It improves digestion, lowers cholesterol. But be careful - it has a lot of calories
Tapioca comes from the root of the cassava plant. In recent years, it has gained popularity as an ingredient in many desserts and dishes of Asian cuisine. Is it healthy? Here are four little-known dietary facts about tapioca.
Oct 16, 2023 | updated: 9:58 AM EDT, October 17, 2023
Nutritional Ingredients of Tapioca
Tapioca is a rich source of carbohydrates, making it an excellent source of energy. It also contains protein, fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals (vitamin C, B vitamins, iron, calcium, and magnesium).
1. Digestion Improvement
Thanks to its fiber content, tapioca can aid digestion and prevent constipation. Fiber is essential for intestinal health, as it helps in removing toxins from the body and supports the proper functioning of the digestive system.
2. Weight Gain
For those who want to gain weight, tapioca can be an excellent addition to the diet. Due to its high calorie and carbohydrate content, regular consumption of tapioca can contribute to weight gain.
3. Promoting Heart Health
The ability of tapioca to lower cholesterol levels in the body may contribute to improving heart health. High cholesterol is one of the main risk factors for heart diseases such as atherosclerosis or coronary artery disease. Regular consumption of tapioca may help in reducing the risk of these diseases.
4. A good choice for people on restrictive diets
Tapioca is naturally grain-free and gluten-free, which makes it an excellent choice for people suffering from celiac disease or other food intolerances. It's also easily digestible, making it suitable for people with stomach issues. It's the right choice for vegans and vegetarians, people on a paleo diet, and people on an autoimmune protocol (AIP) diet.
Side effects of consuming tapioca
Tapioca, although it is a valuable source of energy and nutrients, can also carry certain health risks if not properly processed. The key threat is the presence of cyanogenic glycosides in improperly processed cassava. These compounds, under certain conditions, can release cyanide, which is toxic to the body.
It's also worth knowing that tapioca has a high glycemic index, which means it can cause rapid increases in blood sugar levels. Therefore, it is not suitable for diabetics.
People who are allergic to latex should also avoid it, as they may experience a strong allergic reaction after consuming tapioca due to a so-called cross-reaction.
