30/09/2025
Ogi for Breakfast, Black Soap for Bath — What They Teach Us About Diabetes Care
Mrs Bisi is a trader in Ibadan. Every morning, she wakes up early, takes her bath with black soap, and prepares her usual breakfast of ogi (pap) with akara.
When her doctor told her she had diabetes, she was confused. She asked:
“So, should I stop ogi completely? And this is my black soap I’ve been using since childhood, is it safe?”
Her question may sound funny, but many people ask the same thing. Let’s break it down.
Ogi is part of our culture. Whether made from maize, sorghum, or millet, it is easy to prepare and filling. But here’s the truth: Ogi is high in carbohydrates and digests very fast. That means sugar from ogi enters your blood quickly — not good news for diabetes.
Does it mean you must discard Ogi? No. What matters is how you eat it:
Keep your portion small — use a cup, not a big bowl.
Pair it with protein like moi moi, beans, or egg to slow sugar release.
Balance it with vegetables in other meals during the day.
Ogi can still stay on your table, but it must come with wisdom.
Now, what does black soap have to do with diabetes? A lot more than you think.
People with diabetes often struggle with dry skin, itching, and slow-healing wounds. Proper skincare is part of staying healthy. Black soap is natural, gentle, and free from harsh chemicals that can irritate your skin.
Using black soap helps keep your skin clean and lowers the risk of infections. It may not lower your sugar, but it protects your body — and that’s an important part of your wellness journey.
Ogi works on the inside — it affects your blood sugar.
Black soap works on the outside, it protects your skin.
Together, they show us that diabetes care is holistic. It’s not only about food, not only about drugs. It’s about your whole lifestyle: what you eat, how you move, how you sleep, and even how you care for your body.
Managing diabetes does not mean abandoning your traditions. It means making wise adjustments. Eat ogi with sense. Use black soap for care. And remember — every small, consistent choice counts.
💚 Your health is in your hands. Protect it from inside and outside.
Praise | Wellnes