Cassava Cassava belongs to the category of root vegetables. She has several names, including just cassava without an ending with the letter "a". At home, some call it cassava.

It is most often found in developing countries. Local residents use it as one of the main storehouses of nutrients. This is explained by the fact that the root vegetable offers resistant starch in abundance. But there is one significant drawback here.

If you go too far with the dosage, especially raw, you can face serious food poisoning. Because of this, the locals do not prepare food based on it every day.

Distinctive features

Cassava came from South America. Now, not only tourists but also fans of exotic ingredients for their dishes know about this spicy vegetable of the root type. Due to the large amount of carbohydrates, it is often used for the main diet, but only after heat treatment.

The main feature of the tubers is the ability to adapt to the terrible drought that is characteristic of some tropical regions. Thanks to this, cassava has already been called one of the most drought-resistant crops.

  • Distinctive features
  • Heap of benefits
  • Preparatory stage

Americans prefer to call the plant yucca or Brazilian arrowroot. But the majority of Russian-speaking consumers interested in the unusual cuisines of the world are familiar with it under the name of the indigenous inhabitants of the southern regions.

Despite the fact that it is allowed to use different parts of the representative of the flora, more often eaters are limited to the underground part. Moreover, it is distinguished by really good versatility, since it is used not only just cooked. Cassava with fish is a common dish on the table of the indigenous tribes of the tropical regions. There are even craftsmen who use it for flour, from which nutritious cakes, crackers, and bread are baked. Groats from starch of the South American plant are in demand. It was this spine that became the basis for the creation of tapioca.

One of the most important advantages of using the presented miracle of nature is called the almost complete absence of food allergies, which cannot be said about analogues. The danger can only be an individual intolerance, but not a classic allergic reaction. This is made possible by the lack of gluten, which allergy sufferers do not tolerate well.

Heap of benefits

 Diabetes mellitus World scientists have recently completed a series of scientific experiments, during which they studied the effect of plant components on the prevention of the development of cancer.

If tapioca is consumed on a regular basis, then you can get a powerful preventive shield against development:

  • diabetes mellitus;
  • problems with blood circulation;
  • destabilizing red blood cells;
  • imbalance of fluid in the body;
  • high cholesterol;
  • destructive processes for bone tissue.

Thanks to its rich energy composition, it will even be possible to reduce the possible risks of birth defects.

Those who constantly suffer from improper digestion, or want to pre-engage in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease, will like this exotic addition to the table. It does not hurt to include cassava in the diet for patients suspected of having problems with the functioning of the heart muscle.

But the most amazing effect can be safely called weight gain, when traditional therapy is no longer able to cope. There are also recipes passed down from generation to generation, with the help of which properly prepared cassava will fight for the health of the gallbladder, colon and even the prostate gland.

But against the backdrop of numerous positive aspects, there are several potential disadvantages, among which the danger of becoming a victim of hydrocyanic acid appears. Such a threat extends exclusively to those eaters who have eaten too much raw root in one go.

You should also be careful about long-term intake of not particularly pure raw materials. Inaccuracy can lead to ambiopia, ataxia. Close attention should be paid to children, since the influence of the vegetable on them is manifested brighter, right up to the onset of paralysis.

There are several varieties of varieties among the plant, some of which have strong laxative properties, which are "stored" in the seeds.

Preparatory stage

 Root vegetable To minimize the risks of accidental cyanide poisoning, you need to properly prepare the fruit before use. To do this, you will need not only to rid the root of the top layer, but also to cut it into pieces. It will be useful to soak them first in cold water, and only then send them to cook. You can conduct an experiment by crushing pre-prepared cubes, sending them to dry for subsequent winter use.

If the body requires a special exoticism, you can taste the leaves, which:

  • cut first;
  • sending to boiling water;
  • dipped in ice water;
  • repeat the procedure.

As soon as the workpiece seems ready, it is put into storage in the refrigerator, leaving it there for several hours.

It is very important not to throw away the liquid in which the leaves were cooked. It needs to be diluted with plain water or fruit juice. The sages advise drinking the resulting solution every morning in order to replenish the depleted body with vitamin B17. It is quite difficult to find it in such a high concentration among other common food products. B17 is the main guard against the development of oncological neoplasms.

But if you don't want to mess with the root crop at all, you can go the alternative way - buy tapioca. The unusual white starchy balls become dark in color after cooking. At the end of cooking, sprinkle them with powdered sugar on top, eating for dessert. Commoners can recognize them in a regular bubble tea cup.

Observing the precautionary rules, everyone will be able to enjoy an unfamiliar, but very nutritious supplement.


Things to know (Q&A)

What are the benefits of eating cassava?

Cassava is a calorie-rich vegetable that contains plenty of carbohydrates and key vitamins and minerals. Cassava is a good source of vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin . The leaves, which are also edible if a person cooks them or dries them in the sun, can contain up to 25% protein.

Is cassava healthier than potato?

Compared to potatoes, yuca root is higher in calories, protein, and carbs . This makes it ideal for athletes and active individuals. Along with rice and corn, yuca is one of the primary sources of carbohydrates in the tropics.

What are the side effects of eating cassava?

Cassava that is prepared improperly can contain chemicals that are converted to cyanide in the body . This may cause cyanide poisoning and lead to certain paralysis conditions. This is especially true if eaten as part of a low-protein diet. In some people, eating cassava can cause an allergic reaction.

Why is cassava poisonous?

Cassava, an edible tuberous root often made into flour, contains cyanogenic glycosides, which can result in fatal cyanide poisoning if not properly detoxified by soaking, drying, and scraping before being consumed.

What are the side effects of cassava?

Cassava that is prepared improperly can contain chemicals that are converted to cyanide in the body. This may cause cyanide poisoning and lead to certain paralysis conditions . This is especially true if eaten as part of a low-protein diet. In some people, eating cassava can cause an allergic reaction.

Is cassava good for weight loss?

Its high calorie content is what makes it such an important staple crop in many countries. However, keep in mind that consuming more calories than you burn can contribute to weight gain over time ( 18 ). For this reason, it's best to enjoy cassava in moderation as part of a balanced diet .

Is cassava bad for kidney?

Statistical analysis showed a significant reduction in serum levels of creatinine (P 0.05) and a significant decrease in renal histopathologic score. This study suggests that cassava leaf extract can repair kidney damage as a result gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in mic

Is cassava healthier than potatoes?

Compared to potatoes, yuca root is higher in calories, protein, and carbs . This makes it ideal for athletes and active individuals. Along with rice and corn, yuca is one of the primary sources of carbohydrates in the tropic

Is cassava better for you than potatoes?

Compared to potatoes, yuca root is higher in calories, protein, and carbs . This makes it ideal for athletes and active individual

Is cassava the same as potatoes?

Cassava is a root vegetable that can be used in many of the same ways as potatoes . On the surface, this starchy tuber looks like a sweet potato or yam but with thicker skin. When cooked, cassava has a neutral flavor and soft, light texture. Cassava grows in tropical and subtropical climate

Does cassava have more starch than potatoes?

Yucas are root vegetables that come the tropical regions of South America. Known also as cassava or manioc, these vegetables have a high starch content , which makes them high in carbohydrates. Potatoes also fall under the umbrella of root vegetables, and they too have a high starch content.

Is eating cassava healthy?

Cassava is a calorie-rich vegetable that contains plenty of carbohydrates and key vitamins and minerals. Cassava is a good source of vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin. The leaves, which are also edible if a person cooks them or dries them in the sun, can contain up to 25% protein.

Is it safe to eat cassava everyday?

Cassava is LIKELY SAFE for most people when eaten occasionally in normal food amounts if prepared properly . Cassava is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when eaten occasionally in normal food amounts if prepared improperly. Cassava that is prepared improperly may contain chemicals called cyanogenic glycoside

What are the symptoms of cassava poisoning?

In humans, the clinical signs of acute cyanide intoxication include rapid respiration, drop in blood pressure, rapid pulse, dizziness, headache, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, mental confusion, twitching and convulsions .

How do you remove poison from cassava?

Pounding or crushing cassava leaves and then boiling them in water is an efficient process for removal of cyanogens. Indeed, about 97% of cyanogenic glucosides are removed and cyanohydrin and free cyanide are completely removed (Nambisan 1994

(Deutsch) Maniok
(Français) Manioc
(Italiano) Manioca
(Español) Mandioca
(Português) Mandioca
(Nederlands) Cassave
(Svenska) Maniok
(Norsk) Cassava
(Suomi) maniokki
(Български) маниока
(Magyar) Manióka
(Română) Manioc
(Dansk) Cassava
(Polski) Maniok
(日本語) キャッサバ
(Català) Yuca
(العربية) الكسافا
(Čeština) Maniok
(עברית) קסאווה
(한국어) 카사바
(Lietuvių) Kasava
(Українська) Маніока
(Ελληνικά) Κασάβα
(Eesti keel) Maniokk
(Hrvatski) manioka
(Melayu) ubi kayu
(Latviešu) Manioka
(Filipino) Cassava
(Türkçe) manyok
(中文(简体)) 木薯