Nigerian-born food scientist and public health nutritionist, Oluwasanmi Odeniran, is pushing for the widespread adoption of Bambara Groundnut Flour (BGNF) as a functional superfood in the fight against chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity.
Through his recent peer-reviewed publication in the Cureus Journal of Medical Science, Odeniran lays out a strong case for BGNF as a nutritionally superior and culturally relevant alternative to conventional flours.
The study presents a thorough nutritional analysis of the underutilized legume, emphasizing its high protein content, dietary fiber, antioxidants, and resistant starch, all of which contribute to its functional properties. “Food is medicine,” Odeniran told our correspondent. “With the growing prevalence of diet-related chronic conditions, we must explore nutrient-dense, affordable, and culturally appropriate alternatives. Bambara groundnut flour ticks all these boxes.”
Odeniran’s research highlights BGNF’s low glycemic index, making it suitable for individuals managing blood sugar levels. He notes that its consumption promotes satiety, aiding in weight control—a major factor in metabolic disease prevention. “It’s not just about cutting calories. It’s about choosing the right calories,” he said.
The research goes beyond nutrient charts to explore BGNF’s potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may reduce complications often associated with diabetes, such as cardiovascular issues. Compared to popular alternatives like almond and chickpea flours, Odeniran insists that BGNF offers a more balanced nutritional profile that supports long-term metabolic health.
Despite its promise, BGNF remains vastly underutilized, especially in Africa where the legume is indigenous. Odeniran attributes this to a mix of challenges including limited processing facilities, poor public awareness, and underinvestment in local supply chains. “There’s a disconnect between what we grow and what we eat,” he observed. “We must begin to see crops like Bambara not just as rural staples but as global nutrition solutions.”
To reverse this trend, Odeniran calls for increased government funding for clinical trials, strategic education campaigns, and partnerships between researchers, farmers, and food companies to scale up production and awareness. “Incorporating BGNF into both local diets and global food systems could improve health outcomes and support sustainable agriculture,” he noted.
He also advocates for the inclusion of BGNF in school feeding programs and diabetic meal plans, especially in low- and middle-income regions grappling with both malnutrition and a surge in lifestyle diseases. “Nutrition interventions must be proactive, not reactive. And they must begin at the community level,” he said.
With a career that spans food innovation, nutrition science, and product safety, Odeniran currently serves at Ardent Mills, the largest milling company in the United States. He believes his experience in both academic and industry settings positions him to bridge the gap between traditional African foods and modern nutrition science.
“The time is now to invest in indigenous solutions with global relevance,” Odeniran concluded. “Bambara groundnut flour isn’t just a product—it’s a public health opportunity.” His research is already sparking conversations among health professionals, food entrepreneurs, and policymakers looking for sustainable, science-backed approaches to nutrition challenges across the globe.
