Page 105 - Msingi Afrika Magazine Issue 13

Wholeness

it turns yellow and can be enjoyed in a number of versatile ways: a subtle
taste that is earthy, slightly sweet, and nutty, with a touch of bitterness. These
include; boiling and mashing, roasting into chunky snacks, fried as crisps,
eaten in stir-fries all these alongside a protein-rich dish to promote more nu-
trition and rid the body of the toxic cyanide. Processing cassava into tapioca A PEOPLE CALLED AFRIKA
and garri for example significantly lowers its nutritional value. Boiling it has
shown the most retention of these nutrients that include some amounts of ORDER
iron, vitamin C, and niacin. Cassava flour is safe for consumption as it does
not contain any cyanide and any prepared root should be prepared carefully
and consumed in moderation as a gluten-free alternative source of carbohy- NOW
drate and starch. It is used in making baked goods among other flour-based
products. When consumed as part of a staple diet the antinutrients in cassava
may interfere with the absorption of some vitamins and minerals and may +254 738 489470
cause digestive distress. However, under some circumstances, the tannins and (For calls & Whatsapp)
saponins may actually have beneficial health effects. One of the biggest bene-
fits of cassava is its high source of resistant starch, an excellent prebiotic that
feeds the beneficial bacteria in the gut, that may help reduce inflammation
and promote digestive health. It also contributes to better metabolic health
and reduces the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes in addition to its role in
promoting fullness and reducing appetite for better weight management. The
best way to consume this gluten-free carbohydrate is by eating it whole.

Other Gluten-Free Options
Rice, especially brown rice is high in fiber and associated with decreased risks
of diabetes, weight gain, and heart disease. Oats contain beta-glucan, which
may decrease blood cholesterol and help regulate blood sugar levels. Quinoa,
native to South America, contains a good amount of antioxidants and essen-
tial amino acids. Buckwheat, a grain-like seed is also gluten-free and not relat-
ed to the wheat grain. It is rich in antioxidants and has been associated with
reductions in heart disease risk factors by lowering blood cholesterol levels.
These nutritious gluten-free grains can significantly benefit your health and
are popular staples in our diets. There are also gluten-free flours made from
potatoes and sweet potato starch, beets and other root vegetables, legumes
like lentils, green bananas and many more being developed for more variety
and varied options.

Harriet Chebet Ng’ok is the CEO / Founder of
Harriet’s Botanicals a Nairobi based startup
retailing Traditional Indigenous Remedies for
the Urban and Diaspora Market.
The company has 20 Employees, 9 outlets
including 2 in Nairobi, a diaspora client base
and works with 200 Traditional Practitioners
of Herbal Medicine in the counties of Bomet,
Narok and Kilifi. The company has a social
media following of approximately 70,000
and services 30,000 clients per year. More
information can be found on FaceBook,
Instagram and Twitter on Harriet’s Botani-
cals and Website www.harrietsbotanicals.
co.ke

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