Kunu

Kunu (also known as kununzaki) is a popular drink consumed throughout Nigeria, mostly in the North.^[1][2] It is usually made from a grain such as millet or sorghum, although it can be made from maize as well.^{[citation needed]} As a grain based beverage Kunu is a member of the Horchata family. The variety of the drink made from sorghum is a milky light-brown colour, whilst that which is made from millet and maize is whitish in colour.^[3]

Kunu is made by first allowing the grain seeds to germinate, then soaking the seeds in water for a few days and blending the soaked grain with sweet potatoes and ginger or pepper to form a smooth paste.^{[citation needed]} This paste is then divided into two parts. One part is placed in a vessel^{[clarification needed]} and has boiling water poured on it, then it is stirred to give a thick mixture. The other part of the paste is then added to this mixture and it is stirred some more.^[4] The mixture is then left for a day or two for the grain husk to settle. After this, the husk and other sediment are filtered out of the mixture, and the filtered liquid is bottled for consumption. This type of kunu is normally referred to as "kunu zaki" the one containing sugar.

In a research study, Kunu was administered to laboratory rats to determine its effects on the rats' epididymis, testes size and sperm count. The results showed that while there was a small increase in testicle weight, it slightly lowered sperm count and caused no other major changes in sperm when viewed under a microscope or in the rats’ male hormones. The researchers concluded that Kunu is unlikely to act as a natural male fertility supplement.^[5]