What is Tapioca? 6 Surprising Health Benefits of Tapioca

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Tapioca actually comes from the cassava root. It is native to the northern region of Brazil, but can now be found all over South America, and in the rest of the world. It is a starch that is extracted from this root. This plant is native to the northern part of Brazil. After being first introduced to Asia and Africa, tapioca quickly began to be cultivated around the world. It is great sources of folate, and B6, as well as iron, manganese, calcium, copper, and selenium. Here are some health benefits associated with this delicious and nutritious food.

Energy Levels

Tapioca has a large amount of carbohydrates, without the negative cholesterol and saturated fats, so energy levels will be high, you won’t feel hungry as often (thanks to the fiber), and you will generally feel better and more able to face your day!

Improves Digestion

Tapioca can give your digestive system a boost too. Known to help resolve common digestive disorders like constipation, indigestion, bloating and flatulence, tapioca also helps keep a check on your cholesterol levels, helping you stay healthy.

Bone Health

Tapioca has calcium, iron and vitamin K which makes it highly beneficial for maintaining bone health and improving flexibility. It can fight fatigue even after a day of rigorous activities.

Gluten-Free

Those who are suffering from gluten intolerance are not able to eat cakes or breads containing gluten, but when they are made of tapioca flour, which is gluten free, there is nothing to worry about. This is the best thing from tapioca that can make it a great option for not only those with gluten-free intolerance, but also the people who want to cut their gluten intake.

Preventing Birth Defect

Vitamin B complex and folic acid contained in tapioca can support the fetus development during pregnancy resulting in birth defects prevention. This makes tapioca a good food to consume for pregnant women.

Improved Blood Circulation

Tapioca contains plenty of iron, which is an essential mineral in the human body since it has a vital role in forming red blood cells. Eating tapioca increases the production of blood cells, preventing anemia, and improving oxygen flow to the body.

Tapioca recipe For prevents gas, indigestion and constipation

Ingredients:
1 cup sago (sabudana)
1/2 cup roasted peanuts, crushed
2 medium potatoes, cubed
1/2 tsp cumin seeds (jeera)
2 green chillies, slit
2 tbsp oil
Salt to taste

Method:
Wash the sago. Drain and keep aside for about 2 hours.
If necessary, sprinkle a little water over the sago to moisten it.
In a glass bowl, combine the oil, cumin seeds, green chillies and potatoes.
Cover with a lid and microwave on high for 2 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
Add the soaked sago, peanuts and salt and mix well.
Cover with a lid and microwave on high for 2 minutes.
Serve hot with green chutney or curds.

Note**

Tapioca you buy in the store is perfectly harmless, the root it is made of – cassava, can be toxic if consumed raw or without adequate preparation. In its natural form, cassava contains cyanide, which is highly poisonous to humans.

Sources:

– Organic Facts

– Ba Ba Mail

India Times

– Dr Health Benefits

Read:

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Prof. Hesin
I am herbalist and write on variety of topics from nutrition to natural health, herbal medicine, nutritional supplementation, mind/body medicine and i enjoys the challenge of providing my family with healthy food options that fit with their busy lifestyle.