When nursing, maintaining a balanced diet is essential to the health of both the mother and the child. As a result, it's critical to pay attention to what you eat and the nutrients it provides, as your diet can directly impact your unborn child. Breastfeeding mothers may pass on certain nutrients to their infants through their milk. 

 

 

That is why in this article, you’ll know if you should drink garri as a breastfeeding mother and explore its safety for drinking as regards your baby and you.  

 

 

The importance of a balanced diet in pregnancy 

 

A healthy diet is vital for any person but is much more critical for you as a pregnant woman. There is no special diet for you to consume when breastfeeding your baby, but rather ensure that your diet has the right balance of nutrients that you and your baby need. 

 

  

By taking a balanced diet, your baby will have all the nutrients they need to develop and ensure that you and your baby gain the proper weight.

 

 

What is garri?

 

Garri is one of the staple foods found in Nigeria that cuts across every tribe. It is made from processed cassava, which is a root vegetable. It is usually eaten as porridge and mixed with milk, sugars or groundnuts. You can make it into eba and enjoy it with your favourite meal.  

 

 

Does garri have any health benefits?

 

Unlike most people think, garri does have amazing health benefits. The health benefits of garri include: 

 

1. Boosts immune system: Garri contains essential minerals for your body to function properly, such as copper, magnesium and vitamins. These minerals help in boosting the immune system. 
2.  

1. Aids digestion: Garri contains a high fibre content. Therefore, it is suitable for digestion and helps in preventing constipation.
2.  

1. Garri helps eyesight: Unlike many people, garri is good for eyesight as it is rich in Vitamin A and barokytenna. 

 

Can a breastfeeding mother drink garri?

 

Garri is rich in carbohydrates. Properly preparing garri poses a lesser threat to you and your baby. However, if garri gets contaminated, it may lead to cyanide poisoning and may affect your breastfeeding child. It is best to drink garri in minute quantities and ensure you prepare it properly to prevent toxication. 

 

How to prepare garri 

 

Preparing garri involves a few steps:

The cassava tubers are peeled and then washed thoroughly soaked in water for a day or two to ferment slightly.

 

 After soaking, the cassava is ground into a paste using a grater or a grinding machine. The ground cassava is then put in a porous bag or cloth and pressed to remove excess moisture.

 

The pressed cassava is fried in a dry pan or pot without oil over medium heat, stirring constantly until it becomes dry granules.

 

Finally,  the fried cassava is sifted or sieved to get the fine, powdery garri.

 

Garri is a versatile food with amazing health benefits. If you must consume garri, buy it from hygienic sources or vendors, and exercise moderation when eating.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

 

1. Will garri affect my breastfed baby?

Garri cannot affect your breastfed baby. There is no scientific evidence to prove this. 

 

2. Can I take garri every week while breastfeeding?

It is advisable to take garri in moderation while breastfeeding. Once or twice is enough for the consumption of garri.

 

3. Will my breastfed baby purge if I drink garri?

Garri will not make your baby purge. Your baby might be allergic to certain additives like dairy.