I love 99.99% of fruits and vegetables, but this is at 00.01% for me. However, I know many people who really enjoy this vegetable, each with their own. It is a good source of B3 (helps lower cholesterol), as well as iron and calcium. Cassava is a tuber with a thick, hard, rough brown covering, a bit like bark. The interior is hard, white and dense, it is quite heavy. Similar to potato in the sense that it must be cooked before eating. It is much starchier than potato and a little sweeter.
This should not be confused with the yucca plant; Yucas are widely grown as an ornamental plant in gardens or houseplants in colder climates. Some will have edible parts, such as fruits, seeds, and flowers or stems, but not the edible roots that we are talking about here. The yucca plant has long leaf-like leaves that grow from a central point in the ground, similar in configuration to the aloe vera plant (but with softer leaves). The yucca plant is like a small tree, with three medium, oval-shaped leaves on each small stem.
Cassava root contains high levels of a phytocompound, called saponins, which acts as a natural steroid. When the compound is extracted from cassava, it makes a perfect natural soap or shampoo.
How do these compounds affect our health when we consume them? These saponins are similar to steroids. They help reduce inflammation in the joints in particular and in the body in general. Cassava is often included in formulas for inflammatory conditions like arthritic and rheumatoid conditions. Cassava has been reported to have the ability to break down mineral and inorganic deposits. What does this mean? Helps break down or prevent the build-up of kidney stone calcification, gallbladder stones, or joint calcification. And due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it can also help with conditions like inflammation of the prostate. However, no plant should be seen as the whole and the end of everything: it should be consumed together with a large number of other plants.
Cassava has a positive effect on encouraging the action of the ‘good guys’, friendly gut bacteria, which in turn aids in proper digestion of food and prevents the ‘bad guys’ from thriving. Research has shown that the high content of saponins in this plant, when ingested, remain in the intestines and act on the intestinal flora, helping to regulate balance, stimulating normal friendly flora and inhibiting others.
In the US, much research is being done on the use of saponins from cassava for use in sewage treatment plants to break down organic waste more quickly, also in agricultural and factory waste.
When we eat foods (beans and lentils) or herbs (alfalfa, fenugreek, garlic or tribulus) that are high in saponins, they stimulate better absorption of vitamins and minerals and decrease the amount of toxins we absorb. This helps put less stress on our already overstretched detox organs. So with more nutrients absorbed, greater anti-inflammatory action, an improved immune system, better organ function, conditions like arthritis and other degenerative diseases improve. Saponins provide a more alkaline environment (most people’s systems are too acidic these days) by helping the digestive tract improve digestion, reducing incomplete digestion and breakdown in the colon that causes foul-smelling gas.
The common potato has the opposite effect of cassava, the potato is part of the nightshade family and contains plant compounds that promote pain and inflammation, another main member of this infamous family is the tomato! Many people have found that their aches and pains have been improved by eliminating tomatoes, a healthier way of eating. The other attribute that cassava has is its rich source of absorbable manganese, which helps in the joint repair process. Researchers have closely observed the action of this plant and its effect on the joints and cartilage, amazing steroids such as saponins strengthen the intestinal flora of the intestines, break down organic waste from the body such as uric acid (which causes pain) and they clean the mineral deposits that could exist in the joints.
Native Americans used the soapy leaves of yucca for numerous conditions. Poultices or baths were used for skin sores and other illnesses, as well as sprains. Certainly used in all kinds of inflammatory conditions.
Other uses: it acts as an astringent, so it will help reduce bleeding. Some people find it extremely useful as a mild laxative that stimulates bowel movements.
How to use cassava? Any recipe that calls for potatoes can be substituted for cassava, it just needs more cooking. First, peel off the rough brown skin, cut and remove the hard core.
Party in Boquete
2 pounds of fresh cassava
Milk or you can use rice or soy milk.
1 garlic clove, minced or crushed
½ cup cilantro, chopped
A dash of lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
A little extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil (optional)
Peel the yucca, cut it into thick pieces. Cooking time is longer than for potatoes: cover with water and boil until soft. Drain completely (save the boiled water for soups, etc.) and add the milk, garlic, coriander, lemon drip, oil (optional), pepper and salt. Shred and combine all ingredients, add more milk if needed, and serve with your favorite meat stew.