Health benefits of sago that you should know

Currently, around 30 percent of the people of Maluku and Papua still use sago as a staple food in their daily menu. Sago can be processed in various forms, from flour, sugar, and even sago rice. As one of the staple foods of people in Indonesia, sago does have good nutrition for the body. So don't be surprised if the benefits of sago for health are very abundant. Check out the full explanation below.

Nutritional content in sago

The most nutritional content in sago is pure carbohydrates. These carbohydrates fall into the category of macronutrients that the body needs in large quantities for energy and brain function. As a measure, in 100 grams of sago, there are:

86 grams of carbohydrates
1 gram of fiber
0.5 grams of protein
350 calories
3 milligrams sodium
5 milligrams of potassium
0.2 grams of total fat
0.1 grams of saturated fat

Sago does not contain many vitamins and minerals, but even a little sago still contains some vitamins and minerals. Although it is classified as not a low-calorie food and a good source of protein and fiber, sago contains very little saturated fat. Well, this proves that overall the nutrients in sago are still classified as relatively complete even though the amount is not much.

Benefits of sago for health

After knowing the nutritional content in sago, here are some of the health benefits of sago that you should know.

1. Source of energy

The large amount of carbohydrates in sago can be an excellent alternative as a natural energy supplement in the body. Our bodies need a lot of energy to relax after doing strenuous exercise.

Well, this sago can help you replenish lost energy. It is known that sago can increase the production of natural glucosamine in the body which can improve the overall movement of the joints and restore the muscles around them.

2. Prevent high blood pressure

Since ancient times tapioca root has been used to treat stress, hypertension, and plays an important role in natural treatments for cardiovascular problems. 100 grams of sago contains about five milligrams of potassium. The potassium content in sago is believed to improve blood circulation and the entire cardiovascular system. So do not be surprised, if sago is one of the well-known treatments for hypertension problems.

3. Streamlining the digestive system

Sago also helps in the repair of the entire digestive system. Since long time ago, sago has been used to treat various digestive ailments such as bloating, constipation, stomach acid, ulcers, and other digestive disorders.

Sago increases digestive enzyme production and overall bowel movement by protecting the intestines from drying out. That is why, usually sago is prescribed for patients with gastroenteritis or vomiting, because it is able to provide a calming and cooling effect on the stomach from pain.

4. Improve bone and joint health

Sago contains calcium, iron and other minerals which help in the repair of bones and joints. In addition, sago increases glucosamine production, which affects bone density, flexibility and joint movement. This increased level of glucosamine will increase the production of synovial fluid which is found in small amounts between the joint sheath and the tendon sheath so that it functions for the flexibility of joint movement.

5. Maintain body temperature to stay cool

Sago can actually help relieve heat due to excessive fever from the body. Usually when you take antibiotics, the side effect of the body will result in excessive heat production.

So, to reduce body heat effectively, you can eat sago. The reason is, sago has a cooling effect that calms the body by controlling excess bile production. Even according to “The New Oxford Book of Food Plants,” traditional Indian medicine uses sago mixed with rice to help cool the body. Therefore, sago can function as an herbal medicine to treat diseases caused by too high a heat in the body such as fever.

6. Natural face mask

In Indonesia, the benefits of sago for beauty cannot be doubted. Many beauty products have long used sago as a powder and face mask. In fact, sago can work as an excellent skin exfoliator. You can make a face mask using sago or sago starch in the form of pearls mixed with a few drops of milk to make a thick paste. Apart from being a natural exfoliator, sago can also help speed up scar healing and smooth skin.