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Cassava is one type of tuber that contains carbohydrates. Several cities in Indonesia make cassava their staple food. In addition, cassava can also be a healthy snack. However, do you really know what the benefits of cassava are? What does it contain?
Nutritional content and benefits of cassava
Cassava contains various important nutrients for the body. In 100 grams of boiled cassava, there are 112 calories of which 98 percent comes from carbohydrates and the rest comes from protein and fat. In the same dose, cassava also contains fiber and several vitamins and minerals.
Let's discuss further about the nutritional content and benefits of cassava below.
Carbohydrate
Every 100 grams of cassava contains 38 grams of carbohydrates. This is why cassava is a good source of energy for those of you who have to undergo strenuous physical activity.
Physical activity depletes glycogen, which is a form of glucose stored in muscles. When you eat cassava, the carbohydrates are converted into glucose, which is then converted into glycogen and stored in the muscles. So, the benefits of cassava to increase energy cannot be underestimated.
Fiber
Cassava contains high amounts of dietary fiber, so it can prevent constipation. Fiber also helps you lose weight because it can keep you full for longer.
In addition, the fiber content brings benefits of cassava to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of obesity, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
You can also get the benefits of cassava for those of you who have diabetes. Eating cassava can help lower blood sugar levels. This is because fiber slows down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream.
Mineral
Cassava contains quite a lot of mineral sources such as calcium, phosphorus, manganese, iron and potassium. This mineral is necessary for the development, growth and function of body tissues.
Calcium is needed to maintain healthy bones and teeth. Iron helps in the formation of proteins (hemoglobin and myoglobin) which carry oxygen to all your body tissues.
Meanwhile, manganese helps build bones, connective tissue and sex hormones. Potassium is required for protein synthesis and helps in the breakdown of carbohydrates.
In addition, cassava also contains magnesium and copper which are quite high. Magnesium can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Copper keeps nerves healthy.
Vitamin
Cassava contains vitamin C, vitamin E, and folate which are abundant and provide many benefits. This content provides benefits of cassava, which protects against colon cancer and reduces the risk of complications during pregnancy. In addition, vitamin C also protects you from coronary heart disease and certain types of cancer.
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