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September 25, 2025September 25, 2025
Cow skin (ponmo)— The Love, The Taste, And The Health Debate.

In many Nigeria and West African homes, cow skin or cowhides, locally known known as ponmo, is more than just food, it’s culture, comfort, and flavor.

This soft, chewy delicacy of meat and protein class, is enjoyed in soups, stews, and street snacks across African region.

But while pomo wins hearts in the kitchen, it has raised eyebrows in the medical and nutrition world. Is it truly healthy, or just delicious with little benefit? Let’s explore both sides.

WHAT IS PONMO: It is refined skin of a cow, usually boiled and cleaned. It’s usually smoked or sun-dried before cooking and used in dishes like:

  • Egusi soup * Efo riro * Ogbono soup * Peppered ponmo (street food version).

Advantages Of Ponmo

While often considered low in nutrients, ponmo does give a few benefits:

  • SOURCE OF COLLAGEN: Cow skin is naturally wealthy in collagen, a protein that supports skin flexibility, healthy joint, and tissue repair.
  • LOW-CALORIE OPTION: ponmo have very little fat and is low in calories, making it a choice for those watching their weight, especially when compared to fatty meats.
  • AFFORDABLE PROTEIN SUBSTITUTE: though not protein-rich, it is sometimes used as a cheap meat alternative, especially in low-income areas.
  • CULTURAL SATISFACTION: beyond health, food also brings emotional and cultural advantages, kpomo connects people to tradition and comfort.

Disadvantages Of Ponmo

  • LOW NUTRITONAL WORTH: ponmo has small protein or vitamins unlike meat or fish. Its nutritional content is always overestimated.
  • RISK OF CONTAMINATION: Improper processing like burning with rubber or plastics to remove hair can attract dangerous substances such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which can cause cancer.
  • HYGIENE CONCERNS: If not properly cleaned, ponmo can carry dirt, bacteria, or parasites, especially when bought from unregulated markets or roadside vendors.
  • DIGESTIVE DIFFICULTY: Because of its hard, fibrous texture, some people find ponmo hard to digest, especially when rubbery.

ponmo is deeply rooted in African cuisine and culture, it brings joy to plates. But while it may satisfy taste buds and traditions, it lacks the nutrition needed for a balanced diet.

ponmo is a treat, not a complete meal. Your health deserves more.

BY: ADENOLA ENIOLA