In Nigeria, a country with diverse tribes, with different foods and beliefs. There are various myths about food and health.
Here are nine common food fallacies to understand for better nutrition knowledge and health improvement.
- Drinking Garri Causes Blindness; Garri on its own contains Macronutrient (Starch, Dietary fiber, a small amount of protein, and also a small amount of fat) with low quantities of micronutrients such as Vit C, Vit B-complex, Iron, Calcium, and Magnesium.
There is a large misconception that Garri causes blindness mostly in prisons, and this myth comes due to a compound named ‘Cyanide” coupled with the deficiency of vitamin A. However, Garri on its own cannot lead to blindness, as well processed Garri doesn’t contain dangerous amounts of cyanide. Plus, the main issue of malnutrition and other health problems is inadequate diet, not Garri alone.
- Sugar causes Diabetes; Yes, sugar is a refined product and it’s advised to be avoided in the meals of a diabetic patient. However, sugar alone cannot lead to Diabetes.
There are several factors that can lead to diabetes which could include; family history, Autoimmune reactions (when the immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas), Obesity or even being on the overweight scale, and an overall unhealthy diet.
- Intermittent Fasting is bad due to skipping Breakfast: First, all meals are important; breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all required for the body. People tend to believe not having breakfast from the time; 6am-9am can lead to various health problems, however, people forget good nutrition is more of what you eat. Intermittent fasting has proven to be of great benefit as it aids in the regulation of insulin levels and also has helped greatly in weight loss. Not having breakfast is not the only factor that leads to health problems. The practice of breakfast can differ in individuals, as it has both its positive and negative sides. Therefore it is recommended to know your fasting window or consult a licensed dietitian before engaging in such practices.
- Red wine and Health; Whenever red wine is brought up, people automatically believe it is not just a sin but also a danger to man’s health. Red wine has been mentioned a lot of times in the bible and it has been used for celebrations, blessings, symbols of spiritual significance (Genesis 14:18, John 2:1-11, 1Corithians 11:25), and for human health, red wine is rich in antioxidants which can help reduce inflammation, lowers blood clot risk, and improves gut health. However, in the bible and also in the hospital, it is advised to have moderate quantities (for men-2 glasses, for women-1 glass) and avoid overconsumption as it contains side effects.
- Cloves are good for the general body health; Cloves are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals and it has have been proven to have many health benefits which include; reduction of blood pressure, aids in digestion, remedies for flu, cold, regulation of blood sugar and also improves liver health. However, excess consumption of eugenol found in clove oil can be toxic to the liver as it can lead to liver expansion. Cloves can sometimes interact with drug reactions such as blood thinner warfarin. It is advised to avoid clove and clove products when on such medication.
For a deeper understanding, individuals are advised to visit a dietitian and avoid making assumptions when it comes to nutrition and health.
