Foods prepared from some tubers provide a healthy diet and also their nutritional components favor the general health of human beings, tapioca being one of these foods.
In this article, we share information about what tapioca is and what its benefits are for health.
What is tapioca and where does it come from?
Tapioca or cassava as it is known in other latitudes, is a healthy food prepared from the starch of the cassava root.
Cassava originates from the American continent, but it was in the Asian country of Taiwan where tapioca pearls began to be made, to complement a typical drink of the area such as Bubble Tea , very popular in several Asian countries. (1)
Note: The most common form of this food is in spheres or small pearls, but it can also be found in products in the form of flour, flakes or starch; It is white in color, has no odor and has a slight sweet taste.
What is tapioca used for?
Due to the characteristics of its nutrients, tapioca offers the following benefits to human health :
1. Improves blood circulation
Tapioca is a food that does not contain cholesterol, since its main nutrient is made up of carbohydrates.
That is why this food promotes blood circulation because it does not provide saturated fats that can raise blood cholesterol levels and promote the formation of fatty plaques on the walls of blood vessels, which obstruct blood flow . .
To highlight: Its fiber content decreases the absorption of fats through the intestines, regulating the presence of cholesterol in the blood. (two)
2. Promotes digestion and improves gastric problems
Tapioca is rich in dietary fibers , mainly soluble, which facilitates the transit of the food bolus through the small intestine. (3)
You should know: Thanks to this property, tapioca promotes digestive health , mitigating gastric problems such as gas, bloating, heartburn or flatulence. In addition, this food is gluten -free , ideal for those with celiac disease. (4)
3. Fight anemia
Another important nutritional component of tapioca is its iron content . This element helps in the synthesis of hemoglobin, a compound necessary to transport oxygen through red blood cells to the different cells of the body.
Note: Certain scientific articles describe that iron is also involved in the production of blood tissue . (5)
4. Strengthens the bones
Tapioca consumption can strengthen the bone structure of our body. And it is that among its mineral components is calcium , an essential element in bone health.
To highlight: This mineral together with phosphorus, magnesium and sodium , help build solid and resistant bones .
5. Increases physical energy
Physical energy depends on the supply, through food , of essential vitamins and minerals for the synthesis of energy molecules that are necessary to be constantly active.
In this sense, tapioca contains B complex vitamins , such as vitamin B2 and vitamin B3 , as well as the presence of minerals such as iron, zinc and magnesium, nutritional elements necessary for cell and muscle activation.
You should know: Tapioca has vegetable protein and carbohydrates , important macronutrients in the production of physical energy.
6. Promotes pregnancy
To promote pregnancy, many vitamins and minerals are necessary for both the mother and the baby.
In this sense, tapioca contains many of these minerals starting with iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium , as well as B complex vitamins that promote blood and osteomuscular health, in addition to protecting the growth and development of the fetus.
Note: The supply of folates or vitamin B9 is essential in the prevention of congenital diseases during pregnancy. (6)
7. Protects against cancer
In reference to cancer pathologies, the consumption of tapioca prevents the damage caused by free radicals to cells , which can initiate early cell deterioration and with it the possible appearance and spread of cancer cells , thanks to the antioxidant effect of some B complex vitamins.
Another vote in favor of tapioca at this point is because it has quality dietary fiber with which it promotes intestinal health, avoiding conditions such as constipation or the appearance of colorectal cancer.
To highlight: Cassava contains vitamin C, an effective antioxidant , however this is lost during the cooking process and making tapioca pearls.
Tapioca nutritional properties
The health benefits mentioned above are due to the nutritional compounds that tapioca has that we mention below:
1. Vitamins and minerals
Tapioca provides human health with the following vitamins: vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5 and vitamin B6.
You should know: Among the constituent minerals of tapioca are calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus , potassium, sodium and zinc.
2. Other compounds
Other compounds that complement the nutritional power of tapioca are carbohydrates, vegetable protein and dietary fiber.
How to prepare and consume tapioca?
You can get tapioca in the form of pearls, flour or flakes in supplies or supermarkets. After getting it, and for its preparation, you must start with these initial steps:
- Heat 1 liter of water in a pot on the stove.
- When it is boiling add 1 cup of tapioca spheres.
- Then cook over medium heat until they become transparent.
- Let the tapioca rest to use it in different recipes.
Note: The use of already cooked tapioca can be part of the ingredients of some desserts, drinks and sweets.
Key Findings
- Tapioca is a health food prepared from the starch of the cassava root.
- Tapioca commonly comes in the form of spheres or small pearls.
- The consumption of tapioca promotes blood circulation and improves the digestive process.
- Tapioca strengthens bone health , prevents anemia, protects during pregnancy and provides energy to the body.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.