Garri and your eyes, this a is a very important topic to discuss because of the
Stigmatization.
The first time I heard that soaking Garri could damage my eyes, I almost stopped eating it completely.
To be honest, I gave myself a break until I was informed.
I wish people could quit accusing Garri and simply beg farmers to help us do it the right way.
Does Garri Cause an Eye Problem?
Come with me, lets dive in deep.
Cassava tubers usually contain a substance called Cyanide.
Before cassava is processed into Garri and Fufu, it usually contains cyanide at an unsafe level.
This is why you should never consider eating raw cassava.
The level of cyanide in cassava depends on the cassava species.
Sweet cassava contains lower levels of cyanide, while bitter cassava is highly rich in cyanide
Remember, Garri is gotten through cassava….
Normally, this Cyanide is available to protect the Cassava plant from herbivores and insects because it’s toxic to them.
However, humans, are not exposed to this harmful amount of cyanide because of the processed form of cassava we consume.
Cassava goes through some process which include: fermentation, drying, and frying processes before we get Garri.
These processes help to reduce the Cyanide concentration to a harmless level.
But what’s the guarantee that all farmers do it the right way?
Some farmers are not patient enough to go through the normal processes.
They may skip some steps or reduce the number of days required for an ideal Garri processing.
They probably do this, to make their money faster, save time, and reduce stress.
if Garri is processed without going through the required steps and processes, the end product will usually contain some unsafe amount of cyanide.
If you’ve been taking properly processed Garri, you have nothing to worry about.
But if you have been buying a poorly processed Garri, you may have been taking in an unsafe amount of cyanide.
If this is consistent, it can lead to poor oxygen supply to the eye tissues leading to severe macular degeneration.
Some symptoms include:
Blurry vision
Needing brighter than usual light to read
Difficulty adapting to an environment with low light.
You may also be viewing straight lines as though they are bent.
Let’s Explain The Symptoms To Make Things Clearer
Blurry Vision:
In this condition, your eyes cannot see objects.
Instead of seeing sharp and crisp images, they look out of focus or hazy.
This can make daily tasks challenging. Examples are reading, driving, or recognizing people’s faces.
Needing Brighter Than Usual Light to Read:
When your eyes begin to struggle to gather enough light to form a clear image on the retina, you may begin to need more light to see things.
If you find yourself in this condition, seek help.
Difficulty Adapting to Low Light Environments:
It may take your eyes a longer time to adjust when moving from bright to dimly lit areas.
This might make it hard for you to see properly when in a dark room or when the lights are dimmed.
This is especially noticed at night.
Viewing Straight Lines as Bent:
In this condition, you might observe that lines that should appear straight, like the edges of doors or bookshelves, may look wavy or bent.
This symptom is a bit more peculiar.
HOW TO IDENTIFY POOR QUALITY GARRI?
Odd Smell: A properly processed Garri should have a pleasant and a slightly fermented smell.
If it smells odd or has a chemical smell, this may be an indication of poor processing.
Color: When you get a good quality garri, it always have a consistent white or yellow color, based on the presence or absence of palm oil.
When it is discolored or have an uneven colour it shows the garri was not properly processed
Texture: Feel the texture to observe that it’s coarse and in uniform.
If you find a mixture of foreign particle and it feels overly fine it may be of poor quality.
RISK FACTORS OF POOR QUALITY GARRI
Lack of proper processing: This includes skipping and not following steps or reducing the time for fermentation and drying.
Source of cassava: Make sure and ensure the ones you’re buying are made from sweet cassava, which has lower levels of cyanide.
Inadequate quality control: Some producers may not adhere to safe production practices.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Support Ethical Farming: Support for and always advocate for farmers who follow proper garri processing methods.
Educational Programs: Implement programs that educate farmers about the dangers of improperly processed Garri.
The importance of following all processing steps.
EFFECTS OF CYANIDE
Cyanide does not only affect your eyes. It can also affect the brain and heart.
These organs require a lot of oxygen to function properly.
The symptoms of the damage may not be noticed immediately, but prolonged exposure to cyanide can lead to more severe health issues;
-Headaches and dizziness
-Fatigue and weakness
-Shortness of breath and chest pain
Conclusion
Do this if you experience any of the above mentioned symptoms
Stop consuming the suspected Garri immediately.
Seek medical help to get a proper diagnosis and treatment
Look for trusted sources for purchasing Garri to ensure it’s properly processed
Understanding these symptoms helps you take proactive steps, to protect your vision and overall health.
For those of us who soak Garri, while protecting our health, you can still enjoy Garri safely. And also
An easy way is to share this post.