Cassava is one of those fruits that is rich in so many nutrients and is actually effective in curbing hunger. It’s actually native to the regions of Paraguay and Brazil and acts as a staple food for those countries, along with Africa, Thailand, and Indonesia. It makes such a great staple food since cassava, or manioc, is rich in starch and provides plenty of energy needed to sustain an active lifestyle. Beyond that, the health benefits of manioc go deeper than just giving energy or suppressing hunger. Read on to learn more about this awesome root!
What is Manioc (Cassava)?
Nowadays, the most common source of carbohydrate in the world is rice. The best substitute for rice is manioc (cassava), a plant that originated in South America.
The carbohydrates content of manioc is high, while the root is still low in glycemic index. Naturally, manioc, or cassava, is gluten-free. In fact, it has saponins that are beneficial in easing inflammation and helps balance human gut flora. In addition, it contains minerals, which aid many important functions all throughout the body.
Tapioca is actually made from manioc or cassava root. When it’s made into flour, it has many uses in foods. Furthermore, it is also one of the best replacements to wheat, even for patients with celiac disease.
Nutrition Facts of Manioc (Cassava)
Nutrition Value per 100 grams
| Principle | Nutrient Value | Percentage of RDA |
| Carbohydrates | 38.06 grams | 29% |
| Cholesterol | 0 milligram | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.8 grams | 4% |
| Energy | 160 Kcal | 8% |
| Protein | 1.36 grams | 2.5% |
| Total Fat | 0.28 grams | 1% |
| Vitamins | ||
| Folates | 27 µg | 7% |
| Niacin | 0.854 milligrams | 5% |
| Pyridoxine | 0.088 milligrams | 7% |
| Riboflavin | 0.048 milligrams | 4% |
| Thiamin | 0.087 milligrams | 7% |
| Vitamin A | 13 IU | <1% |
| Vitamin C | 20.6 milligrams | 34% |
| Vitamin E | 0.19 milligrams | 1% |
| Vitamin K | 1.9 µg | 1.5% |
| Electrolytes | ||
| Potassium | 271 milligrams | 6% |
| Sodium | 14 milligrams | 1% |
| Minerals | ||
| Magnesium | 21 milligrams | 5% |
| Phosphorus | 27 µg | 4% |
| Iron | 0.27 milligrams | 3% |
| Zinc | 0.34 milligrams | 3% |
| Manganese | 0.383 milligrams | 1.5% |
| Calcium | 16 milligrams | 1.6% |
Health Benefits of Manioc
The health benefits of manioc are mainly divided between skin, hair, and the overall health.
Skin Benefits of Manioc
- Helps in removing scars and spots: The starch water from cassava is beneficial in healing wounds and scars.
- Helps in hydrating the skin: Manioc is beneficial in hydrating the skin and makes it much softer and smoother.
- Great face mask: Manioc, when used as a facial mask, can help in improving the texture as well as the overall condition of the skin.
- Smooths and brightens the complexion: The manioc, or cassava, peel is beneficial as a skin brightening and smoothing agent.
Hair Benefits of Manioc
- Helps provide nourishment: The cassava, or manioc, plant is beneficial in nourishing hair. Furthermore, it is also beneficial in treating damaged hair.
- Helps in controlling hair loss: Cassava is effective in nourishing the hair from its roots up to the tips. It is also beneficial in hydrating the hair and controlling hair loss.
- Helps hair growth: The leaves and roots of manioc are beneficial in helping hair grow faster.
Overall Health Benefits of Manioc
- Helps in treating fevers: Steaming the cassava leaves can be effective in treating a fever. To do this, and to get the best result out of it, you must make a decoction of it.
- Good for the eyes: The vitamin A content in manioc improves eye health. It is also beneficial in preventing potential loss of vision.
- Helps treat diarrhea: The fruit of cassava is beneficial in treating digestive disturbances, including diarrhea.
- Helps in preventing cancer: The vitamin B17 content of manioc helps stimulate the red blood cells, which can help fight cancer (making it one of the best health benefits of manioc).
- Helps in treating headaches: Making a juice out of fresh cassava root (or the leaves) can help cure headaches.
- Good for the digestive system: The fiber content of manioc is very high, making it better suited to absorb toxins that would otherwise enter the intestines. Because of this, manioc can strengthen digestive system health.
- Helps in losing weight: The high fiber content of manioc is beneficial in shedding excess fat from the body and will also help keep you feeling full for longer.
Manioc is truly an extraordinary plant that offers so many benefits for skin, hair, and for overall health. However, it’s important to avoid eating it in excess. Just like with any other food eaten in excess, too much may cause unwanted side effects. But, if you want to be healthier, choose manioc!
