workers peeling cassava tubers in preparation for processing
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Greetings!
Steemians fans of this blog page...I must tender my unreserved apologies. This work was published earlier today with a lot of formatting mistakes which I wasn't aware of until I revisited the link to reply messages. I am very so about that and here promise that such will never happen again please.
On the business we are here for, It is an honour for me that most of you that read the Part I of this important topic demanded immediate release of its concluding part. That's why we're here today.
Short Reviews of Part I
In Part I, we mentioned cassava as the major source of Garri. We discussed how it is a major staple food in West African sub region such as Nigeria, Togo, Benin, Ghana, amongst others. And also Stated that cassava roots and tubers contain a protective compound against herbivorous animals and soil organisms known as cyanogenic glycosides which has cyanide as its active element. We then capped it by stating vision impairment as one of the known health risks associated with over consumption of Garri or ill processed Garri.
In this Part II, we will look at other health risks and then make our recommendations. This article should be taking seriously by Africans - more especially West Africans - and foreigners who intent to visit this sub region very soon...
Other Implications Of Over Consumption of Garri Or Poorly Processed Garri
- Possible Diabetes: excessive consumption of Garri has been linked to blood sugar crises.
In the words of Dr Michael Richard of Brian Medical Consulting, Ikeja, Lagos...
Due to the high starch content in Garri, its excessive intake reduces the chances of the pancreas to regulate the sugar level in the body and when this habit continues for a long time, the excess sugar flows into the blood stream which circulates round the body. This might cause diabetes, which in turn leads to conjunctivitis, kidney failure, stroke, impotence, among other health complications. Source
Worsens Ulcer: this is another important health risk of over indulgence in Garri or its ill processed type. Primarily, cyanide is an organic acid, which in high concentration, disrupts normal functioning of intestines, worsening ulcer cases.
Obesity:
A renown Cardiologist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) who is also Chairman of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Lagos Chapter, Dr Olubunmi Omojuowolo says...
Too much of carbohydrate in Garri is converted into fat and can lead to obesity. If the individual is prone to diabetes, it can worsen the condition. Source
Based on the foregoing discourse, the emphasis is on excessive intake of Garri or consumption of poorly processed Garri. Hence, nothing stops you from taking properly processed Garri in moderate amount. Too much of everything is too bad.
Cassava slicing machine
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Again, adding palm oil to Garri during the processing stage has been found to be effective in reducing the amount of cyanide present in Garri. So as much as possible, avoid white Garri in its entirety.
If Garri is eating with good amount of protein-riched foods as accompaniments, then we need not worry about cyanide toxicity. Eat Garri with soup, meat, fish, etc. When drinking, add adequate amount of milk.
Steemians... I hope you have been enriched by this publication. To all lovers of Garri, I must say I am sorry if you feel offended. However, the truth must be told and that's what this blog is dedicated to revealing.
Thank you and thank you very much.
