Popular Health Benefits Of Asaana And How To Prepare

Asaana is a Ghanaian drink made from fermented corn and caramelized sugar. It is known to as Alewonyo by the Asantes and Liha or Aliha (corn drink) by the Ewes.

The prominent name most people call it is ‘Asaana’. The name is believed to have come from the Ga word “Asaana” meaning ‘we are tasting’ or “Asanaa” meaning we have tasted. Asana (corn beer drink) is a famous caramelized corn drink made from fermented corn and caramelized sugar in Ghana with a refreshing taste.

It is Reserved in big calabashes with huge ice-cubes in it and served with ice cubes and for some with evaporated milk. Chilled Asana can be enjoyed with or without bread. Several health advantages are attributable to Asana which comprises prevention of digestive ailments like constipation. It also prevents blood pressure and neural-tube defects at labor.

It is said to comprise minerals such as iron, zinc and much more essential for regulating ordinary growth, bone health and optimal kidney functioning among others.

How To Prepare Asaana

Try your hands on this easy recipe.

Ingredients for Asaana

1 Cup Corn (Fermented)
1 ½ Cup Sugar
5ml Milk
2 Cups Ice
1 ½ Liter Water

Directions

Soak the corn in 800ml of water and let ferment for 3-5 days.
Wash and rinse.
Pour the washed corn into a saucepan over medium heat, add 700ml of water and bring to a boil for 30 minutes.
Drain the juice from the corn and set aside.
Pour the sugar into the saucepan and let it caramelize for 10 minutes.
Add the fermented corn juice to the caramelized sugar, stir and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Then take off the heat and let cool completely.
Pour into a glass filled with ice and top with milk.
Asaana ready to serve.

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Popular health benefits of Asaana

• It helps in deterring heart conditions, lower blood pressure and neural-tube flaws at birth.
• It plays an important role in the prevention of digestive ailments like constipation, haemorrhoids and colorectal cancer.
• The antioxidants current in the corn also act as anti-carcinogenic agents and deter Alzheimer’s disease.
• It delivers minerals such as iron, zinc and much more essential for regulating normal growth, bone health and optimal kidney functioning.
• It prevents anaemia caused by a deficiency of vitamins and lowers LDL cholesterol.