Does Drinking Garri Cause Eye Problems??

We have all heard someone say that drinking garri can cause eye problems? If so, you may be surprised to learn that this is actually a myth, and there is no scientific evidence to support the claim. In this essay, we will delve into the science behind this myth and explore why it is not a fact.

What is Garri and How is it Made?

first, let's start by discussing what garri is. Garri is a type of Nigerian food made from cassava, a root vegetable that is native to South America. To make garri, the cassava is peeled, grated, and then mixed with water to form a dough-like consistency. The dough is then placed in a basket and pounded with a heavy stone or wooden mallet to remove the excess moisture. After this process, the dough is left to ferment for a few days, which gives it its characteristic sour taste.

Once the fermentation process is complete, the dough is sun-dried until it becomes a hard, yellowish-white substance. This substance is then ground into a fine powder, which is the form of garri that is most commonly consumed. Garri can be eaten in a variety of ways, but it is most commonly consumed by mixing it with water milk sugar and groundnut in absence of sapa🫠

The Myth: Does Garri Cause Eye Problems?

So, where did this myth about garri causing eye problems come from? It's hard to say for certain, but it is likely that it arose from a misunderstanding of the fermentation process that is used to make garri. During the fermentation process, the dough is left to sit in baskets for a few days, and this can lead to the formation of mold on the surface of the dough. Some people may have mistakenly assumed that the mold could cause eye problems if it came into contact with the eyes, and this idea may have spread over time.

However, this assumption is not supported by any scientific evidence. There is no reason to believe that the mold that may form on the surface of fermented garri dough would be harmful if it came into contact with the eyes. In fact, mold is a natural part of the fermentation process and is not inherently harmful to humans.

The Real Cause of Eye Problems: Vitamin A Deficiency

While it is true that certain eye problems can be caused by a deficiency in certain nutrients, such as vitamin A, this has nothing to do with consuming garri. In fact, cassava, the main ingredient in garri, is a good source of vitamin A, and consuming garri can actually help to prevent vitamin A deficiency🤷🏽‍♂️

Vitamin A deficiency is a serious health problem that affects millions of people around the world, especially in developing countries. It can cause a range of eye problems, including night blindness, which is the inability to see in low light conditions, and xerophthalmia, which is a condition that can lead to dryness and inflammation of the eyes.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the myth that drinking garri can cause eye problems is just that – a myth. There is no scientific evidence to support this claim, and it is likely that it arose from a misunderstanding of the fermentation process used to make garri. So go ahead and soak your garri