CASSAVA

S. Name: Manihot esculenta

Description

Cassava or often called Yuca in Spanish,
America and in the United States, is a perennial shrub that reaches about two meters in height and is cultivated especially for its high nutritional value rich in carbohydrates, being in many places in America a very traditional food.

Properties

It have high content of vitamin K, helps to protect bones and prevent the development of osteoporosis.
It strengths the immune system and provides a large amount of vitamins and minerals important in regulating heart rate and blood pressure.
It is a perfect source of protein for athletes and in situations where great physical or mental effort is required.
Helps to control the digestive system, being helpful in heavy digestions and problems of heartburn, gastritis or colitis among others.
With small amounts, it helps to satiate appetite, is low in fat, does not contain gluten or cholesterol and is a very versatile food in the kitchen.
Distribution & habitat
It is native to the center of South
America, the first evidence of its cultivation dates back to 4,000 years in
Peru.
It can be found in abundance on continents such as America, Africa (most of the production) and Oceania.
It is usually grown in tropical and subtropical areas where it requires high levels of humidity and sun exposure to grow.
They are normally plucked at the age of 1 year to extract the edible roots.

Uses

Internal use

It should never be eaten raw, it should always be cooked. There are many ways to consume it, normally it's consumed cooked, baked or fried with little oil due to its high caloric value.

####External use
Massages can be performed to treat external pain thanks to its balsamic and anti-inflammatory properties. In external wounds, it accelerates healing and prevents possible infections.

Precautions

It is essential to detoxify the roots before consumption as they contain cyanide and other negative substances.
It is not recommended for consumption in minors, pregnant or lactating women.
Consume in moderation, it is a food rich in calories.