Garri is a very popular and easily accessible food in Nigeria. It is easy to prepare and store for at least a year. Garri has its own health benefits just like every other food but there is a misconception about it — that it is unhealthy and it’s the food of the vulnerable.
This article serves as a correction and to make you know that eating Garri is not a sign of poverty but eating healthy.
Here are the health benefits of Garri:
1. Promotes body growth
A very great health benefit of garri is that it promotes body growth. It contains folate — a vitamin that promotes tissue growth and cells. Folate works with other vitamins to help break down and create new proteins. Folate also converts carbohydrates into energy for the body and helps in the production of DNA.
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2. Aids digestion
Garri is a food that has the capacity to reduce constipation and aid digestion because it is a natural source of fibre that enables the digestive system to excrete. If you usually have a problem with food digestion, embrace garri.
3. Boosts the immune system
Garri contains vitamin A, vitamin B17, magnesium, and copper which play a crucial role in maintaining your immune system, nerves, and bones. In other words, garri is essential if you want a strong and healthy immune system.
4. Prevents cancer
Garri can also prevent cancer because it is rich in amygdalin also known as B17 which helps to stimulate the red blood cells. When these cells don’t get stimulated, they are susceptible to cancer.
5. Cures diarrhoea
The most prominent health benefit of garri is its ability to cure diarrhoea. It is a home-made solution for excess fluid in your bowels. Immediately you take garri, your poop becomes more solid. It is the fibre in garri that makes this possible.
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6. Improves the eyes
This health benefit is very controversial because many people just believe that garri is dangerous for the sight. On the other hand, garri is good for the eyes. It contains bakarotennya — a compound that helps to prevent blindness. Garri is also rich in vitamin A that protects the cornea — the surface of the eyes.
