All You Need To Know About Drinking Garri

Garri is a carbohydrate-based food that is majorly consumed in Nigeria and many other parts of West African countries. It is gotten from cassava tuber which can be processed into many other food substances.

Garri exists in two varieties which are the white and yellow garri with the difference resulting from the addition of a few drops of red oil (palm oil) which gives the garri yellow coloration.

This staple food (garri) can be taken easily like snacks without cooking it. It is an easy recipe for students and hence the reason it is popularly referred to as “student power”.

It is taking by pouring it into a bowl or cup and then add water, groundnut, sugar, and sometimes milk depending on personal preference. This act is usually term garri soaking and it is a regular recipe for many.

I enjoy this recipe a lot and I love taking it during a hot afternoon with chilled water coupled with sugar, groundnut, and milk. I am very sure am not the only one who loves this, because in Nigeria it is one food you must see in every home.

14 Different ways of Drinking Garri

1. Garri and cold water only
2. Garri and groundnut
3. Garri and kuli kuli
4. Garri and coconut
5. Garri and Beans
6. Garri and moimoi
7. Garri, sugar, and milk
8. Garri, sugar, milk, and groundnut
9. Garri, salt, and fish
10. Garri, sugar, and biscuit
11. Garri, sugar and chin chin
12. Garri, sugar, and fried meat
13. Garri, sugar, and palm kernel
14. Garri, salt, and pear

One can set up a restaurant and serve all this menu. Very funny right? You can give it a try.

Read Also; Beans – Health Benefits, Negative Effects and More

Garri Nutrition Fact

This staple food adds some health benefits to the body which is not just limited to energy-giving. It contains some nutrients which are beneficial to human health.

They include;

• Lipids
• Dietary fiber
• Protein
• Zinc
• Potassium
• Copper
• Vitamin A
• Thiamin
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Iron
• Manganese etc.

Some Health Benefits of Drinking Garri

It energizes and cool the body  

Studies have shown that garri contains 360 calories with about 90 percent carbohydrate and the amount of energy in food is determined by its numbers of calories.

It is a high energy giving food which we all need to maintain daily health and life. When taken with cold water and milk it provides the body with a good cooling effect most especially on a hot sunny day.

It improves the body immune system 

This may surprise you but it is the truth. Garri contains some vitamins and minerals which can help boost your immune system. It is a good source of minerals like copper and magnesium.

Aid digestion

Garri is a good source of fiber which is vital for digestive health. Taken with cool water and milk gives it a creamy touch which helps to easily make you full.

Although the fiber is good for digestion taking too much of it can result in bloating and stomach cramps.

Treat Diarrhea 

Those stories you heard about drinking garri to stop running stomach are so true. The first time I heard this I was like can this be true? Until I tried it out and the outcome was like magic.

If you want to try this out all you need is just garri and water, don’t try adding sugar and milk as that can make it worse off.

The Possible Side Effect of Drinking Garri

Eye Defects

Too much intake of garri may lead to eye defect most especially if the garri was gotten from poor processing as studies show that cassava which is the primary form f garri contains hydrocyanic acid.

This cyanide is present in large quantities can cause a serious eye defect. However proper processing of this product can help reduce the concentration of the cyanide to a considerable level.

Increase ulcer

Drinking garri in excess can also cause another problem of increasing the situation of an ulcer patient. The cyanide present in it is an organic acid that can cause serious wounds to the intestines leading to intestinal issues.

The major key here is that you should drink garri with caution and moderately and ensure you get it from a reliable source.

Can a pregnant woman drink garri?

Drinking garri as a pregnant woman is not healthy must especially for those high in hydrogen cyanide as it has been traced to a probable cause of malformation observed in babies.

 

All You Need To Know About Drinking Garri