If You Eat Gari Too Much, You’ll Go Blind”… and Other Food Lies We Grew Up Believing

When I was a kid, my dad would force me to eat soup and say, “If you don’t, your hair will turn red.” I believed it for years. To this day, if I see someone with slightly brownish hair, a small voice in my head whispers, "They don’t eat soup."

Growing up Ghanaian means growing up with a PhD in food myths. From what to eat when you’re sick to what not to touch when you’ve given birth, the list is long, loud, and often backed by nothing but vibes. So, let’s talk about the ones most of us have heard, break down why they aren’t true, and laugh a little at how we all just believed them.

1. “Malt and Milk Gives Blood”

If you’ve ever been sick in Ghana, chances are someone handed you a bottle of Malta Guiness and a can of Ideal milk like it was medicine. The belief? Malt and milk give blood.

But here’s the truth. Neither malt nor milk contains enough iron to significantly boost your blood levels. Blood production relies heavily on iron, vitamin B12, and folate. You’ll get that from red meat, leafy greens, beans, and iron supplements. Not a sugar bomb and some dairy.

So where did this myth come from? Probably because malt looks like it’s doing something. It’s dark and “rich” looking, and it’s sweet, so people assume it's packed with nutrients. But it’s just sugar with bubbles. Still delicious though.

2. “Groundnut Gives You Pimples”

I avoided groundnuts like the plague growing up. Anytime I had a breakout, someone would ask, “Ah, did you eat groundnut?” As if that was the sole cause of my acne. It was just puberty!

But research shows that groundnuts are not the enemy here. In fact, they’re rich in protein, healthy fats, and important minerals like magnesium. While some people might be allergic or sensitive, for most of us, pimples are caused by hormones, clogged pores, and sometimes diet. But not specifically groundnuts.

Yet somehow, this small legume became the scapegoat for every teenage face tragedy.

3. “Eating Red Oil After Surgery Will Reopen Your Wounds”

This one is so widespread it almost feels illegal to question it. The myth is that red oil slows wound healing or causes stitches to burst open.

There’s absolutely no scientific evidence to support this. Palm oil is high in antioxidants like vitamin E, which actually helps with healing. What doctors recommend after surgery is a balanced diet. Red oil, in moderation, can be part of that.

So where did this myth come from? Maybe from the fact that red oil is often used in oily meals that might not be great for digestion when you’re recovering. But that’s not the same as saying it’ll reopen your wounds.

4. “Eggs Are Bad for Kids and Nursing Mothers”

This one baffles me every time. Some people say eggs will make kids steal. Others say they’re too heavy or too rich for breastfeeding mothers.

But here’s the science. Eggs are actually one of the best and most complete sources of protein. They contain vitamins like B12, riboflavin, and selenium. For nursing mothers, it’s excellent. For growing children, it’s essential.

This myth probably started in an attempt to ration food or prevent kids from being greedy. But there’s no health reason to ban eggs from anyone’s diet unless they’re allergic.

5. “Cold Water Causes Pneumonia”

Stop drinking cold water. You’ll catch pneumonia.” I still hear this one, especially from older folks. It is almost as if every bottle of cold water is carrying the pneumonia virus. But that is not how it works. Pneumonia is caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Cold water by itself cannot give you a lung infection unless you already have a respiratory issue or your immune system is weak.

What people do not realize is that children in developing countries like Ghana are at higher risk of pneumonia not because of cold drinks, but because of bigger issues. Malnutrition, overcrowded homes, poor housing, and lack of access to proper healthcare are the real causes. So instead of constantly warning people about cold drinks, maybe the focus should be on improving living conditions and boosting immunity.

Meanwhile, people in countries where it actually snows are happily drinking ice water and frozen smoothies without fear. They do not get pneumonia from it, and neither will you. Cold water is not the problem.

6. “Don’t Eat After 6PM If You Want to Lose Weight”

It’s often said like it’s a scientific law: once the clock hits six, your body apparently turns into a fat-storing machine. Some people even take it to the extreme and go hungry through the night just to “burn fat.”

The real issue is not when you eat, but how much you’re eating and what you’re doing with those calories. If you’ve been snacking all day and still eat a heavy meal late at night, of course that adds up. But if you’ve spaced your meals or you’ve been active throughout the day, a 7:30PM or even 9PM dinner isn’t going to ruin your weight goals. What matters most is your overall calorie not some food curfew.

Starving doesn’t equal slimming. Nourish your body with natural things. Juice doesn’t have to be soda-level sugary or full of chemicals. There are healthier choices out there, like from API Juice Ghana. Whether it’s orange, pineapple, watermelon, it’s made from real fruits, no funny stuff, and it actually fills you up. So, if you're feeling guilty eating at night, don’t, just make smarter, cleaner choices. Your body isn’t watching the clock. It’s watching the quality.

7. “Eating Gari Too Much Will Make You Blind”

You know it’s a deep myth when it’s repeated with a face of genuine concern. Gari, that poor man’s saviour, has been accused of causing blindness for years.

But why does such a myth exist? Cassava, which gari is made from, contains a naturally occurring compound called cyanogenic glucoside. This can release cyanide if improperly processed. But the gari we consume is already processed to remove these toxins.

Unless you're eating fresh cassava roots raw, which no one does, your eyes are safe. Keep enjoying your soakings in peace.

Conclusion
Ghanaian food myths are a mix of humor, fear, and leftover old-school thinking. They’ve shaped how we eat, how we raise kids, and how we recover from illness. But it’s 2025. We have Google. We know better now.

Eat your eggs. Chill your water. And for goodness' sake, let people enjoy groundnuts and gari without threatening them with acne or blindness.