Tapioca: Surprising Health Benefits You Need to Know

Most of us who have ever eaten tapioca know it as small, chewy pearls found in a bowl full of pudding. Some also like to make Asian bubble teas out of it. Not all of us are aware of what these little pearls are about. But don’t worry if that’s the case with you! We are going to fix that in this post! So keep your eyes open and continue with your read.

Benefits:

1. Boosts Growth Of Muscles:

Sabudana or Tapioca is important for muscle growth. It is a great source of protein and a must for vegans. Just like it has been told, Tapioca contains protein in large amounts and can improve the growth of the muscles and strengthen them. It will also heal your body and allow the other functions to be carried out in a smoother manner.

2. Good For The Bones:

Tapioca also contains calcium in abundance. It maintains the blood pressure and also improves the blood cholesterol. The high content of potassium found in tapioca will boost the blood circulation and reduces the strain on the cardiovascular system at the same time.

3. Improves Energy Levels:

Tapioca is also a fine source of energy. Plenty of us run out of energy even before the day comes to an end. That is probably because we aren’t eating enough carbohydrates. A healthy solution to this would be tapioca. It is a quick, easy and a healthy way to save energy and keep you going for the rest of the day.

4. Allows You To Gain Weight:

If you are underweight or know someone who is, suggest them to try tapioca. It is a healthy way to gain weight and build muscles. Since it contains carbohydrates in abundance, tapioca leads to quick weight gain. It is easily available in the market, hardly expensive and doesn’t take much time to prepare.

5. Improves Digestion:

In order to improve digestion, you should have some more tapioca. It helps in alleviating the symptoms of gas problems, bloating and flatulence. Tapioca also improves the cholesterol levels and keeps your body healthy.

6. Stops Birth Defects:

Tapioca also controls birth defects. It contains both folic acid and Vitamin B complex which allow healthy and steady growth of the foetus and make your baby less prone to birth defects.

7. Good For Nerve Health:

Tapioca is also good for your nerve health. It contains Vitamin K which can promote osteotropic activity. It is also beneficial for your mind and the brain. Vitamin K makes you less prone to diseases like Alzheimer’s and keeps the pathways of your mind active and engaged at all times.

Side Effects:

Medical Risks:

There are quite a couple of medical risks involved with tapioca.

1. Tapioca is quite poisonous in nature. So if it is not cooked properly, it could lead to cyanide poisoning. Some of the symptoms falling under this category include dizziness and headaches.
2. Tapioca may also lead to some allergic responses if taken in large doses at one go. It is best to speak to your doctor before trying!

Uses Of Sabudana:

Sabudana or Tapioca is often used to prepare scrumptious and edible dishes like sabudana khichdi, pakodas and kheer. They are easy to prepare, less time consuming and leave no room for complaint. Hence we have compiled some of the best recipes just for you and your family! So, without further delay, let’s get to it!

1. Sabudana Khichdi:

Sabudana khichdi is a popular choice among Indians, especially when it’s time to eat dinner. It is very healthy, contains proteins, carbohydrates and other essential vitamins that are good for your body. Here is a quick recipe!

Ingredients:

• One cup of sago or sabudana
• Half a cup of roasted peanuts (crushed)
• Two medium potatoes, finely chopped
• Half a teaspoon of cumin seeds
• 2 green chillis
• 2 tablespoons of oil
• Salt for extra taste

Steps:

1. Wash the sabudana first. Drain next and let it dry for the next couple of hours. If you can, sprinkle some water over the sago and allow it to moisten.
2. Take another glass bowl and add some oil, cumin seeds, green chillis and potatoes.
3. Use a lid to cover and let it stay inside the microwave for 2 minutes. Wait till the potatoes have become soft enough.
4. Add some of the soaked sago, peanuts and salt now. Mix it properly. Cover using a lid and let it microwave for two minutes.
5. Serve with some green chutney and seeds.

2. Sabudana Pakoda:

Sabudana Pakodas are absolutely delicious. They are usually served during festivals, such as Navratri in India, but you may also cook them during other occasions. Never underestimate the taste of sabudana pakodas!

Ingredients:

• Sabudana
• Water
• Potatoes
• Lime juice
• Rajigira flour
• Green chillies
• Ginger paste
• Coriander leaves

Steps:

1. Grab a cup of sabudana and let it soak in water. Let it soak for the whole night or for at least 4 to 5 hours.
2. Once it has soaked, you will notice the sabudana pearls have increased in size.
3. Next, boil the potatoes and peel off the skin.
4. Mash them and add some coriander leaves, green chillies and ginger paste.
5. Add this to the sabudana mixture.
6. Don’t forget to add the lemon juice during this time.
7. Add the rajgira flour next.
8. Season the mixture and roll them into tiny lime sized balls.
9. Fry in hot oil for two to three minutes.
10. Serve with hot chutney.

So how did you like the post? Have you tried tapioca and sabudana khichdi before? Let us know by simply leaving a comment below. We are eager to hear!