fat intake than your body needs, however, will make you fat.

Incorporating only healthy fats will make you feel fuller faster and quench your appetite, thereby helping to reduce your calorie intake.

Can I Freeze Meat Pie

Whether you can’t finish your pie in one sitting or want to set some aside for later occasions, you can refrigerate the pie. A meat pie that is properly refrigerated will maintain its best quality for at least four or more days.

To make your pie hold up a little longer, store the pie in a heavy-duty freezer bag or wrap tightly with aluminum foil instead.

If eventually, you take the pie off the fridge and notice mold on the crust or perceive off smell, then it has gone bad. Discard the meat pie.

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What can Go with Meat Pie

A cup of tea or any chilled drink of your choice can be paired with a meat pie. You might want to take, however, a couple of drinks for a test drive to see what performs better.

Besides, Zobo (or Hibiscus) drinks are another great pair for meat pies. In case you are not familiar with the drink, Zobo has a bright reddish color and is often used as a medicinal tea.

Besides, it helps in lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol levels, and features several other health benefits.

The key is to make sure the Zobo is chilled. This helps calm your body, especially after long hours of work.

Wrap Up

Whether you are throwing a party, celebrating a birthday, or just looking for an appetizer to engage your guests, Nigerian meat pie will perform.

If you follow the right meat pie recipe, you’ll not only end up with a yummy pastry but also something nutritious. Though meat pies are packed with ingredients with good nutritional value, you should not over consume to avoid adverse effects.