| Amount Per 100 grams1 cup (206 g)1 root (408 g)1 cup (206 g) | |
| Calories 328 | |
| % Daily Value* | |
| Total Fat 0.6 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat 0.2 g | 1% |
| Cholesterol 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium 29 mg | 1% |
| Potassium 558 mg | 15% |
| Total Carbohydrate 78 g | 26% |
| Dietary fiber 3.7 g | 14% |
| Sugar 3.5 g | |
| Protein 2.8 g | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 70% | Calcium | 3% |
| Iron | 3% | Vitamin D | 0% |
| Vitamin B6 | 10% | Cobalamin | 0% |
| Magnesium | 10% |
Cassava, also known as manioc or yucca, is a starchy rhizome that is mostly cultivated in the hot climates of Africa, Asia, and South America. Cassava shouldn’t be eaten raw. This is because it contains toxic amounts of cyanogenic glycosides, which can be reduced to innocuous levels by cooking it. Other than sugarcane, cassava is one of the richest sources of carbohydrates, according to the Food Safety Network.
Cassava is a good source of minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, manganese, iron, and potassium. These minerals are necessary for the proper development, growth, and function of your body’s tissues. For example, calcium is necessary for strong bones and teeth; iron helps in the formation of two proteins — hemoglobin and myoglobin — which carry oxygen to your body tissues; and manganese helps in the formation of bones, connective tissue, and sex hormones. Potassium is necessary for the synthesis of proteins and helps in the breakdown of carbohydrates. According to the Department of Agriculture, Agriculture, and Fisheries Information Service, a 100-gram serving of cassava root contains 16 milligrams of calcium, 21 milligrams of magnesium, 271 milligrams of potassium, 27 milligrams of phosphorus, and 0.4 milligrams of manganese. It also has 14 milligrams of sodium, 0.3 milligrams of zinc, and 0.3 milligrams of iron.
Nature is filled with a treasure of beneficial plants, herbs, fruits, seeds, and flowers! All we need to know is how to make the most of these naturally available therapeutics. Cassava is one such root vegetable that can be poisonous or beneficial based on how we consume it. When taken in the right amount and in proper preparation, cassava benefits our skin, hair, and overall health in several important ways.
As a staple food of many countries, cassava is believed to be anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. These properties are said to aid in the treatment or prevention of certain health conditions. Incorporating cassava into a controlled healthy diet menu has turned out to have many positive effects on health.
- Weight loss
Because it is rich in dietary fiber, cassava can make you feel full for a longer period of time. Thus, reducing the need to constantly snack on food so as to suppress weight gain.
- Helps with migraines
Eating cassava can help reduce constant migraine attacks because of the vitamin B2 and riboflavin that it contains. The trick is to take 60 grams of roots or cassava leaves and soak them in water for 2 hours then make the juice. This will reduce the severity of your migraine.
- Improves digestive health
As mentioned previously, cassava is rich in dietary fiber which is very beneficial for the body and its function. Insoluble fiber helps to improve your digestive system by absorbing all the poisons stored in your intestine, and also by reducing inflammation in your digestive tract.
- Helps treat diarrhea
The antioxidant properties help to curb diarrhea. Boil the roots in water for one hour and consume them. This will help to get rid of bacteria that cause stomach problems and reduce the symptoms of diarrhea as well.
- Improves vision
Filled with vitamin A content, cassava can help improve your vision, it can also prevent blindness or poor vision.
- Help prevent rheumatic diseases
Rheumatic diseases refer to diseases pertaining to the muscles and joints such as osteoporosis, arthritis, spondylitis, and lupus. Cassava supplies more than a third of your daily magnesium requirement per serving to help curb rheumatism. To make an all-natural rheumatic medication, take 150 grams of cassava leaves, some lemongrass, and salt along with 15 grams of ginger root. Boil these ingredients in a liter of water and drink this potion every morning to keep rheumatic diseases at bay.
- Strengthens immunity
Folate and vitamin C, both found in plenty in cassava leaves, are very good for the body’s immune system. Vitamin C helps the immune system by attacking the nucleus of viruses and bacteria, rendering them dead. It also maintains bone health. It is also a good antioxidant that eliminates free radicals in the body.
- Boosts energy and improves brain function
Cassava flour is high in carbohydrates and it helps in boosting energy. Not only that, your brain will begin to work more efficiently when you add cassava flour to your diet.
- Lowers blood pressure
Another amazing benefit of cassava flour is that it significantly lowers blood pressure. This is again because it is high in dietary fiber. Every cup of cassava flour increases your fiber intake by 4 grams.
- Helps maintain healthy muscles
If you are health conscious, cassava flour will definitely help you build strong and lean muscles. It contains protein that maintains your muscle health and nourishes the tissues.
