Yucca – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

Saturday, July 08, 2017 by Earl Garcia

Yucca, also known as cassava or manioc, is a starch-rich tuber characterized by its sweet, nutty flavor and chewy texture. The plant is native to Central America, and is also a staple source of carbohydrate for indigenous people in many parts of Africa, Asia, and South America.

List of known nutrients

Yucca is a nutrient dense tuber containing essential nutrients that promote the body’s overall health. An article posted on the health and wellness website Nutrition and You features a complete list of yucca’s important constituents, which include:

Calcium
Choline
Copper
Folates
Iron
Magnesium
Manganese
Niacin
Omega-3
Omega-6
Pantothenic Acid
Phosphorus
Potassium
Pyridoxine
Riboflavin
Selnium
Sodium
Thiamin
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Vitamin K
Zinc

Medicinal uses for yucca

Like other tubers, yucca is an excellent source of dietary fiber that activates peristaltic motion in the bowels and ensures regular bowel movement. The high dietary fiber content in yucca helps address a host of digestive system disorders such as constipation and diarrhea. Likewise, yucca is touted to ease bloating, cramping, and excessive flatulence as well as more serious gastrointestinal conditions. Aside from these, yucca is known to contain anti-gastritic properties that relieve gastritis and ulcer.

Yucca is also has a low glycemic index and is known to regulate the body’s insulin and blood sugar levels, thereby reducing the risk of harmful blood glucose fluctuations. Likewise, yucca contains an active compound called saponin that stabilizes blood sugar levels and prevent the onset of hyperglycemia. This makes yucca an ideal superfood against diabetes. Aside from this, the rich dietary fiber content in yucca promotes satiety and facilitates the body’s nutrient uptake, thereby inducing healthy weight loss.

In addition, yucca is notably high in folate and potassium that are essential in keeping a healthy nervous system. The potassium in yucca is known to promote blood flow and stimulate pathways in the brain, which in turn improve cognitive abilities and combat debilitating conditions. On the other hand, yucca’s ample vitamin C supply fortifies the body’s immune system by stimulating the production and activity of white blood cells. The rich vitamin C level in yucca is also touted to combat the harmful effects of free radicals.

Moreover, yucca’s high fiber content is found to reduce cholesterol rates and regulate the body’s fatty acid levels. Likewise, the abundant potassium supply in yucca is known to ease cardiovascular stress and lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, strokes and heart attacks. Furthermore, the resveratrol and saponins in yucca contain anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that ease arthritic pain. The high antioxidant content in yucca is also correlated with lower odds of skin and eye disease onset. Additionally, yucca is found to speed up wound healing and counter the effects of sun exposure on the skin.

Body systems supported by yucca

Yucca is particularly beneficial to the digestive, cardiovascular, and immune systems. The nutritious tuber is also touted for its positive effects on the nervous system. Likewise, yucca supports the skin, the eyes and the joints.

Ways to use yucca

As a tuber, yucca may serve as an alternative to potatoes in making fries, chips, mojos and fritters. Yucca may also be mashed, stewed or hashed. Yucca is an ideal addition to meat dishes as well. FoodNetwork.com has curated interesting yucca recipes across the web.