10 Health Benefits Of Tapioca
Tapioca is the root of cassava plant. Tapioca has very low levels of saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. It is a good source of protein, dietary fiber and HDL cholesterol. It contains vitamins B-complex and B6, folate and pantothenic acid. It contains minerals like, calcium, iron, manganese, copper and selenium. Tapioca therefore offers a number of health benefits. Here are some of its health benefits.
#1. Aids Digestion
Tapioca is rich in dietary fiber. Dietary fiber helps in bulking up of the stool which makes it easy for it to move through the digestive tract. It thus helps to prevent constipation, bloating, intestinal pain and such digestive disorders.
#2. Birth Defects
Tapioca contains B complex vitamins. It also contains folic acid. Folic acid and B complex vitamins are directly connected to bring down the chances of neural tube defects in infants. It is therefore helpful in preventing congenital disabilities.
#3. Prevent Underweight
Obesity is considered as a not so healthy and a dangerous condition. Being underweight is also not a healthy situation to be in. Thankfully tapioca, being rich in carbohydrates and low in saturated fats and cholesterol help you to put on weight healthily, without the health concerns caused by saturated fats and cholesterol.
#4. Boosts Energy Levels
The main source of energy is carbohydrates. Tapioca is rich in carbohydrates. Energy levels can be lowered by the presence of saturated fats and cholesterols. Since tapioca is high in carbohydrates and low in saturated fats and cholesterol, it helps in boosting the energy levels.
#5. Alzheimer’s Disease
Tapioca is a good source of vitamin K. Vitamin K is known to stimulate neuronal activity in the brain. This lowers the chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease as it is related to lack of activity of the brain or mental stagnation. Vitamin K can in addition to stimulating the brain activity also helps to keep free radicals which can cause damage to brain tissues away.
#6. Blood Pressure
Tapioca is rich in potassium. Potassium has the quality of reducing the stress and tension of blood vessels and the arteries. This facilitates the increased flow of blood through the body and reduces the stress on the heart by keeping the pressure required for circulation low.
#7. Bone Health
Tapioca is a rich source of vitamin K, potassium, calcium and iron. Vitamin K and potassium help in the absorption calcium in the bone. This helps to maintain bone density and prevent age-related bone loss (loss of bone density). This results in the prevention of diseases like osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Regular consumption tapioca helps to develop and protect our bones.
#8. Blood Circulation
Iron which is found in abundance in tapioca is essential in building of the red blood cells. It plays an important role in the formation of red blood cells. Iron along with copper present in tapioca improves the RBC count and helps to improve the blood circulation to all parts of the body. High RBC count results in improved blood circulation to the extremities of the body. It also aids in cellular re-growth.
#9. Muscle Growth and Development
Proteins are essential for the growth of muscles and development. Protein is obtained from poultry, meat, fish and dairy products. Tapioca is a rich source of protein and therefore can help in the growth and development of muscles. Vegetarians can get their supply of protein from tapioca for building healthy muscles and body.
#10. Heart Health
Tapioca is low in cholesterol and rich in potassium. The potassium in tapioca can help in maintaining healthy heart rate and improve the flow of blood through the blood vessels by reducing stress and tension in the arteries. The low cholesterol content aids in the prevention of plaque buildup in the blood vessels and arteries. It, therefore, reduces the risk of strokes and heart attack.
#A word of caution
Tapioca if not adequately prepared can turn out to be toxic and poisonous. It is therefore advised to learn the proper preparation of tapioca or buy reputed brands of tapioca products.
