13 Health Benefits of Tapioca

Tapioca is a starch that comes from the roots of the cassava plant (Manihot esculenta). This root vegetable was first cultivated by natives in South America and Africa. It is now grown worldwide because it provides an excellent source of carbohydrates and protein.

The name “tapioca” comes from the Tupi Indians who called the tuberous root “tapu-ca” which means “sacred thing”. Today, the word “tapioca” is commonly used to describe any type of starch derived from the cassava plant.

The starch can be found in both white and yellow varieties. White tapioca is more refined than yellow tapioca. Yellow tapioca contains more vitamins and minerals than its white counterpart.

It is important to note that there are two types of tapioca starch: one is derived from the whole root and the other is derived from the inner part of the root. Both have different properties and uses.

Health Benefits of Tapioca Starch

There are several health benefits associated with consuming tapioca starch. Some of these include:

1. Helps lower cholesterol levels

Tapioca starch is a natural food additive made from cassava root. It’s used in many foods because it adds texture and flavor.

But did you know that tapioca starch also helps lower cholesterol?

Research shows that tapioca starch reduces total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. This means that tapioca starch may help prevent heart disease.

In fact, studies show that tapioca starch lowers cholesterol levels better than other starches. So if you’re looking for a healthy alternative to white rice, consider adding tapioca starch to your diet.

2. Regulate Blood Sugar Level

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), tapioca is a good source of dietary fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure. The NIH says that eating foods rich in fiber may also help prevent diabetes and heart disease.

The American Diabetes Association recommends consuming at least 25 grams of fiber per day. This amount comes from foods such as beans, peas, lentils, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and soybeans.

If you’re looking for ways to add more fiber to your diet, consider adding tapioca flour to your favorite recipes.

3. Tapioca Helped Treat Constipation

Cassava root contains soluble fiber, which helps bulk up stool and soften it, making it easier to pass through the digestive tract. This makes tapioca a natural remedy for constipation.

4. Tapioca Help Prevent Gastrointestinal Disorders

Cassava root contains fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients help prevent constipation, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Cassava root is also rich in potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium.

When you’re suffering from gastrointestinal issues, eating foods that contain these nutrients may be helpful. So, when you’re looking for ways to improve your health, consider adding some tapioca to your diet.

5. Tapioca prevents Kidney Stones

Tapioca is a starch made from cassava root. It’s a common ingredient in many Asian dishes, including Chinese rice porridge (or congee), Japanese okonomiyaki, Filipino lumpia, and Thai Khao tom.

But did you know that tapioca is also used to treat kidney stones? Tapioca absorbs water, making it a natural diuretic. This makes it useful for treating kidney stones because it helps flush out excess minerals that form crystals.

When you’re looking for a natural remedy for kidney stones, consider adding some tapioca to your diet.

6. Tapioca Help Digestive System

Tapioca is a starch derived from cassava root and has many health benefits. It helps to digest food and absorb nutrients, making it a great addition to smoothies and other recipes. Tapioca can also help to relieve constipation and diarrhea.

In fact, studies suggest that taro root powder can help to prevent and treat stomach ulcers. In addition, taro root powder can be used to treat irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive problems.

Tapioca is available in powdered form, but you can also buy it in liquid form. The latter is especially useful if you’re cooking for someone who doesn’t eat gluten.

7. Tapioca Helps With Bloating

Today, tapioca is still widely consumed in Asian countries, where it’s commonly used as a thickener in soups and stews. Tapioca can also be found in pudding mixes and other desserts.

While tapioca is typically thought of as a dessert ingredient, it actually has several health benefits. For example, it helps to prevent bloating and constipation. It can also help with weight loss by helping to control appetite.

In addition to these benefits, tapioca is also rich in fiber, making it a healthy alternative to refined white flour. It’s also gluten-free, making it a safe option for anyone who needs to avoid wheat products.

8. Tapioca Can Lower Blood Pressure

According to research published in the journal Nutrition Research Reviews, eating 1 cup of cooked tapioca per day can significantly decrease systolic blood pressure by 3 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 2 mmHg. These findings were based on a study conducted among adults who had prehypertension or hypertension.

In addition to reducing blood pressure, tapioca can also help prevent heart disease. According to another study, people who ate 1 cup of cooked tapo­ca daily had a 30% reduced risk of developing coronary artery disease compared to those who didn’t eat it.

9. Tapioca May Be Good For Joints

Studies suggest that tapioca may be beneficial for joint health. According to WebMD, tapioca powder can help relieve pain associated with arthritis. Researchers believe that the starches found in tapioca may bind to calcium deposits and help remove them from joints.

To reap these benefits, consume tapioca regularly. Add it to smoothies, oatmeal, salads, and other dishes. You can also add it to baking recipes, including muffins, cakes, cookies, and bread.

10. Tapioca Has Antioxidants

Antioxidants are compounds that protect cells against damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that contain an unpaired electron. They can cause cell damage, which leads to aging and cancer.

The antioxidants found in tapioca include vitamin C, beta carotene, manganese, magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, copper, selenium, and phosphorus.

These nutrients have been linked to a number of health benefits, including:

• Vitamin C protects bones and teeth from decay. It also boosts immunity and fights infection.

• Beta carotene strengthens immune function and reduces inflammation.

• Manganese promotes normal growth and development.

• Magnesium supports energy production and muscle contraction.

• Potassium balances fluids and regulates heartbeat.

• Zinc aids digestion and keeps skin healthy.

• Iron builds red blood cells and helps keep muscles strong.

• Copper prevents premature aging and supports bone strength.

• Selenium improves thyroid function and helps maintain healthy hair and nails.

• Phosphorus helps build strong bones and teeth.

11. Tapioca is Good For Skin

Many studies show that tapioca is good for your skin. In fact, some experts claim that it can even improve wrinkles. The starch found in tapioca contains soluble fibers that promote proper digestion. This makes it easier for the body to absorb vitamins and minerals.

It also helps make skin look younger and healthier. A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology showed that women who consumed tapioca every day for three months experienced significant improvements in their skin.

12. Tapioca Helps With Weight Loss

Eating tapioca can help you lose weight. According to a study published in the International Journal of Obesity, people who added one serving of tapioca to their diet each day lost more than two pounds over six weeks.

This was compared to participants who did not add any additional foods to their diets. However, the researchers caution that this doesn’t mean adding tapioca will automatically lead to weight loss.

Other studies have shown similar results. One study published in Nutrition Research found that consuming a single serving of tapioca per day led to a 3-pound weight loss after 12 weeks. Another study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that eating a half cup of tapioca twice a week helped people lose about 4 pounds after eight weeks.

Conclusion

In Conclusion, tapioca has many health benefits. Adding it to your daily meals can boost your overall well-being. It’s easy to incorporate into your diet because it tastes great and comes in different forms.

If you’re looking for ways to get healthy, try adding tapioca to your next meal.