GARRI AND YOUR EYES — WHAT MANY PEOPLE DON’T KNOW!

Most Nigerians love Garri. Some people can even survive on Garri and groundnut for days 

But did you know that poorly processed Garri may affect your eyesight over time?

 Cassava naturally contains a toxic substance called CYANIDE.

Before cassava is processed into Garri or Fufu, the cyanide level is usually too high for safe consumption.
This is why eating raw cassava is dangerous.

Interestingly, not all cassava contains the same amount of cyanide.
 
Sweet cassava contains lower levels of cyanide.
 Bitter cassava contains much higher levels.

Normally, this cyanide helps protect the cassava plant from insects and animals.

So why is Garri considered safe?
 Because proper Garri processing reduces the cyanide to a harmless level.

Cassava is supposed to go through: 
 Fermentation
 Drying
 Frying

These steps are very important.
But here is the problem 

   Some producers rush the process.
To save time, reduce stress, or make faster profit, some may skip important stages or shorten the fermentation period.

The result?
Garri that may still contain unsafe levels of cyanide.
If you’ve been eating properly processed Garri, there is no cause for alarm.
But constant consumption of poorly processed Garri may gradually affect the body — especially the eyes.

 Long-term exposure to cyanide can reduce oxygen supply to sensitive eye tissues and may contribute to serious eye problems like macular degeneration.

Some warning signs include:
Blurry vision
Difficulty seeing clearly in dim light
Needing brighter light to read
Seeing straight lines as bent or distorted

   Your health matters.
Not every cheap or quickly processed Garri is safe.

When buying Garri: 
Avoid Garri with a strong raw smell 
Properly fermented Garri usually tastes slightly sour
Buy from trusted sources 
Don’t ignore unusual eye symptoms
Enjoy your Garri… but make sure it is properly processed 

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