Gari and beans, a popular dish in Ghana, undergoes several processes during digestion1234.
Beans:
Beans contain both soluble and insoluble fiber4. Soluble fiber is a water-soluble carbohydrate that dissolves in water to form a gel, slowing down the process of digestion and the absorption of glucose4.
Beans also contain a sugar called an oligosaccharide3. Your body can’t digest it because you don’t produce the enzyme necessary to break it down3. When undigested food particles (like oligosaccharides) enter the large intestine, they’re broken down by bacteria3. This causes fermentation which produces gas3.
Gari:
Gari is starchy and serves as a source of energy1. Starch is broken down into glucose by enzymes in your saliva and small intestine. Glucose is then absorbed into your bloodstream and used by your cells for energy.
It’s important to note that the digestion process can vary depending on the individual and other factors such as the presence of other foods in the meal. For example, the presence of fats (like palm oil) and proteins (like eggs) can slow down the digestion process.
