Debunking Some Funny Food Myth you Once Believed

As a born and bred Nigerian, we believe in so many food myths. They are superstitious because there is no scientific proof to back these claims. It’s like old wives’ tales. Back then, Nigerian parents came up with funny tales to make you obey instructions and abstain from bad habits. These bad habits vary from standing to eat to picking and eating spilt foods. They know you will fall hook, line and sinker after hearing such funny tales, so they give it their best shot. Surprisingly, some parents just think they are myths, they actually believe in them and transfer them to their offspring just like it was passed unto them. Anyway, we are here to debunk this myth, and to encourage you to eat any meal that pleases your tastebud without having guilt. 

Beans make you grow tall
Picky eaters in the house, this myth is for you. Back then, Beans were usually the least of meals to enjoy. Whether the meal is delicious or not, you always prefer to eat something else. The typical Naija parent came up with this myth to persuade you to eat the dish. They tell you that Beans make you grow tall, and when you don’t eat them, you become short. To avoid that, you gladly obey them. Again, this is untrue. Bean is a complex carbohydrate that provides energy to the body and does not make you grow tall. It does not single-handedly make you grow tall. Your height is dependent on your generational genes which are passed onto you.

Girls on their Menstrual Period shouldn’t enter the kitchen
In those days, if you have your monthly visitor, your parents will warn you sternly to stay off the kitchen else you contaminate the food. This may be cultural though. By every means, this is not true. There is no scientific backing to prove that your monthly flow can poison the meal you are cooking. This was probably passed on from ancestors from the past and some parents have refused to let go especially the titled chiefs.

Eating Meat/Fish before a meal is a Sign of Gluttony
Let’s admit it! There are days you want to eat fewer meals and more protein. Yet, Nigerian mums aren’t taking it with you. When they pass your meal, you are under the instruction to finish it before you eat the protein. You dare not touch them before eating your meal. This has earned many severe punishments. Some Naija mums intentionally remove the meat and wait until you finish eating before giving it to you. Sadly, as adults, many are yet to realise that it’s a myth. We keep passing it to the young generation.

Drinking Garri Myth😂
Nigerian parents will do anything to stop you from drinking Garri in a Nigerian home. They came up with this funny story that it’s bad for the eyes just to make you avoid the meal. Trust the instincts of a Naija child to snoop their way to find the hidden treasure😂. Another Garri myth is eating mango alongside. Huge myth debunked! Garri has been saving lives long before the Sapa season 😂 Eating mango while drinking Garri won’t and has never killed anyone. Nigerian parents made these up to stop you from eating weird food concoctions. But, why would someone eat mango while drinking Garri in the first place? 🤔

Standing to Eat Sends the Food to your Feet
Table manners 101 says, ‘‘Sit and Eat’’. Standing to eat is against the rules of etiquette. However, if you decide to break the rules, the food won’t go to your feet.  Actually, eating while standing up allows people to continue to eat and drink because they're able to digest faster and are more prone to overeating. This will make you become hungrier faster or feeling bloated and gassy. However, there's little evidence to support the notion that eating while standing up is harmful. In fact, eating while standing up may be beneficial for reducing reflux and heartburn in adults. This myth is just passed from generation to generation to enforce good table etiquette.

Any Food that Falls to the Ground belongs to the Devil
This myth is really laughable. It’s unhygienic to pick and eat food from the ground. The food has contaminated germs, and it’s unhealthy to eat them. The only way to make your children stop this habit was to come up with tales to scare you. Interestingly, it worked. Kids even encourage their friends not to do so.

On a final note, Nigerian parents are the absolute best. They will go the extra mile to make sure you are safe and healthy. Gist us, are there any other food myths you once believed? Share at the comment section.

Thank you for stopping by.