We will be talking about Yucca, a cassava shrub that originated in Central America, and not Yuca. It is important to note that these two plants are actually different. The root is very rich in major bioactive substances, including Vitamin (A, B, and C), manganese, calcium, copper, potassium, and phosphorus as well as carbohydrates. Additionally, yucca contains antibacterial and antifungal properties.
The Health Benefits of Yucca Root
Yucca root has a host of health benefits, including aiding weight loss, boosting immunity, preventing diabetes, relieving stress, enhancing the skin, preventing hyperglycemia, treating atherosclerosis, alleviating arthritis, treating inflammation, aiding digestion, and lowering cholesterol levels.
Aids Weight Loss
Yucca root, because of its high dietary fiber, can aid digestion and improve the intestinal process. In fact, yucca consumption can make one feel full for a long time and prevent food cravings. Additionally, yucca is effective for keeping the body hydrated and preventing the body from gaining weight from too much water.
Boosts Immunity
Carbohydrates are popular for being the major source of energy in the body. Yucca root is rich in carbs, making the root a natural energy-booster. The root can be used in the place of common foods such as cassava, potato, and cassava. Yucca root is also rich with antioxidants such as vitamin C, zinc, and many other nutrients. When used together with these nutrients boosts the immune system and combats toxins in the body.
Relieves Stress
Blood circulation induces a strong impulse on the nerve, resulting in headaches. Thankfully, manganese and magnesium are great for stabilizing stress. Thus, to alleviate these headaches, simply take yucca root.
Enhances Skin
Owing to the detoxifying properties yucca root, it cleanses the blood and flushes out the harmful toxins. Doing this will keep the skin cleaner, fairer, younger, and healthier. The properties of yucca root are also effective for preventing wrinkles, fine lines and prevent premature aging.
Prevents Hyperglycemia
Did you know that when the body resists insulin or a lack of insulin, this situation is known as hyperglycemia? For instance, saponin, an active substance in yucca root, is effective for stabilizing of blood sugar level and preventing hyperglycemia.
Treats Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a condition where free radicals inside the body cause damage. The antioxidants present in yucca can help prevent oxidative stress and destroy free radicals.
Accumulated cholesterol increases the risk of developing a heart attack. As a matter of fact, the fiber and antioxidants in yucca lower can lower cholesterol levels.
Alleviates Arthritis
Copious amounts of protein are present in the yucca root. It is very beneficial not only for muscle growth but also for cell growth and repair. It also prevents damage caused to cells from various toxins within the body toxins. A 2006 study published in Journal of Inflammation showed that the nutrients present in yucca root, prominent ones include yuccaol, saponine, and resveratrol, are highly anti-inflammatory and quite beneficial in reducing joint pain and arthritis symptoms.
Treats Inflammation
There are harmful microorganism and toxins that lead to inflammation in the body. However, saponin and antioxidants in the yucca root can significantly reduce inflammation inside the body.
Aids Digestion
Yucca is high in dietary fiber and aids digestion. Fiber is good for the body and also curbs weight gain. Yucca root proves is effective in the digestion and defecation process. When there isn’t any fiber left in the body, it leads to stool hard.
Lowers Cholesterol Levels
Fiber is also known to ease the waste excretion process and provide some relief from constipation. Fiber flushes the cholesterol out from the body through defecation, reduces the cholesterol level and enhances cardiovascular health.
Fights Cancer
Yucca root is obviously beneficial in preventing cancer by eliminating cancerous cells. In fact, yucca root and extract possess very potent antioxidants that combat cancer. The cancers are commonly caused by an overexposure to the sun, free radicals, smoking, and toxic products.
In addition to antioxidants, yucca protects the body against cancer in various other ways. Saponin, a component present in the plant flushes out toxins from the body. Its vitamin C improves the production of white blood cell and the resveratrol found in it, potentially protects the body against attacks from free radicals.
Improves Cognitive Function
Yucca root is made up of very high levels of potassium and folate which are both popular for increasing blood circulation in the brain. Some studies indicate that since folate and potassium facilitate blood circulation, it is also able to alleviate cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.
So, consuming yucca root on a regular basis can help combat several chronic diseases while also making the brain sharper. As a matter of fact, it is even more important to consume yucca root as we grow older.
Contains Antioxidants
Studies have suggested that folic acid improves the overall improvement in sight and a healthy skin because of its antioxidant properties. Pregnant women are advised to lower the chances of neural tube defects in their babies by incorporating folic acid into their daily diet.
So, by adding yucca root to our diets, especially if our antioxidant level is down, can significantly reduce certain symptoms. The symptoms of a deficiency in antioxidants include fatigue, changes in skin health, poor memory, and slow-healing wounds.
Side Effects and Precautions
Yucca contains a number of benefits for good health and should be consumed in the right quantity with the supervision of your doctor. An excessive consumption of yucca may lead to hemolysis, upset stomach, and diarrhea.
Although there are no known drug interactions while taking yucca in supplement form, it still should not be consumed for longer than a three month period. Otherwise, it may be difficult for your body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins.
