Tapioca Health Benefits, Uses and Side Effects

Those who have eaten tapioca know that it appears as small and chewy pearls in a bowl full of pudding. Tapioca is also known as sabudana. It is also used to make Asian bubble tea. It has many health benefits also. Below are given some of the health benefits of tapioca.

Health Benefits of Tapioca:

Allows you to gain weight:

If you are underweight, or if you know somebody who is underweight, suggest them to try tapioca. Tapioca is great for gaining weight and to build up muscle in a healthy way. This is because it contains high amounts of carbohydrates in it. So, consuming tapioca allows you to gain weigh quickly. You get tapioca easily in the market and it is also not very expensive. You need not spend too much time in preparing it either.

Boosts growth of muscles:

Tapioca or sabudana is effective for muscle growth. It is rich in proteins and a must for vegetarians. Because of the high amounts of protein in tapioca, it is good for the growth of muscles and for making them stronger. It is also good for healing your body and for allowing other functions of the body to take place smoothly.

Good for the bones:

Calcium is found in high amounts in tapioca. It helps in maintaining the blood pressure and also improves the blood cholesterol. The high amounts of potassium in tapioca helps in increasing blood circulation. It is also good for reducing the strain on your cardiovascular system.

Good for nerve health:

Tapioca is also good for the health of your nerves. It is rich in Vitamin K, which has the power to promote osteotropic activity. It is also found to be beneficial for your brain and mind. Presence of Vitamin K in it makes you less susceptible to various diseases, like Alzheimer’s disease. It also helps in keeping your mind active and engaged all the time.

Improves energy levels:

Tapioca is a good source of energy. Many people feel tired and run out of energy before the end of the day. This may be because they are not eating enough carbohydrates. A good remedy for this situation is to consume tapioca. It is one of the quickest and easiest ways to get the required energy. It will help you energetic and healthy throughout the day.

Improves digestion:

Consuming some more tapioca is an excellent way to improve digestion. It is very beneficial for getting rid of gas problems, bloating and flatulence. It is also good for keeping the levels of cholesterol within normal levels and for keeping your body healthy.

Stops birth defects:

Tapioca is also very effective for controlling birth defects. This is because it contains folic acid and Vitamin B complex. These allow the foetus to grow healthy and steadily, and reduce the risks of birth defects in your baby.

Uses of Sabudana:

Sabudana or tapioca can be used for preparing scrumptious and edible dishes like sabudana khichdi, pakodas and kheer. You can prepare these dishes easily and it does not take much of your time. These dishes are also tasty.

Sabudana Khichdi:

Sbudana khichdi is a popular dish in India. It is mainly prepared for dinner. It is very healthy and is rich in proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins that are needed for your body.

Ingredients needed:

• One cup of sabudana
• Half a cup of roasted peanuts
• Two medium sized potatoes, finely chopped
• half a teaspoon of cumin seeds
• 2 tablespoons of oil
• 2 green chillies
• Salt for taste

Preparation Steps:

1. Wash the sabudana well and drain it. Let it dry for the next 2 hours or so. You can sprinkle some water on it to keep it moist.
2. Take another glass bowl and add oil, cumin seeds, potatoes and green chillies to it.
3. Cover it with a lid and keep it in the microwave for 2 minutes. Let the potatoes get soft.
4. Now you can add some soaked sabudana, peanuts and salt to it. Mix well and put a lid on the bowl. Then keep it in the microwave for another two minutes.
5. You can serve it with green chutney and seeds.
6. Sabudana pakoda

It is very delicious and served during the festivals and other special days. You can also make them on other occasions.

Sabudana Pakoda:

Ingredients needed:

• Sabudana
• Water
• Lime juice
• Potatoes
• Rajgira flour
• Ginger paste
• Coriander leaves

Preparation Steps:

1. Soak a cup of sabudana in water overnight or for at least 4 to 5 hours.
2. Now boil the potatoes and peel the skin off.
3. Mash the cooked potatoes and add coriander leaves, green chilli and ginger paste to it.
4. You can also add the sabudana and lemon juice and mix well.
5. Now add the rajgira flour to the mixture.
6. Season the mixture and make tiny balls out of this mixture.
7. Fry these balls in the oil and then serve with hot chutney.

Side Effects of Tapioca:

Tapioca also has a few side effects, which are as follows:

1. Tapioca is quite poisonous in nature. So, you have to cook it properly. If not, it can lead to cyanide poisoning. Some of the symptoms of cyanide poisoning are dizziness and headaches.
2. Tapioca can also cause some allergic reactions if you consume it in large doses in one go. So, before consuming it, it is better to consult your doctor and take his advice.