Some of us know that tapioca is just somewhat small and chewy pearls that are found in bowls of pudding. Furthermore, some people also use it in some beverages. However, not all people know things about these tiny pearls. Some people don’t know about the amazing benefits of tapioca in the health.
Actually, the health benefits of tapioca include its ability to help in gaining weight, increasing the circulation and red blood cell count, improve digestion, prevent diabetes, lower the cholesterol, and protect against birth defects. Moreover, it also helps in maintaining the fluid balance in the body, protecting the heart health, preventing Alzheimer’s disease, maintaining the mineral density of the bones, and improving the metabolic activities.
What is Tapioca?
Tapioca is actually a starch extract that they usually derive from the cassava plant. They mostly use it in tapioca puddings; however, the plant element of it is also used in some cultures as a snack or candy. The part of the cassava is its roots –this is where they acquire tapioca. They actually widely cultivate the plant in many regions around the globe. Moreover, it is native to the regions of South America. The root of the plant is usually 1-2 pounds in weight and has a rough texture and a brown color. Its flesh is actually white in color and is very rich in carbohydrates. Conversely, you can only eat this sweet and delicious flesh after cooking it thoroughly.
Tapioca is in fact, popular as the spurge. It comes from the Euphorbiaceae family. It has become so popular recently because it has no gluten content, hence, it is often used as thickening agent, instead of those wheat-based (this can be dangerous to those who suffers from Celiac disease).
Furthermore, one of the most important thing that you must consider about tapioca is its high toxicity content. if you happen to prepare it incorrectly, it may cause poisoning. This is why you must just consume tapioca that is from reputable sources.
Nutritional Value of Tapioca
Many people all over the world are enjoying tapioca. In fact, they also refer it as one of the essential parts of some cultural diets because of its unique composition of organic compounds, minerals, vitamins, and carbohydrates. These include a relatively low amount of saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol. Furthermore, it is also rich in dietary fiber, protein, and good cholesterol. Moreover, it also contains a relative number of B vitamins, including vitamin B6, folate, and pantothenic acid. Additionally, it also has selenium, copper, calcium, manganese, and iron. Tapioca is also rich in carbohydrates. In fact, one cup of it already contains 45 percent of the daily carbohydrates requirement.
Benefits of Tapioca
The nutrients present in the tapioca are responsible for its numerous health benefits. The following are just some of the best benefits of tapioca for the overall health:
Regulates blood pressure. The potassium content of tapioca is responsible for this benefit. It helps in reducing the stress and tension in the blood vessels and arteries.
Improves the bone mineral density. Since it has an ample amount of iron, calcium and vitamin K, it is beneficial in improving the development of the bones. Regular consumption of tapioca is good for the protection and maintenance of healthy bones.
Boosts metabolism. The protein content of the tapioca is responsible for this benefit. The protein as we know promotes growth. Therefore, consumption of tapioca helps in the muscle development, healing, growing, and more.
Helps improve digestion. The dietary fiber content of tapioca helps in improving the number of conditions in the body. The most common is that the dietary fiber in tapioca helps in bulking up the stools. This makes the stool move through the digestive tract.
Reduces any birth defects. Since it has a lot of B vitamins like folic acid, tapioca is beneficial in reducing the chance of any defects in infants.
Increases blood circulation. One of the best minerals present in tapioca is iron. Iron is beneficial in the formation of the new red blood cells. Together with tapioca, iron and copper help in increasing the number of red blood cells, thus improving the blood circulation.
Help with healthy weight gain. Even though many people are concerns about getting sexy and fit, there are still some who wants to gain weight. This is since being underweight also has dangerous effects. Good thing, there is tapioca; it’s very effective in gaining weight. Not just that, your safety is also a guarantee.
Word of Caution and Conclusion
Even though there are a lot of health benefits of tapioca, it is still important to be precautious in consuming them. This is for the reason that it is relatively dangerous and poisonous if improperly prepared, cooked, or processed. Furthermore, it also produces cyanides which may be adversely dangerous to us humans. Always remember that if you want to eat tapioca, make sure to prepare, cook, or process it well because, at the end of the day, your safety is still the number one priority.
