Some people believe that one of the benefits of cassava is as a drug for various types of cancer, especially prostate cancer and bladder cancer. However, are these claims medically proven? Find out the answer in the following discussion.
Cassava is a tuber plant that is often used as a staple food in various regions in Indonesia. The high carbohydrate content and various other nutrients in it make cassava good for consumption as a substitute for rice and corn.
Cassava Nutrient Content
Cassava is known as a good source of carbohydrates, fiber and protein. Not only that, cassava also contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin C, iron, phosphorus, and calcium.
The type of carbohydrates found in cassava is complex carbohydrates. Apart from being the main source of energy for the body, this type of carbohydrate is known to be healthier so that it can provide many benefits for the body.
In contrast to simple carbohydrates, complex carbohydrates take longer to be digested by the body so they can provide a longer full effect. This is what makes cassava good for consumption by people who are on a diet.
In addition, the high fiber and starch content in cassava can also maintain the balance of good bacteria in the intestine so that it is good for digestive health.
Facts About the Benefits of Cassava for Overcoming Cancer
The benefits of cassava to treat cancer are thought to arise because of the content linamarin and lotaustralin which can trigger the production of vitamin amygdalin or vitamin B17. The vitamin is claimed to be able to kill cancer cells.
However, the benefits of cassava on this one still require further research to ensure its effectiveness.
Vitamin B17 itself may rarely sound to your ears. In fact, some people may not even know about the existence of vitamin B17. So, what is vitamin B17?
There are various types of B vitamins, such as vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B9, and B12. Well, vitamin B17 itself is technically not part of the B vitamins. In fact, this chemical compound cannot be classified as a vitamin because it does not have a standard intake, so it still requires further research.
However, some studies show that vitamin B17 or amygdalin contains compounds that can kill cancer cells through the mechanism of apoptosis, which is a natural process when harmful cells destroy themselves without harming healthy cells.
The study is also supported by other studies which reveal that vitamin B17 can kill prostate cancer cells without causing organ damage. This is what makes vitamin B17 thought to be able to overcome cancer.
However, you can still take the benefits of cassava as a source of carbohydrates that can support the body to carry out daily activities. However, make sure the intake is in accordance with the needs and not excessive.
You also need to remember that raw cassava contains cyanide which is a dangerous poison for the body. Therefore, pay attention to how to process and consume it.
Do not forget to peel the cassava skin and wash it clean and soak it for several hours. Next, process or cook cassava at high temperatures to prevent the harmful effects of cassava.
If you still have questions about the benefits of cassava for cancer, consult your doctor to find out the answers. In addition, the doctor can also tell you the right amount of cassava consumption and according to your health condition if you want to use it as a substitute for rice.
