Tapioca is a dense starch product of the cassava tubers, a perennial plant. Tapioca

It is one of the staple foods of Kerala known as kappa and is widely consumed as breakfast or as a snack. In the North and Western parts of India, it is known as sabudana, used as a fasting food in Hindu rituals.

The Tapioca root is made in to flour, meal, flakes and pearls, that are used in making desserts, crunchy fritters, fries, and as thickening and binding agent. And what’s more? Tapioca is a completely gluten-free product.

Tapioca is a rich source of energy and a high glycemic index food, low on saturated fat and sodium. A gluten-free, grain-free starch ideal for people with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity and nut allergies.

Health Benefits Of Tapioca

Gluten-Free

Tapioca is a gluten-free starch and a good option for people with celiac disease, as avoiding gluten is the only treatment to get relieved from symptoms. It can be incorporated into a wide variety of gluten-free products such as snacks, desserts, flour, and thickeners. It offers people with broad choice of gluten-free products without the need for eliminating a wide variety of foods.

Healthy Weight Gain

Tapioca is a great option of starch for people who are underweight and have trouble gaining weight. Several health conditions require individuals to gain weight and even sportsperson who is trying put on healthy weight without going for processed energy-dense foods. As tapioca is naturally calorie dense, it can enhance overall total calories without added sugars or oils.

Boosts Energy

The goodness of carbohydrate and low on fat, tapioca can be the preferred option as an energy booster. It can keep you energized without adding fat, keeps you satiated and prevent unwanted craving for sweets. Taking tapioca is an easy way to fuel your body with the needed energy for the day.

Low On Sodium

Tapioca is low on sodium and a good option of food for those who want to cut down the amount of salt in the diet. Also, it can be turned into a variety of low sodium dishes from desserts, snacks or meal.

Culinary Uses

  • Tapioca powder is used as a thickener for soups and other foods.
  • This flour is widely used in making bread, cakes, cookies, and sweet pies.
  • In Kerala tapioca is a staple food cooked with spices and consumed with delicious curries.
  • It can be an ideal food for kids as it can be served as a porridge, by adding milk or buttermilk as a part of the energy-dense bland diet.