Amazing Health Benefits of Cassava
Cassava is a rich source of many crucial nutrients required by the human body to carry out several functions. Here is a list of the top health benefits of eating cassava regularly.
1. May Help Improve Gut Health
Cassava is packed with resistant starch, a type of starch that has properties similar to soluble fibers and aids digestion. Including foods that are rich in resistant starch may improve your health in several ways. The starch found in cassava is said to feed the bacteria in the gut and help improve digestive health by reducing inflammation in the gut (7).
2. May Help Lower the Risk of Diabetes
According to a few studies, eating cassava in moderation may help in blood sugar management and improve the feeling of satiety (8), (9).
3. May Help Boost Immunity
According to Mary Sabat, cassava is a good source of several essential nutrients, including dietary fiber, vitamin C, and certain B vitamins. These nutrients play important roles in maintaining overall health and supporting immune function. A strong immune system relies on a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods, including cassava, along with other fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Cassava comes fortified with vitamin C, a vital nutrient that may help improve immune health. The humble vitamin is said to fight oxidative stress in the body and improve the functions of immune cells, thus safeguarding you against a variety of allergies, infections, and diseases.
4. May Improve Skin Health
Vitamin C in cassava helps boost collagen synthesis in the body, thus helping improve the skin’s elasticity and texture (11). Besides, the peel of cassava fruit acts as a natural skin exfoliator and may help remove a layer of dead skin cells. The tuberous vegetable is also said to lighten dark spots and hydrate the skin.
5. May Help Relieve Headaches
Most of us suffer a headache at some point in time and sometimes, it becomes unbearable. Here, cassava can come to your rescue. To relieve the headache, you can prepare juice by soaking 60 grams of cassava roots in water for a few hours and then blending it in a mixer and drinking it 2 times a day. Also, make sure to make the juice fresh every time for the best health benefits.
(Disclaimer: Soaking cassava is extremely important as it contains a high level of cyanide and may cause toxicity when ingested. Soaking and cooking cassava reduces the amounts and potency of harmful compounds in it and makes it much safer for human consumption).