Consumption of garri is as important as anything among the populace of West Africa like Togo, Nigeria, Benin Republic and others. It gains this importance not only because of its cheap and readily available source of food but also a fast food which requires sugar, coconut, groundnut, meat, fish, or processed preferred products like Kulikuli (yoruba) and water for the readiness of its consumption.
Its transformation into other foods like Eba also increases its vitality and consumption among the African populace to the extent that it calls for no public advertisement before its sale us made. However, the consumption if this African renowned grain has been reported to cause detriments to the eye like blindness, anemia, cough, among others. Most importantly, eye defects which have made some populace enemies to the consumption of garri and its by food products.
Arguably, the cause of this is reported to be the presence of excess hydrocyanic acid in cassava which garri is made from due to unwell processing. The recommendation by WHO is at most 10ppm of cyanic acid in the food product. However, its excess, continuous and frequent consumption may cause the accumulation and thereby leading to its adverse effects. The presence of this acid in cassava could be understood as the water extract from cassava kills plants because of its concentrated form.
Aside eye defects, this organic acid also causes intestinal problems and make ulcer patient to deteriorate. Same goes to other cassava product s which when not well processed will cause harm than than good.
Conclusively, excess frequent taking of garri especially unwell processed one can hinder one’s health and give room for unhealthiness.
Recommendation
– All our garri producers should learn the technical know-how of well garri processing and quality control
activities should be put in place.
– Verification of sources of food nutrient should be cultivated ; carbohydrates should be sought from other diverse sources which are more nutrient rich example potatoes, brown rice.
– Other complementing source of food should be sought is as to reduce its lethal effect.
NOTE: Eye defects could as well be caused based on one or more of them following:
– Genetics
– Environmental factor
– Nutrient deficiency
– Nonchalant acts
– Lack of healthy practice.
sustained consumption of garri diet high in HCN levels, by the garri frying mothers, even at pregnancy , could be one probable cause of the malformation observed in their babies. Thanks for reading.
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