CLAIM
There is a widespread belief, particularly common in southwestern Nigeria, that consuming mango immediately before or after drinking garri could be life-threatening. This claim has circulated for years, with warnings appearing on platforms such as Nairaland in 2008 and 2015.
ORIGIN
In a publication on Community Magazine, titled The Garri and Mango Mystery: Facts and Fiction, Oladele Idowu Joseph traced the misconception to an incident in 1986.
According to Joseph, some children unknowingly consumed garri contaminated with rat poison. Shortly before this, they had also eaten mangoes. The children were rushed to the nearest state hospital, where they were asked what they had last eaten. This led to the association of mangoes and garri as a dangerous combination.
Joseph noted that a popular newspaper at the time sensationalized the story with the headline: ‘Ibadan: Four Siblings Die After Eating Garri and Mangoes.’ This reporting significantly contributed to the widespread belief that the combination was harmful, causing many to avoid it altogether.
THE FINDINGS
To verify this claim, FACTCHECK247 conducted extensive research, including a keyword search, which revealed several of the reports, indicating the popularity of this claim.
FactCheck247 then sought expert opinions to gain further insight into the issue.
Experts’ Opinion
Joshua A. Oyetade, an Industrial and Analytical Chemist, lecturer, and Doctoral Researcher at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Tanzania, shared with FACTCHECK247 that both garri and mango are generally safe for consumption. He clarified that there is no valid scientific evidence to justify the combination of the two as life-threatening.
“I have heard many speculations regarding the drinking garri and eating mango saga before,” he said. “However, there are things to bear in mind. The reaction of body-food chemistry varies from person to person based on their current health status.”
He explained furthered, “Digestive sensitivity is a key factor. Both garri and mango are acidic to some extent. Consuming them together might cause mild digestive discomfort, such as bloating or stomach upset, especially for people with sensitive stomachs or pre-existing conditions like ulcers. As such, this combination is not often recommended for those with a history of ulcers.”
On the processing of garri, he noted: “Cassava, when processed into garri, undergoes steps designed to remove cyanide. However, if not properly processed, traces of cyanogenic compounds might remain. While the body can usually detoxify these compounds in small amounts, combining improperly processed garri with acidic substances like mango could potentially increase irritation or absorption. This, however, is rare with properly processed garri.”
He also addressed individual allergies and intolerances, stating, “Some people might react to mango due to allergies or its high sugar content, which could lead to symptoms like diarrhea or stomach cramps.”
Oyetade concluded, “Above all, this combination is not life-threatening, but it is not a practice to be encouraged either. Focusing on excellent food combinations is better for maintaining good health and avoiding unnecessary intestinal discomfort.”
Raji Ganiyah Titilayo, a public health nutritionist, told FACTCHECK247 that combining mango and garri is generally safe to consume, as long as individuals are mindful of their health conditions and eat in moderation.
“There’s a common misconception about this, but eating mango and garri together is not harmful; it’s safe,” she explained. “However, people are different, and our bodies may respond to certain nutrients and foods differently. For some, it might lead to digestive issues, like bloating.”
She advised individuals with health conditions such as peptic ulcers or other gastrointestinal disorders to avoid this combination due to mango’s acidity.
“Garri is also slightly acidic and can cause gastric discomfort, especially if the cassava was not properly processed to remove cyanogenic glycoside, which can be life-threatening,” she cautioned.
Peleowo Sururat Ayoola, CEO of Sa’comestible Concept Ltd and a naturopathy practitioner, shared with FACTCHECK247 that following food combination principles is essential for safety and optimizing overall health.
“Combine fruits with protein fats (like nuts and seeds) and/or leafy greens. Note that melon should not be combined with dates, as it can have adverse effects.
“Do not consume fruits with animal protein, legumes, beans, or starches. Fruits (except certain ones like star fruit) do not pair well with concentrated foods such as starches and proteins, which generally take three to five hours to digest,” she said.
She added, “If you eat fruit with starches or proteins, the fruit becomes trapped in the longer digestive cycle, leading to fermentation. This produces acid and alcohol that feed yeast, fungi, and harmful bacteria, potentially impairing digestion.
“This is the issue with garri and mango: both are nutritious, but garri is considered a concentrated food, while mango is not. They require different times to pass through the digestive system. For example, mango may take about 40 minutes to digest, while garri can take up to five hours. When fruit is held up by slower-digesting foods, it can ferment.”
According to her, this can lead to symptoms like gas, bloating, stomach pain, indigestion, acid reflux, irregular bowel movements, bad breath, skin issues, poor sleep, and fatigue. “Without proper management, these issues can eventually lead to chronic disorders, such as diabetes, colon cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, or fatty liver disease.”
“Finally, regularly eating fruits with starches or proteins can eventually contribute to chronic health conditions. Once you develop chronic conditions, complications can progress, which may later threaten your life.”
BEKI Abubakar Uthman, a Nurse Educator, Public Health Consultant, and Lecturer at the Kwara State College of Nursing Science, Ilorin, told FACTCHECK247 that most of the stories surrounding this issue are fictional, as taking mango immediately after drinking garri are not harmful.
“But there are precipitating factors that people mistake with the combination.
“Guarantee that the garri is properly processed. Cassava, from which garri is made, contains cyanogenic glycosides that can release cyanide, a toxic compound. Proper fermentation and processing reduce the cyanide content to safe levels.”
Mr. Beki noted that cassava contains poisonous components, and if it is not properly processed, it can cause serious health issues.
“However, if garri is consumed at the wrong time, people may think it is due to the combination.”
He further explained that food hygiene is another critical factor to consider. Without proper processing, preservation, or preparation, it could lead to adverse bodily reactions.
“Eating mango immediately after drinking garri is not a dangerous combination,” he concluded.
THE VERDICT
The claim that consuming mango immediately before or after garri is life-threatening is FALSE as professional nutritionists say the consumption of mango immediately after drinking garri is not life threatening, and is not backed by scientific evidence. If garri is properly processed, eating it with mango poses no known health risks, Any symptoms are more likely related to individual digestive reactions rather than any inherent toxicity.