Konzo: A Neurological Disease Linked to Poorly Processed Cassava
One of the more serious consequences seen in some African communities is a condition called konzo. It is not widely known outside of medical and public health circles, but it has affected villages where diets are low in protein and heavily dependent on bitter cassava.
Over long periods, repeatedly eating cassava that hasn’t been adequately processed can expose the nervous system to too much cyanide. In certain conditions, this has been linked with:
- Sudden weakness in the legs
- Difficulty walking
- Long-lasting movement problems
Konzo is rare and tends to appear in very specific settings: areas with poverty, low-protein diets, and repeated use of poorly prepared bitter cassava. It is not something most occasional cassava eaters will ever encounter, but it is an important reminder of why proper preparation matters.
