Ayilo, also known as ayilor, hyile,[1] and ferinkasa, is a Ghanaian term for bentonite clay.[2][3] It is a baked solid white clay usually taken by pregnant women.[4][5] They are usually baked into egg-shaped balls.[6] Ewes call it agatawoe/agatawe, Gas called it ayilo, English call it kaolin and the Akans call it shirew/shile.[7][8]
Location edit
Ayilo is mostly made in Anfoega in the Volta Region of Ghana.[9]
Uses edit
Ayilo is claimed to manage nausea and to prevent diarrhoea, discomfort, and other pregnancy-related conditions. It is also used as a beauty enhancement.[10][unreliable source?] It also used for irritable bowel syndrome[7] and for traditional medicinal purposes.[11]
Effects edit
When consumed too much by pregnant women might lead to anaemia. Chemical elements such as arsenic, boron, aluminium, and nickel found in Ayilo might harm individuals who consume it.[7] It also causes constipation and addiction.[12][13][14]
Other countries edit
Ayilo is known as mabele in Democratic Republic of the Congo and in Cameroon as calaba.[15] Nsu in Nigeria
References edit
- ^ "Use Hyile / Ayilo (Bentonite Clay) To Open Your Third Eye!". GhanaStar. 2016-11-15. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
- ^ "Stop Wasting Money!: Ayilor Is All The Magic You Need For A Luxuriant Hair". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
- ^ Boateng, Kojo Akoto (2016-06-09). "Beauty shouldn't break your bank – Lydia Forson". Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
- ^ Dalaba, Maxwell A.; Nonterah, Engelbert A.; Chatio, Samuel T.; Adoctor, James K.; Watson, Daniella; Barker, Mary; Ward, Kate A.; Debpuur, Cornelius (2021-07-15). "Culture and community perceptions on diet for maternal and child health: a qualitative study in rural northern Ghana". BMC Nutrition. 7 (1): 36. doi:10.1186/s40795-021-00439-x. ISSN 2055-0928. PMC 8281629. PMID 34261513.
- ^ "Weird cravings during pregnancy". Graphic Online. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
- ^ "Pregnant women who eat 'baked clay' at risk". GhanaWeb. 2016-07-09. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
- ^ a b c "'Ayilo': Ghana's white gold that has quietly boosted the economy for decades". myinfo.com.gh. 2022-10-13. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
- ^ "Should People Crave For Ayilo?". BusinessGhana. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
- ^ "'Ayilo': Ghana's white gold that has quietly boosted the economy for decades". GhanaWeb. 2022-10-13. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
- ^ "Hidden Beauty Facts About Shile/Ayilo You Never Knew". Nima 24. 2020-08-15. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
- ^ "11 benefits of bentonite clay: How to use it and side effects". www.medicalnewstoday.com. 2019-05-22. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
- ^ "Eating Of Ayilo Causes Anaemia". Peacefmonline.com. 2014-07-14. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
- ^ Eshemokha, Udomoh (2021-02-20). "Ayilo has no benefits: Harmful effects of eating Ayilo during pregnancy". Nigerian Health Blog. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
- ^ "Eating Ayilo Could Be Harmful: Dr Sarpong". Modern Ghana. Retrieved 2022-10-15.
- ^ "Mabele, Calaba, Ayilo (Kaolin Clay)". Alowa Foods. Retrieved 2022-10-15.