Cassava (Yucca)
Cassava (Yucca) (Manihot esculenta) aka: tapioca, mogo, mandioca, and manioc, is a long tubular root with a thin brown skin and white inner flesh.
Health benefits of Cassava (Yucca)
- Increased Protection from Bacterial and Viral Infections
- Increased Immune Function
- Reduced Cancer Risk
- Reduced Risk of Colon Cancer
- Protection Against Heart Disease
- Regulation of Blood Sugar and Insulin Dependence
- Slowing the progression of AIDS
- Slowing Aging
- DNA Repair and Protection
- Protection Against Dementia
- Alleviation of Cardiovascular Disease
- Alleviation of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Promoted Eye Health
- Alzheimer's Protection
- Osteoporosis Protection
- Stroke Prevention
- Reduced Risk of Type II Diabetes
- Reduced Frequency of Migraine Headaches
- Alleviation of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Antioxidant Protection
- Prevention of Epileptic Seizures
- Alleviation of the Common Cold
- Prevention of Alopecia (Spot Baldness)
- Alleviation of Inflammation
Some of these health benefits come from nutrients concentrated in this food, and may not be effects of the food itself.
How to choose Cassava (Yucca)
Look for firm roots with little smell and no signs of discoloration.
How to store Cassava (Yucca)
Cassava roots will not last more than 3-4 days unless coated in wax. Fortunately, most roots are sold coated in wax and will keep for up to 4 weeks when stored in a cool dark place. Cassava root can also be kept for periods of 6-8 months when peeled and frozen.
Climate and origin
Cassava is thought to have originated somewhere in South America. Cassava grows in warm tropical climates (Zones 9-11 in the U.S.)
Taste
When properly cooked, cassava root has a nutty flavor with a flaky texture.
Substitutes with more vitamins
Miscellaneous information
Cassava is the third largest source of carbohydrates in the world and is consumed primarily in Africa and South America. Ground into flour, cassava is known as tapioca, the source of the pudding we all know and love.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrition Facts | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Serving Size | |||
| 100 grams (100g) | |||
| Calories | 160 | ||
| % Daily Value * | |||
| Total Fat 0.28g | 0% | ||
| Saturated Fat 0.07g | 0% | ||
| Trans Fat 0g | |||
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% | ||
| Sodium 14mg | 1% | ||
| Total Carbohydrate 38.1g | 14% | ||
| Dietary Fiber 1.8g | 6% | ||
| Total Sugars 1.7g | 3% | ||
| Includes --g Added Sugars | --% | ||
| Protein 1.4g | 3% | ||
| Vitamin C 20.6mg | 23% | ||
| Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% | ||
| Iron 0.27mg | 2% | ||
| Calcium 16mg | 1% | ||
| Potassium 271mg | 6% | ||
| Phosphorus 27mg | 2% | ||
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |||