What are the health benefits of eating instant Mageu?

What is mageu?

Mageu is a traditional South African drink that is made by fermenting mealie pap. It is non-alcoholic and is extremely popular especially among traditional groups, who also call it maxau, maHewu, amaRhewu, or amaHewu. Wheat flour is added to the thin mealie pap, which creates the lactate-producing bacteria essential for the fermentation process. Commercial mageu made in factories is pasteurised to extend its shelf life, which is quite short in home-made mageu that isn’t refrigerated.

Why did we decide on Yabhusta Instant Mageu?

Since many people who consume home-made mageu live in rural, low-income communities and don’t have the luxury of refrigeration, mageu often spoils. Thanks to Yabhusta Instant Mageu, this is no longer a problem; the mix doesn’t have to be refrigerated and you can only make as much as you want.

Power Supply aims to address the problem of malnutrition, especially in communities that cannot afford a balanced diet. While mageu is enjoyed by many South African cultures, no matter their income, the rural poor communities consumes the most mageu. This is why Nhlayisa Power Supply decided on mageu as one of our enriched products.

Health benefits of traditional mageu

Mageu is considered the most nutritious breakfast supplement for the optimal growth of children. It also contains plenty of dietary fibres, including crude, soluble, and insoluble fibres. These fibres maintain a healthy bowel, lower cholesterol levels, and help control blood sugar levels. Mageu is high in calcium (for healthy bones, heart, muscles, and nerves) and folic acid (to prevent heart disease, depression, Alzheimer’s, etc.). In addition, it is very low in sodium (which increases blood pressure) and saturated fats (which increase “bad” cholesterol). Mageu is very high in energy and is therefore preferred by athletes for a quick energy boost. It is also a very good source of protein, which is an essential building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, blood, and skin. Protein also builds and repairs tissues and helps to produce hormones, enzymes, and other bodily chemicals essential for optimal health. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), fermented foods like mageu (called “functional foods” because their health benefits exceed basic nutrition) normalise intestinal flora, prevent gut infestation by bacteria and colon cancer, and treat diarrhoea in both adults and children.

Health benefits of added vitamins and minerals in Instant Mageu

While traditional mageu basically has the same nutritional value as the maize and wheat meal it is made from (which are also normally enriched with additional vitamins and minerals), Yabhusta Instant Mageu is enriched with additional vitamins and minerals essential for optimum health. It contains Vitamins A, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B6 (pyridoxine), B12 (cobalamin), C (ascorbic acid), D, E, and K.

These added vitamins have many health benefits. Vitamin A is essential for healthy bones, reproduction, and a healthy immune system. Thiamine boosts the body’s immune system and also helps to break carbohydrates down to sugars; in other words, it converts food into energy. Riboflavin acts as an antioxidant and stimulates the production of red blood cells. It also prevents early ageing and heart disease. Pyridoxine plays an important role in various bodily functions and generally improves one’s mood and sleep patterns. Cobalamin helps with a healthy nervous system and therefore prevents mood disorders like depression. Since it only occurs in animal products, vegetarians and vegans will benefit from this addition to Instant Mageu. Ascorbic acid has many health benefits, such as boosting the immune system, lowering hypertension, maintaining skin elasticity, healing wounds, treating colds, etc. Vitamin D helps with the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, and therefore promotes healthy bones and teeth. It also protects the body against various diseases and conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis. Vitamin E is essential for a strong immunity and healthy eyes and skin. It also acts as an antioxidant and protects cells from damage. Lastly, vitamin K helps the body to heal from injuries. It regulates normal blood clotting and assists in the distribution of calcium through the body, therefore also reducing bone loss and preventing bone fractures.

Combining all the above health benefits with those of traditional-made mageu, Yabhusta Instant Mageu is clearly a convenient and tasty way (available in original, vanilla, and banana flavours) to stay healthy. Besides good physical health, Yabhusta Instant Mageu also ensures a healthy mind, which will help you stay on top of your game in your personal life as well as at work. And it’s as easy as adding water.