Pouch Ghana

Paper Packaging

Paper-based packaging is one of the most sustainable materials available: it’s recyclable, renewable and has consistently had the highest recycling rate in recent years and, even if it does end up as litter, is still biodegradable.

In fact, paper biodegrades faster than a leaf!

There are many reasons for this:

As the drive to reduce plastic waste gathers momentum, the ease with which paper can be recycled is an increasingly valued attribute. The recycling and collection rate for paper and cardboard is the highest of any packaging material.

Paper protects more resources than it uses

Packaging is essential in minimising damage to products and extending their useful life. On average, ten times more resources – materials, energy and water, are invested in products compared to the resources used to produce the packaging used to protect them. Without packaging many of the goods manufactured or food grown would be damaged or spoilt before they reach the consumer.

Paper packaging supports healthy forests

There are serious pressures on natural forests around the world including agriculture, unsustainable logging, mining, infrastructure projects and increased fire incidence and intensity. As the demand for paper-based packaging increases, sustainable management of forests is essential.

Nutritional Benefits of Prekese

Tetrapleura tetraptera (Prekese) is a species of flowering plant in the pea family native to Western Africa.

Rich in vitamins, iron, calcium, potassium, zinc, and magnesium, prekese is conventionally used as a dietary supplement to strengthen the immune system but it has significant uses as a spice. In homes across Ghana, it is used for cooking due to its strong flavours and in Nigeria, it is even cooked in soup for mothers to prevent post-partum contractions.

Here are some benefits:

Controls diabetes
Postpartum care
Fever-reducing properties
Contains wound healing properties
Hypertension control
Immune system support
Treatment of certain gastrointestinal diseases
Antibacterial, contraceptive, anti flammable properties
Aids in the treatment of leprosy
Acts as a mosquito repellent

Health Benefits of Dawadawa

The African Locust bean (Parkia biglobosa), when boiled and fermented, is known as dawadawa in the Hausa language (also known as Kolgo in Frafra Gurune language in Ghana or Igba in Yoruba). It belongs to the plant family Mimosaceae of the order Leguminisae.

This black, strong smelling, tasty seasoning is a rich source of protein, and calcium and although it is a popular seasoning in traditional soups, dawadawa has also shown promise in boosting cellular immunity in immune-compromised persons, as well as in the management of diarrhoea, diabetes, and heart attack. Studies show it could even serve as an antidote to some snake bites.

The strong aromas of dawadawa can be smelt in kitchens across all parts of northern Ghana and many parts of west Africa. It is commonly used in the seasoning of delicious local meals and soups, from dried powdered okro soup, Alefu soup, bitter-leaf soup (Onugbu in Ibo) to palm nut soup

Health Benefits of (Bissap) Sobolo

Hibiscus Tea, popularly referred to as Sobolo, is widely used in modern culture as a mild yet natural diuretic. Additionally, Sobolo beverage is consumed on a large scale in Ghana because of its health benefits:

It contains antioxidants that fight carcinogenic free radical compounds
May help lower blood sugar
May help lower blood pressure
May aid in reducing total cholesterol and increasing “good” HDL cholesterol
May boost liver health
Could promote weight loss
Contain anticarcinogenic compounds

Bursting with flavour, the tea is widely appreciated in most parts of Africa and the world and is simple to make. Different variations of the drink, with flavours such as ginger and local spices are often added to enhance taste.

Health Benefits of Negro Pepper (Hwentia or Uda Seed)

Negro pepper or Hwentia is an aromatic spice commonly used in flavouring foods in certain parts of the world, including Nigeria, Senegal, Ghana, Brazil, among others. Negro pepper is versatile in nature, i.e. its bark, seeds, stem, fruit and leaves can be used for several purposes, ranging from culinary, medicinal, and sexual purposes.

The botanical name of negro pepper is Xylopia aethiopica from the Annonaceae family. It is called uda in Igbo language; eeru alamo in Yoruba language; grains of selim in Ethiopia.

Some of the potent properties found in hwentia include – flavonoids, alkaloids, cineol, phytosterols, tannins, saponins, carbohydrates, trans-pinocarveol, limonene, linalool, and β-caryophyllene.

There are many health benefits of Hwentia, based on its rich phytochemical composition and nutritional value.

1. Has Anti-inflammatory Purposes
Hwentia is packed with a lot of anti-inflammatory properties, including beta-caryophyllene. Among many roles, this causes the modulation of diet-induced dyslipidemia and insulin resistance, improves HDL levels and reduces vascular inflammation.
2. Packed with Antioxidants
Hwentia contains many antioxidants, help to get rid of free radicals oxidising agents in the body and reduce the risk and effect of cancerous tumours. Some of the potent antioxidants in Hwentia include – flavonoids, phenolics, limonoids and polysaccharides.
3. Dermatological Benefits
Hwentia is proven to be a great remedy for treating skin conditions, including boils, itches, skin eruptions, to name a few.
4. Treats Respiratory System Diseases
Studies reveal that the bark of Hwentia is effective in treating certain respiratory system diseases, including the common cold, bacterial pneumonia, asthma and bronchitis.
5. Anti-rheumatic
Hwentia has anti-arthritic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties that can be used in treating a myriad of rheumatic disorders, including arthritic pain.
Side Effects of Negro Pepper
• Negro Pepper has been reported to induced abortions. However, there is no medical evidence that links uda seed and miscarriage.

Yooyi ( African Velvet Tarmarind

African Velvet tamarind, scientifically known as Dialium Guineense is an indigenous fruit popularly consumed in West African countries, including Ghana and Nigeria. This seasonal fruit is often called different name by each tribe; the Yorubas call it “Awin,” Igbos call African velvet tamarind, Icheku, while the Hausas call it “Tsamiyar kurm.”

African velvet tamarind is a very versatile fruit as its stem, bark, and seed are used for culinary, medicinal and traditional purposes. Also, this fruit is an excellent source of essential minerals like sodium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin C.

Health benefits of African velvet tamarind:

1. Treats gastric ulcer
The leaf extract of velvet tamarind contains potent anti-ulcer properties and phytonutrients, which are proven to be very effective in treating stomach ulcers. Research shows that the aqueous leaf extract contains anti-ulcerogenic effects and phytochemicals like flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and saponins, all of which are capable of improving mucus secretion and thus reducing ulcer index by a significant margin while also protecting the colon from the cancer cell.
2. Prevents Hypertension
The potassium in velvet tamarind is a key component of cell and body fluids that keeps your heart rate and blood pressure in check. It also helps in lessening the negative effect of sodium [salt] in the body while easing tension to reduce blood pressure further.
3. Improves Oral hygiene
African velvet tamarind contains saponin and other chemical compounds which are very effective in boosting oral health simply by cleaning the teeth, removing dirt and plaques, soothing irritated gums, and fighting microbes.

Other Health Benefits:

Treating cancer
Relieving headache and pains
Treating diarrhoea and severe cough
Improving lactation in women
Promoting digestive health
Treating scurvy and improve wound healing
Cures haemorrhoid.

Health Benefits of Egusi

Melon seed, popularly known as Egusi in Nigeria, is a food many Nigerians, irrespective of state or tribe, enjoy. The popularity of the food is stretches far beyond Nigeria, being enjoyed by people across West and Central Africa. Egusi is customarily ground into soups and other dishes, although the method of preparation may vary across tribes and countries.

Egusi (Colocynthis citrullus) is removed from a fruit from the Cucurbitaceae family, which the watermelon also belongs to. The fruit is harder and smaller than the average watermelon and has an inedible, bitter pulp, however the seeds of this fruit are what is eaten instead, after being scooped out and left to dry. The egusi has a brown, brittle shell around it, which is broken to reveal the white seed that is the main ingredient for soup.

Nutritional Value of Egusi

Besides its great taste, egusi also has a high nutritional value, with a high oil content of up to 50%, potassium, protein, calcium, and much more. It is also a rich source of vitamin B1, B2, sulphur, dietary fibre, zinc and magnesium. Little wonder it is a favourite for some people.

The oil extracted from Egusi seeds can be used to make butter and can also be used in the making of animal feed. After the extraction of the oil, the used seeds are used to make a local snack called Robo. If the seeds are left to ferment, they turn into another local spice called ogiri.

Health Benefits of Egusi

1. Anti-inflammatory Properties
2. Improves Bone Health
3. Aids Digestion
3. Aids Digestion
3. Aids Digestion
4. Improves Heart Health
5. High Protein Content
6. Anticarcinogenic properties
7. Anti-rheumatic properties
8. Dermatolgical benefits
9. Diabetic control
10. Antioxidant properties

Other Health Benefits:

Treating cancer
Relieving headache and pains
Treating diarrhoea and severe cough
Improving lactation in women
Promoting digestive health
Treating scurvy and improve wound healing
Cures haemorrhoid.

Heath Benefits of Efom Wisa (Grains of Paradise)

Also known as alligator pepper, Guinea pepper, Melegueta pepper (not to be confused with malagueta pepper), efom wisa is part of the ginger family.

Many people use guinea pepper as an herbal spice for certain west African cuisine. Its strong flavours bring an authentic and specific flavour to the meal but also offer many health benefits to the body.

Guinea pepper is one of the most commonly traded spices distributed around the world and is therefore easily accessible. Its unique, spicy taste has citrus hints and is quite specific and can be a little bit hot to the taste. This, however, brings a versatility meaning it is often used to replace black pepper and can be used across many different African cuisines to season meat or even mix into salads. It also forms a mix as a herbal solution for some medical treatment to bring health benefits. It is also added as mix into some spicy beverages to instigate warming body during winter.

Little research has been conducted into the specific nutrient constituents of the pepper, however this spice contains several vitamins and minerals that are good for the body.

Other benefits include:

Aids in the production of breast milk
Treatment of measles and leprosy.
Haemorrhage related to childbirth
Heartburn relief

Health Benefits of Abeduru (Turkey Berry)

(kwanwu nsosuaa, kantɔsi)

Turkey berry is a popular plant used all over the world for its unique nutritional and medicinal properties. It belongs to the same family of plants as some other common vegetables like eggplant, tomato, and peppers. Scientifically known as Solanum torvum, it goes by many names and belongs to the nightshade family of plants.

Other common names for turkey berry include:

• prickly nightshade
• devil’s fig
shoo shoo bush
• wild eggplant
• pea eggplant
susumber

The Abeduru plant thrives in a variety of climates, but grows best in sunny, temperate regions. All parts of the Abeduru plant, including its roots, stems, leaves, and fruit, are used for medicinal and culinary purposes throughout the world. The fruit is often fried in oil or ghee and consumed whole, whereas the leaves, stems, and roots may be dried and consumed as a powder, tea, or tincture.

Abeduru is used as both a food and herbal remedy for countless physical ailments, including high blood pressure, digestive issues, bacterial infections, and more. Still, scientific research focusing on the medicinal properties of turkey berry is very limited. That said, early evidence from test-tube and animal studies suggests that specific nutrients and plant compounds in turkey berry may be the driving force behind its many purported health benefits.

Health Benefits of Abeduru

May prevent and treat anaemia
Abeduru is a particularly rich source of plant-based iron and often consumed to treat or prevent iron deficiency anaemia. Pairing foods that are high in vitamin C, such as strawberries, palm, bell pepper, or citrus fruit, may help increase the absorption of iron from plant-based foods.
May help lower blood pressure
Abeduru is loaded with a variety of unique compounds, such as gallic acid and ferulic acid, which have demonstrated strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
May promote healthy immune function
Abeduru has potent antimicrobial properties that may promote healthy immune function in multiple ways.