Highly Nutritious but Can Be Toxic When Eaten Raw
Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is a tuberous root vegetable.
It is also known as manioc, yuca, or mandioca and is native to South America.
Eating this vegetable provides many health benefits because of the vitamins and minerals it contains.
Julio Ricco / Getty Images
Julio Ricco / Getty Images
What Are the Nutritional Benefits of Cassava?
Cassava contains high levels of vitamins and nutrients that provide various health benefits.
While the root vegetable is similar to various types of potatoes, it is not the same.
The differences stem from its plant compounds, nutrients, and calorie content.
When consumed, resistant starches bypass digestion in the small intestines.
Once they reach the large intestine, they ferment and act asprebioticsin the gut.
Because they feed good bacteria, prebiotics are vital in maintaining balance within gut organisms and promoting overall health.
Cassava may also reduce the risk of obesity, but more research is needed.
However, eating foods with the proper nutrients can help restore some collagen and inhibit the effects of aging.
Cassava can aid in bone, skin, muscle, and joint health.
Inflammation
Cassava contains anti-inflammatory properties due to its high vitamin C content.
It does this by providing antioxidants that can balance outfree radicals.
Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause damage if too many roam freely within the body.
Antioxidants help to stabilize the molecules, essentially neutralizing their ability to cause harm.
Brain Health
The human brain requires several nutrients to function correctly.
One such mineral,copper, is vital for brain health because it plays a role inneurotransmission.
Neurotransmission is the communication pathway between brain cells (neurons).
Choosing which one fits into your diet depends on your personal flavor preferences.
Regardless of the jot down, there are specific ways that the vegetable needs to be prepared.
After the six-day process is complete, cassava can be cooked through boiling, frying, or baking.
How Much Cassava Would You Have to Eat to Get Sick?
If prepared correctly, cassava is safe to eat.
People with poor diets are more likely to feel these effects.
Summary
Cassava is a highly nutritious tuber root vegetable that can be deadly if not prepared correctly.
Because of that, eating cassava requires a certain level of skill when it comes to preparation.
