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Effects Of Nixtamalization On Maize Processing In Malawi, Annica Cooper, Frost Steele

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Malawi is a small country in southeastern Africa. The main crops that rural Malawians grow for food are maize, legumes, and dark, leafy greens. Due to this restrictive diet, many Malawians are at risk for several nutritional deficiencies. In a survey conducted of Malawian families at the School of Agriculture for Family Independence (SAFI), families reached an average of only 18.3% of their calcium needs. A calcium deficiency, especially early in life, can lead to low bone mass and low vitamin D levels, which leads to rickets or osteomalacia. An ancient Mesoamerican tradition called nixtamalization turns maize into a great …