Say Hello to the Superfood, Yuca

Welcome to Yucca

There is currently a growing global health movement. People are more conscious of their health and are looking for alternatives to traditional eating habits. The realization that there are many different superfoods largely untouched by the average population has created a desire to experiment and try new exotic foods. Many of these superfoods have been brought over from South America, Asia, and Africa. Indigenous peoples have prospered off the land and sustained massive civilizations with the use of superfoods. One in particular is gaining momentum in North America.

On the right is the root Yuca (Quechua name spoken in Peru). This root goes by many different names depending on where you are geographically: cassava, cassava, cassava, cassava root, cassava, and tapioca. It is currently an essential tuber in the Caribbean diet.

Yucca is a perennial plant found in tropical climates. In Africa, Asia, and South America, it has been used as an important food source. The indigenous people use it along with other starchy foods such as yams, taro, plantains, and potatoes. Although it is not yet well known outside the tropics, it accounts for about 30% of the world’s root production. Recently popular in the Americas is tapioca. Grinding cassava root into small balls of powder forms tapioca balls, which are enjoyed in boba teas and various beverages.

To clear up some dispute, YUCA and YUCCA are two very different plants. Yuca is the root while Yucca is a scrub.

Why the sudden interest?

As the world continues to become more and more connected, people are able to enjoy the benefits of fruits and vegetables that were once out of reach. Not so long ago, if you hadn’t been born in the tropics, cassava would have been virtually intangible. But now, people all over the world can take advantage of the benefits.

The general population also has access to endless amounts of new information. So with that comes new opportunities to incorporate into daily life. Previously you would have walked into a grocery store, unable to make out what this long brown root was. Now, with a quick Google search, the information is at your fingertips. The recipes for this root are endless. Endless recipes allow you to experiment and diversify your diet.

The energy it provides is amazing!

In Peru, South America we visited a local family. They were simply the most welcoming, humble and hardworking family I had ever met. In many cultures around the world it is very common for large families to live together. In the same home you can have your mother, father, grandparents, great-grandparents, children and grandchildren. It is very common to host family members and live as one big family unit. What we saw in this family was that everyone worked extraordinarily hard. Even great-grandparents would pitch in to help around the house. Although the activity they engaged in was more limited than that of the younger generations, it was amazing to see how agile and full of energy these men and women were.

I remember asking them one day how they found the energy to work so hard at their age.

With a smile the older lady said, “eat well”.

That was it, a simple explanation. “Comer bien” translates as “eat well.” These families eat fresh, powerful superfoods every day. Yucca root is just a complement to the other superfoods that Peruvians have been enjoying for centuries.

How is it that this simple answer: eating well, could lead to a long and healthy life?

I thought of the United States, where many of our older generation are forced to reside in nursing homes, or never become great-grandparents. These older generations thrive in Peru and are highly respected. Their persistent activity and nutritious diets help them excel in life.

Processed vs Natural

Now comes the unavoidable truth that many obese populations hate to admit. You are what you eat. Now what we see with people in Peru is that most families eat a diet that consists of fresh grains, fruits and vegetables purchased at the local open-air markets. These families feed their bodies with natural, unprocessed ingredients. A meal is prepared from scratch and all meals are considered family events. They all eat together and eat equally. There are few excesses because the quality of the food creates a feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment. There’s no need for an after-dinner cookie because there’s no sugar dependency like we find in the US Since the foods are unprocessed, meals are free of added sugars and preservatives. Their bodies work like a well-oiled machine, not one driven by cravings. Imagine how powerful your body would feel if you energized it with whole foods – superfoods! Can you imagine how strong you would feel? No lack of energy, no craving for chips or cream puffs. Incorporating superfoods like cassava into your diet slowly can show you how strong you can feel. It takes one small step that will lead to endless healthy decisions.

Don’t be afraid to try the yucca. Your body will thank you!