| json_metadata | "{"app":"Musing","appTags":["Cassava","Blindness"],"appCategory":"Cassava","appTitle":"Does Regular Consumption of Cassava Flakes(garri) induces Progressive Blindness : Why?","appBody":"<p>This is a household argument and every Nigerian has at least heard of it, if not taken part in arguing. The answer is yes, excess garri consumption causes blindness among other things, and I'll tell you why. </p>\n<p>Garri is made from cassava. Now cassava has high levels of cyanogenic glycodsides. This is produced to defend them from herbivores. Not withstanding, cassava has that chemical in it and as such contains high levels of cyanide. </p>\n<p>This in itself is not a problem because the cyanide levels are supposed to be reduced to an almost non-existent level during processing but unfortunately, the producers don't use proper processing methods so the garri that comes out is rich in cyanide.</p>\n<p>When ingested, the cyanide quickly enters the bloodstream. The human body can handle minute amounts of the cyanide. It converts the cyanide into thiocyanate which is seven times less harmful than actual cyanide. Then it passes out when we urinate. It can also combine with another substance in the body called hydroxycobalamin which is a form of vitamin B12. It results in cyanocobalamin which helps to maintain red blood cells and nerves. Unfortunately the average Nigerian eats garri at least five times a week. So the cyanide in the body is more than its supposed to be. </p>\n<p>The excess cyanide overwhelms the body's ability to convert it. Excess thiocyanate in the body has adverse effects and excess cyanide also stops the cells from using oxygen. thus killing them</p>\n<p>Extended cyanide consumption eventually leads to weakening of the optic nerves that slowly leads to blindness. Aside from that, it causes goiter, depressed thyroid function, hypertonia and a few other things no one would want to have.</p>\n<p>I once read an article online about a man that bet fifty grand or so that he could soak a full bag of garri in a week. He did but became completely blind because of it.</p>\n<p><br></p>","appDepth":2,"appParentPermlink":"p3fuz2hl5","appParentAuthor":"alaisguineasis","musingAppId":"aU2p3C3a8N","musingAppVersion":"1.1","musingPostType":"answer"}" |
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