When most Nigerians hear roundabout (cow intestine), the first thing that pops into mind is pepper soup, nkwobi and red stew.
But what if I told you that this same roundabout has played a role far beyond the kitchen? What if I told you that it has helped save millions of lives across the world?
Yes, you read that right. Hidden in roundabout is the origin of a lifesaving drug known as heparin.
Heparin is not a word you’ll often hear in everyday conversations. But in hospitals, it’s in high demand . Heparin is a powerful anticoagulant — a drug that prevents blood from clotting too quickly.
Doctors and surgeons rely on it daily to:
- Keep blood flowing smoothly during surgeries.
- Support patients on dialysis machines.
- Save lives in emergency heart attack and stroke cases.
Without heparin, many medical procedures that we take for granted today would simply not be possible.
Here’s the shocker: in its earliest days, this lifesaving drug was extracted directly from the intestines of cows— yes, the same roundabout that ends up on our plates.
So how did scientists discover this hidden gem in cow intestines?
The inside lining of the intestine, called the mucosa, contains sugar-like molecules known as glycosaminoglycans. Among them lies heparin, the anticoagulant compound. By carefully extracting and purifying it, researchers found a way to create one of modern medicine’s most indispensable drugs.
For decades, cow intestines supplied hospitals with heparin across the world. But in the 1990s, during the scare of mad cow disease, production shifted to pig intestines instead. Still, with the rising global demand for heparin, scientists are once again exploring cattle as a reliable source.
It’s fascinating, isn’t it? The same ingredient that enriches a bowl of pepper soup in our homes also gave rise to a drug that keeps people alive in operating rooms and emergency wards.
Now, let’s bring the story back home. If cow intestine can hold a compound as valuable as heparin, imagine what it does for you when eaten as food.
Roundabout is a nutrient powerhouse that often gets overlooked. It is naturally rich in:
- Collagen – great for your skin, joints, and gut health.
- B-vitamins – essential for energy and brain function.
- Iron – vital for strong blood and preventing anaemia.
- Trace minerals – keeps your immune system and metabolism in check.
In a world where people spend thousands on collagen supplements or iron tablets, it’s humbling to realize that a humble serving of roundabout stew or pepper soup can supply these nutrients naturally and deliciously.
There’s a deeper lesson here too. Foods like roundabout are often dismissed by some as “lowly” or “unimportant” compared to prime cuts of beef. Yet history shows that this very cut was once the source of a medicine doctors still can’t do without.
It’s a reminder that in our traditional diets lie hidden treasures — both cultural and nutritional. What seems ordinary to us may, in fact, be extraordinary.
So, the next time you see roundabout on the menu, don’t wrinkle your nose or look away. Instead, smile and remember:
It’s part of our culinary heritage.
It nourishes your body with essential nutrients.
And once upon a time, it was literally the backbone of one of modern medicine’s most powerful drugs.
At Meat Madam, we make it easy for you to enjoy the freshest, cleanest cuts of roundabout, delivered straight to your doorstep.
Whether you’re cooking pepper soup for the family, preparing nkwobi for a night treat, or making a hearty stew, our hygienically processed meats give you peace of mind and unmatched taste.
So why not celebrate this special cut the right way? Place your order today at www.meatmadamng.com and bring home the goodness of roundabout.
