33 Yuca Nutrition Facts: Excellent Source Of Vitamin C

Choosing food with the right nutrients can be a hassle, and yuca may be your friend if you want healthy carbs.

High in carbs and calories, yuca, or cassava root, is a famous vegetable all around the world for its nutty taste. In addition to being delicious, this food also has many nutrients.

Nutrients such as vitamin C, pantothenic acid, sugar, protein, and fat make up the composition of this tuber. The cultivation and consumption of cassava roots are at their height in parts of Africa and South America. A cassava root is ready for consumption in about eight to nine months of cultivation. It grows in a radial fashion and the entire root is edible to humans as well as animals.

The nutrient index of cassava helps in many bodily functions such as maintenance of body weight, reduction of blood pressure, reducing risks of heart disease, and boosting immunity. However, it must also be kept in mind that this root vegetable is never to be consumed raw. Cassava root contains cyanogenic glycosides, which convert into cyanide if the process of cooking is not appropriate. It is also important to monitor the amount of cassava root ingested, given its high-calorie index. Keep reading for more yuca facts!

If you enjoyed reading this article, why not also check out zucchini nutrition facts and yogurt nutrition facts here at Kidadl!

Nutrients In Yuca

Yuca, or cassava plant, is a very important form of carbohydrates for many parts of the world.

Cooked yuca is not only delicious but also a great choice for people who are allergic to gluten or have some form of intolerance like celiac disease. The health benefits of yuca are manifold and act as an added agent in making this root tuber a part of the human diet. Yuca belongs to the same family as potatoes, although, cassava root has more calories in comparison to potatoes. The calorie content can be a cause for concern for many people but it must be kept in mind that the consumption of healthy carbohydrates is just as important for the human body. This starchy vegetable mostly has resistant starch, which is known to have many health benefits, such as the maintenance of blood sugar levels. The resistant starch and dietary fiber in yuca root are also likely to make you feel full for a longer amount of time. Curbing appetite is a useful way of making sure that overeating is avoided- which is one of the most potent causes of obesity in many parts of the world. Snacking on some cassava chips will therefore not only satiate your appetite and taste buds but will also help you in your weight loss journey.

This gluten-free root vegetable is also famous for its vitamin C content. Vitamin C is an important part of the human diet and when consumed in appropriate amounts, it can help in making sure that the immunity of the person is boosted. Vitamin C is also important for the maintenance of healthy skin. If you suffer from any skin issues such as mild blemishes or acne, while this food item won't cure your condition, the consumption of yuca is sure to help you on your way to achieving clear skin. If you are fond of root vegetables and want to indulge in some baked yuca fries, be assured that you will definitely benefit from them. In addition to vitamin C, yuca also contains folate or folic acid, which is a type of vitamin B. The consumption of ample amounts of vitamin C and folate can help you in avoiding coronary heart disease. Vitamin C is also required in the human body for wound healing.

Yuca root also contains antioxidants, which are important for tackling oxidative stress in the body. If you have any trouble in understanding what oxidative stress is, the simplest way to explain it would be that the metabolic processes of the human body have some side effects. One of the side effects is the release of free radicals. These free radicals, if not tackled with antioxidants, may have adverse effects such as the increased risk of cancer and early signs of aging. Root vegetables like raw yuca and sweet potatoes have white flesh. These vegetables contain an antioxidant known as anthoxanthin, which tackles the free radicals rather skillfully. Anthoxanthins, in addition to being great for your skin, can also help you in reducing the risk of heart disease, stomach cancer, and other dangerous ailments.

The total fat content in yuca per each 3.5 oz (100 g) serving is around 0.01 oz (0.3 g) which is quite low. Yuca root contains monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and saturated fat. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat is not known to cause as much trouble in terms of heart-related ailments as saturated fat does.

The dietary fiber content in yuca is great for people who are at risk of high cholesterol. By controlling the cholesterol levels in the body, yuca ensures optimum heart health.

Yuca contains many vitamins and minerals, which are essential in the human body. Vitamins C and B are present in yuca. Vitamin C is great as an immunity booster, while vitamin B is good for pregnant women. Cassava flour also has an exceptionally high amount of potassium, which is essential in the human body for a healthy nervous system.

Diet Of Yuca

Yuca is eaten in many cooked forms, but when eaten raw, it can be very poisonous.

Steamed and peeled yuca is a great addition to the human diet. The starchy flesh resists digestion and stays in the stomach for a longer amount of time, making you feel fuller. This blood pressure-reducing root vegetable is a staple part of the diet for the people of South America. The nutty and starchy taste is loved by so many people that yuca is also one of the processed foods that are widely available in parts of the world that do not have yuca plantations.

The whole root of this food item is edible, although, cassava products cannot be eaten raw. You can find yuca or yucca chips at your nearest grocery stores- to make a start into these starchy territories.

You can also make caldo de peixe with potatoes and yuca, which is a fish stew with added vegetables and spices that is mild in taste. On the other hand, yuca fries can also have health benefits for you. You heard us right, fries can be healthy. Simply halve the yuca sections with a knife and remove the core. Make sure to bake them in an oven or go for an oil-free fry by using an air fryer.

Human Nutrition: Yuca

When devoid of added sugar as in the case of processed food, there are many health benefits that you can extract through the mere consumption of this root vegetable.

While cassava is tough and poisonous when consumed raw, cooked cassava or yuca root can be your weight loss buddy. Raw cassava contains cyanogenic glycosides, which can convert to cyanide if your process of cooking is not right, hence, caution is required when preparing dishes with yuca.

Pet Nutrition: Yuca

Yuca root flour can be just as healthy for your pet as it is for you.

Cassava root flour is way better for your dog than wheat flour. A 3.5 oz (100 g) of cassava root has around 1.3 oz (38 g) of carbs. If you want your pet to feed on some grain-free options, cassava root flour can be a great option.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for yuca nutrition facts then why not take a look at yellowfin tuna nutrition facts, or watermelon nutrition facts.