Cassava: Uses And Health Benefits
- Collins k.k Boateng
- Jul 2, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 12
Do you know cassava has more uses and benefits than any staple food?
Which food prepared with cassava do you love the most? Are you aware cassava is used to make spray starch for easy ironing?
Are you aware that cassava supports the immune system to fight against infections? This article will offer all you need to know about cassava's uses, health benefits, and more.
Cassava which is a staple root vegetable is often overlooked in many cultures for its uses and health benefits.
Cassava, a nutrient-rich food is a powerhouse of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, offering numerous advantages for our overall well-being.
In this article, we will delve into the uses and powerful health benefits of cassava and state the nutrients that make it so beneficial to the health of humans and animals.
Article Focus
About Cassava
Uses Of Cassava
Health Benefits Of Cassava
Other Unique Names Of Cassava
Countries You Can Find Cassava
Which Parts Of Cassava Is Dangerous To Consume?
What Are Some Cassava Made Alcoholic Beverages?
Challenges In Cassava Plantation
Is Cassava Good For Ovulation?
What Are The Health Benefits Of Drinking Boiled Cassava Leaves?
Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
About Cassava
Cassava is a staple root vegetable found in most of the world, especially in Africa. Its scientific name is Manihot esculenta. It belongs to the Euphorbiaceous family.
In Ghana, it has several names among the ethnic groups. It has unique names due to its versatile nature. We the Akans call it “Bankye”, the Gas calls it “Agbele”.
Several important powerful nutrients in cassava make it beneficial to the health and overall well-being of consumers.
They include Carbohydrates, essential minerals, vitamins, and fiber.
Uses Of Cassava
There are so many uses of cassava and these uses depend on the purpose and regional boundary.
If you want to eat for satisfaction, there are several ways to incorporate based on the geographical location.
In Ghana, we use cassava to prepare Fufu, Gari (the magic food), Konkonte, and more.
Below are some uses of cassava both culinary and industrial.
Culinary uses: cassava is used in many cultures for the preparation of various dishes like bread, fufu, konkonte, eba, and more.
Animal feed: due to the high nutritional value of cassava, it is used as animal feed for goats, sheep, and several others.
Industrial Purposes: cassava starch is used in industries for adhesive production, paper, and textiles.
Biofuel: cassava is used as a source of biofuel
Cosmetic uses: Cassava starch is also used in skincare products to make the skin glow.
The leaves of cassava also aid in the treatment of eye problems, according to some renowned herbal practitioners.
Health Benefits Of Cassava
There are several health benefits of cassava that people do not usually consider.
However, in this article, we will delve into the intriguing health benefits of cassava that are both common and rare. Below are some health benefits of cassava.
Cassava Helps Combat Free Radicals
The antioxidant properties of cassava for anti-inflammatory effects aid in fighting free radicals, hence reducing inflammation and protecting against chronic diseases.
Cassava Promotes Healthy Gut And Strong Immune System
Due to the significant amount of dietary fiber in cassava, it promotes a healthy gut (digestive system) and also supports a strong immune system to fight against infections and diseases.
Cassava Lowers Blood Sugar Levels
The fiber and antioxidants in cassava have the potential in helping to regulate blood sugar levels, making it an excellent addition to a diabetic-friendly diet.
Cassava Promotes Healthy Bones And Muscles
The powerful nutrients that promote strong bones and muscles are calcium and Vitamin K and cassava is well endowed in these nutrients and more.
Calcium and vitamin K in cassava support healthy bone density and muscle function.
Cassava promotes Healthy Weight Management
Cassava is very low in calories and high in fiber, hence supporting healthy weight management and satiety.
Cassava Protects Against Cancer
Cassava possesses antioxidants and phytochemical properties that have proven to fight against cancer, hence protecting the consumer against certain types of cancer.
Cassava Supports Healthy Digestions
Cassava is gluten-free, making it an excellent option for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
Its gluten-free properties also support healthy digestion and reduce inflammation.
Other benefits of cassava
other benefits of cassava include:
Cassava may improve cognitive function
It may help reduce blood pressure
It can help lower blood pressure
It boosts fertility
Cassava promotes sexual stamina
Other Unique Names Of Cassava
Other English names given to Cassava are:
Manioc
Brazilian arrowroot
Yuca
Countries You Can Find Cassava
Cassava is common in countries such as Ghana, South America, Brazil, Paraguay, Nigeria, Togo, Benin, China, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, and parts of the Andes.
Which Parts Of Cassava Is Dangerous To Consume?
Eating cassava raw can be dangerous to one's health, especially when consuming raw roots, peels, and leaves of cassava.
They contain linamarin, lotaustralin, and cyanogenic glucosides which are decomposed by naturally occurring enzymes called linamarase.
What Are Some Cassava Made Alcoholic Beverages?
There are several alcoholic beverages made from cassava. They include:
Cuim (Brazil)
Kasiri (Venezuela)
Parakari (Surinam)
Nihamanchi (South America) and several others
Read More: Powerful Health Benefits Of Cocoyam LeafChallenges In Cassava Plantation
Some challenges in the cultivation of cassava include:
Pests attack
Viruses attacks
Bacteria attacks
Fungi attacks
Insects attacks
Nematodes attacks
Is Cassava Good For Ovulation?
Cassava contains a compound called inositol, which has been shown to improve ovulation and fertility in women.
The inositol in cassava may help regulate menstrual cycles and improve egg quality, making it a potential natural remedy for women struggling with ovulation.
However, more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of cassava for ovulation and fertility.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Drinking Boiled Cassava Leaves?
Drinking boiled cassava leaves has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and alleviate symptoms of conditions such as arthritis.
The leaves are also rich in antioxidants and vitamins, which can help boost the immune system and protect against infections.
Additionally, boiled cassava leaves have been traditionally used to treat digestive issues, such as constipation and diarrhea, due to their soothing and calming effects on the stomach.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have a stomach problem. Can I consume cassava?
Those who cannot eat cassava and its products are those who are allergic to latex.
Cassava does not cause any stomach complications except for those who are very sensitive to latex.
It might lower the quantity of iodine that the body absorbs. If you already have your iodine levels to be low, consuming cassava may cause the condition to be worse.
Summary
Cassava is a nutrient-dense food that has numerous uses and benefits.
Cassava has several uses from culinary to health and industrial.
Cassava supports healthy digestion, and gut health and also reduces inflammation, and promotes overall well-being.
It is a versatile nutritious root vegetable that is very popular worldwide due to its numerous uses and benefits.
People allergic to latex should consult their healthcare providers before incorporating cassava into their diet.
Cassava also has a positive impact on the sexual life of consumers.
There are powerful nutrients in cassava such as carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, thiamine, calcium, and more.
Many countries use cassava as a source of ethanol biofuel feedstock.
The benefits of cassava are uncountable. We have covered all you need to know about the uses and health benefits of cassava and have also included some frequently asked questions.
great article