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Sunday 9 October 2022

Cassava: Why the experts love it, negative effects, and more

 

HEALTH TIP

“Cassava is high in starch and can substitutes for starchy food”

HEALTH TIP

“Eat cassava to prevent and heal constipation and stomach ulcer”

Overview

Manihot esculenta, commonly called cassava, manioc, or yuca (among numerous regional names) is a woody shrub of the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae, native to South America. Although a perennial plant, cassava is extensively cultivated as an annual crop in tropical and subtropical regions

Data Source: en.wikipedia.org 
  From the Web
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Facts

Category:
Food

Scientific name:
Manihot esculenta



Nutrition Facts

Cassava

Calories159 cal

Serving Size

To burn these calories 

Macronutrients and calories

159Calories

Macronutrients (% calorie yield)% Daily Value*

Total Fat  · 0.3 g (1%) 

0%

Total Carbohydrate  · 38 g (94%) 

12%

Protein  · 1.4 g (3%) 

2%

Micronutrients

Vitamin C · 20.6 mg

34%

Potassium · 271 mg

7%

View complete nutrition details

Disclaimer: *Bar represents Percent Daily Values and based on a 2,000 calorie diet with a max representaion of 100%. Your daily values may vary depending on your calorie needs.

Data Source: USDA · Nutritionix
 Fr




Health Effects

Perspectives from nutritionists across the world

1/2
Luciana M.  Cherubin

Luciana M. Cherubin

Bachelor in Nutrition · 5 yrs exp - Argentina

Topics Covered

Benefits

Cassava helps digestion. It is very easy to digest and prevent some problems related to digestion, such a constipation or ulcer.

Possible side effects

Eating raw cassava can lead to severe side effects, such as low levels of iodine, increased risk of goitre and intoxication.

Quantity recommendations

People should not to eat raw cassava. It contains naturally occurring forms of cyanide, which are toxic to ingest. Soaking and cooking cassava makes these compounds harmless.


Perspectives from nutritionists across the world

2/2
Christos Sittas

Christos Sittas

MSc in Nutrition and Exercise Sciences · 3 yrs exp - United Kingdom

Topics Covered

Benefits

Cassava is a rich source of starchy carbs making it a great source of energy. Cassava flour contains minimal fat compared to other gluten-free flours making it a great alternative for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Possible side effects

Raw or not properly prepared cassava roots can be toxic to humans. They contain cyanogenic compounds that, when combined with low protein intakes, can be poisonous to people.

Quantity recommendations

Cassava can be an alternative for potato, sweet potato, or other carbohydrate sources but only in moderation, namely once every ten days or so. It must be firstly peeled, then soaked for more than two days, and then it must be boiled or baked.

Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual nutritionists, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.