Yucca root is a staple vegetable in Africa and is an alternative to potatoes in South America. Because it grows beneath ground level, it comes loaded with vitamins and minerals so important for optimum health.

Having yucca root included in the diet on a regular basis is a smart move. However, it’s a good idea to consume only a small amount of it because it’s high in calories — nutrition experts say that a cup of it packs about 330 calories. If you refuse to eat yucca root more than you should, then there should be no problem at all.

Boiling is the most common way of preparing yucca root. But in places where the root vegetable can be found abundantly, it is also grated and then turned into a variety of treats such as breads and cakes.

Regardless of the way you wish to consume yucca root, one thing remains for certain: it’s something that’s good for you. Here are some of the reasons why you should grab every opportunity to serve yucca root on the table:

It Improves Digestion

Thanks to the fiber it contains, yucca root can help in improving the process of digestion. Not only will this allow your body to unlock nutrients in food so much better, but also ward off issues that are commonly associated with having poor digestion. Some of them include excess gas (flatulence), bloating and abdominal cramps.

It Prevents Constipation

Provided that you also drink plenty of fluids and steer clear of having a sedentary life, you can easily dodge constipation by including yucca root in your diet on a regular basis. Again, it’s for the fact that this root vegetable is loaded with fiber, which is something that creates bulk for the easy removal of toxins and waste materials in the intestines.

It Reduces Weight

Despite of being rich in calories, consuming yucca root in moderation can actually help you shed off unwanted pounds in a couple of ways. First, it’s very, very low in fat. Second, it is fiber-rich — eating it makes your stomach feel full right away and for several hours more, thus saving you from having seconds as well as snacking.

It Controls Blood Sugar

People who are diagnosed with diabetes can benefit tremendously from the moderate intake of yucca root. What makes this vegetable that grows under the soil very good for diabetes is it’s an excellent source of fiber. Medical experts say that fiber is capable of regulating the amount of sugar released into the bloodstream, preventing complications.

It Lowers Heart Disease Risk

Yucca root is also an exceptional preventer of heart disease. Again, it’s because it is packed with fiber, something that sweeps out some of the cholesterol in the food you eat. As a result, your arteries can be kept from being clogged up. Such results in the lowering of heart disease, heart attack and stroke risk.

It Boosts Immunity

There’s also vitamin C in every serving of yucca root, which only means that consuming this root vegetable as regularly as you can helps in making your immune system strong. Having a strong immune system can be advantageous most especially when the cold or flu season is here, which causes everyone to become infected and ill.

It Beautifies the Skin

Vitamin C present in yucca root is important, too, for keeping the skin looking young and healthy. So in other words, its consumption can help you look your best. Vitamin C is also essential for the production of collagen — yes, it’s that substance that a lot of expensive anti-aging products claim to supply your skin with.

As you can see, yucca root can impress with all the health benefits that it brings. Don’t forget to share this article on social media to get your loved ones acquainted with this amazing root vegetable!