Products from Cassava is the commonest and most eaten food in Nigeria. Some of the popular food stuffs from cassava includes; garri (Nigerian groceries), abacha, flour, tapioca etc. Many people that eat these products do not know that Cassava Leaves can also be eaten and not just being eaten but packed with lots of health benefits. in this post, I will outline the amazing health benefits of cassava leaves.
Cassava is a root vegetable. It is the underground part of the cassava shrub, which has the Latin name Manihot esculenta. Like potatoes and yams, it is a tuber crop. Cassava roots have a similar shape to sweet potatoes
Note: It is important to know that cassava leaves must be cooked before it can be eaten. Because cassava leaves and roots are high in hydrocyanic acid which is poisonous, but when cooked the acid disappears… and be sure to discard the water the leaves are boil in.
Nutritional Value of Cassava leaves
According to RI Ministry of Health data, Indonesian Food Composition Table (IFCT, TKPI), the following are the nutritional value of Cassava leaves boiled;
Ash 0.4 grams
Beta carotene (β-carotene) 3.897 micrograms
Calcium (Ca) 160 milligrams
Carbohydrate (CHO) 4.8 grams
Copper (Cu) 0.10 milligrams
Fat 0.6 grams
Food Energy 31 Calories
Food Fiber 1.6 grams
Iron (Fe), Ferrum 2.6 milligrams
Niacin, C6H5NO2 1.7 milligrams
Phosphorus (P) 50 milligrams
Potassium (K), Kalium 14.0 milligrams
Protein 3.7 grams
Retinol (vit. A), C20H30O –
Riboflavin (vitamin B2) 0.10 milligrams
Sodium (Na), Natrium 13 milligrams
Thiamin (vitamin B1) 0.02 milligrams
Total carotene (Re) 4,150 micrograms
Vitamin C 34 milligrams
Water 90.5 grams
Zinc (Zn) 2.0 milligrams
Health Benefits of Cassava Leaves
The following health benefits are gotten from cassava leaves:
Weight Management
If you want to lose weight, cassava leaves may just be all you need because they are low in calories. 100 grams of cooked cassava leaf only contains about 37 calories making it great for weight loss… and they just about fat free when consumed.
Treatment of Arthritis
Cassava leaf is helpful in the treatment of arthritis due to the rich magnesium content. A diet high in magnesium leads to lowered blood pressure levels that reduces the chances of rheumatic diseases throughout life.
To prepare this medication, 150 grams of cassava leaves, some lemongrass, salt, and 15 grams of ginger root can be combined to create a natural rheumatoid arthritis treatment.
Prevents Cancer
Cassava leaves contain phytonutrients called carotenoids from where they get their color. Studies suggest that these phytonutrients can help prevent lung cancer and heart disease.
Cassava leaves also contains phytochemicals that have anti-cancer effects, like kaempferol, quercetin, rutin, and hesperidin that protect against tumor formation while inhibiting angiogenesis (development of new blood vessels) during cancer metastasis (spread).
Increases Appetite
Are you are having difficulty eating, prepare to taste later cassava leaves boiled with salt and garlic. Then cassava leaves with rice and tomato sauce.
In addition to cassava leaves, other parts of cassava such as tubers and stems were also efficacious as a traditional medicine. Examples traditional recipes following
Treatment for Headache
Cassava leaves can be used to reduce the severity of migraine headache. To do this, soak 60 grams of roots or cassava leaves in water for 2 hours, then juice them, you’ll get the desired effect. Your migraine symptoms should lessen as a result of this.
Improves Brain Health
Drinking boiled cassava leaves has a lot of benefits to the brain which includes:
- It is A natural sedative that soothes the nervous system as a result high calcium content of .
- The high content of water, iron and zinc also ensures proper brain function.
- Niacin which is abundant in cassava leaves also supports nerve health.
Good for Pregnant Women
Due to the presence of high iron content in cassava leaves helps the pregnant women to avoid anemia. The cassava leaves has high amount of folate and Vitamin C. Due to the bland taste of cassava leaves, it should be cooked with vegetables or meat by chopping.
Boosts Immunity
Cassava leaves contains huge amount of Vitamin C and folate which helps to boost the immune system. Vitamin C helps to destroy the bacteria and virus. The cassava leaves also helps to maintain bone health. The antioxidant helps to eradicate the free radicals in the body.
Folate helps to enhance the cell production by assisting in the genetic material for life and avoid DNA mutations.
Side Effects of Consuming Cassava Leaves
Consuming cassava leaves can have side effects if not prepared properly, as they may contain toxic compounds. These side effects can include cyanide poisoning, which can lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases, even paralysis or death.
Conclusion
To safely enjoy the amazing health benefits from cassava leaves, it’s crucial to follow proper cooking methods, such as boiling or fermenting, to reduce cyanide levels. If you’re unsure about preparing cassava leaves, consult a knowledgeable source or avoid them altogether.
