Yuca (cassava) root can help arthritis

Yuca (cassava) root can help arthritis

I love 99.99% of fruits and vegetables, but this one is in the 00.01% for me. However, I know many people who really enjoy this vegetable, each to their own. It is a good source of B3 (helps lower cholesterol) as well as iron and calcium. Yuca is a root vegetable with a rough, hard, thick, brown covering, a bit like bark. The inside is hard, white and dense, it is quite heavy. Similar to the potato, it needs to be cooked before you eat it. It is much stronger than the potato and a bit sweeter.

This is not to be confused with the yucca plant – yuccas are often grown as ornamental plants in gardens or as houseplants in cooler climates. Some bear edible parts - such as fruits, seeds and flowers or stems, but not the edible roots we are talking about here. The yucca plant has long blade-like leaves that grow from a central point from the ground, similar to the aloe vera plant (but with softer leaves). The yucca plant is like a small tree with three medium oval blades on each small stem.

Yuca root contains high levels of a phyto-compound called saponins, which acts as a natural steroid. When the compound is extracted from the yuca, 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 of the joints in particular and the body in general. Yuca is often included in formulas for inflammatory conditions such as arthritic and rheumatoid diseases. Yuca has been reported to have the ability to break up mineral and inorganic deposits. What does that mean? It helps to break down or prevent the formation of calcifications of kidney stones, gallbladder stones or calcifications of joints. And due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it can also help with conditions such as an inflamed prostate. However, no plant should be viewed as the be-all and end-all - it should be consumed alongside a whole range of other plants.

Yuca has a positive effect on promoting the action of the “good guys” of friendly gut bacteria, which in turn supports the 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, remains in the intestine and acts on the intestinal flora to regulate balance, stimulate the friendly normal flora and inhibit others.

There is a lot of research in the United States into using saponins from the yuca in wastewater treatment plants to break down organic waste more quickly, including agricultural and factory waste.

When we eat foods (beans and lentils) or herbs (alfalfa, fenugreek, garlic or tribulus) rich in saponins, they stimulate better absorption of vitamins and minerals and reduce the amount of toxins we absorb. This helps put less strain on our already overworked detoxification organs. So when more nutrients are consumed, there is an increased effect on anti-inflammatories, an improved immune system and better functioning organs - conditions such as arthritis and other degenerative diseases improve. The saponins provide a more alkaline environment (most people are too acidic these days) and support the digestive tract, improving digestion, reducing incomplete digestion and breakdown in the colon, resulting in unpleasant smelling gases.

The common potato has the opposite effect to Yuca, the potato belongs to the Solanaceae 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 pain has improved by eliminating tomatoes, a long time with healthier eating. The other feature that Yuca has is its rich source of absorbable manganese, which helps repair joints. Researchers have closely examined the effects of these plants and their effects on joints and cartilage. The amazing steroid like saponins strengthens the intestinal flora of the intestine, breaks down organic body wastes like uric acid (which causes pain), and cleanses any mineral deposits that may be present in the joints.

Native Americans used Yuca soap leaves for numerous ailments. Poultices or baths were used for skin wounds and other illnesses, as well as for sprains. Certainly used in all types of inflammatory diseases.

Other uses – it has an astringent effect, helping to reduce bleeding. Some people find it extremely helpful as a mild laxative that promotes bowel movements.

How to use yuca? Any recipe that calls for potatoes, which you can substitute with yucca, just requires more cooking. First peel off the rough brown skin, cut open and remove the hard core.

Boquete Bash

2 pounds fresh yuca

milk or you can use rice or soy milk

1 clove garlic, chopped or minced

½ cup chopped cilantro

A squeeze of lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

A little extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil (optional)

Peel the yuca and cut into thick pieces. The cooking time is longer than potatoes - cover with water and cook until tender. Drain completely (reserve boiling water for soups, etc.) and add milk, garlic, coriander, lemon squeezer, oil (optional), pepper and salt. Mash and mix all ingredients, adding more milk if necessary, and serve with your favorite meat stew.

Inspired by Sonia Jones