Welcome to Yuca
There is currently a growing global health movement. People are more health conscious and looking for alternatives to traditional eating habits. The realization that there are many different superfoods virtually intact by the average population has created a desire to experiment and try new exotic foods. Many of these superfoods have been brought from South America, Asia, and Africa. Indigenous peoples have thrived on 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 has many different names depending on where it is located geographically: cassava, manioc, manioc, 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. Indigenous people use it alongside other starchy foods such as yams, taro, bananas, and potatoes. While not yet well known outside of the tropics, it accounts for about 30% of global root production. Recently popular in the Americas is tapioca. Grinding the cassava root into small balls of powder forms tapioca balls, which are enjoyed in boba teas and various beverages.
To clear up any dispute, YUCA and YUCCA are two very different plants. Yucca is the root, while Yucca is a thicket.
Why the sudden interest?
As the world continues to connect more and more, people can enjoy the benefits of fruits and vegetables that were once out of reach. Not long ago, if you weren’t born in the tropics, yucca would have been practically intangible. But now, people around the world can reap the benefits.
The general population also has access to an infinite amount of new information. So with that comes new opportunities to incorporate into daily life. Previously, he would have walked into a grocery store, unable to decipher 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. The endless recipes allow you to experiment and diversify your diet.
The energy it provides is incredible!
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 a home you can have your mother, father, grandparents, great-grandparents, children and grandchildren. It is very common to host family members and live as a large family unit. What we saw in this family was that they all worked extraordinarily. Even great-grandparents would help out around the house. While the activity they participated in was more limited than that of the younger generations, it was amazing to see how agile and energized these men and women were.
I remember wondering 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. “Eat well” translates to “eat well.” These families eat fresh and powerful superfoods every day. Yucca root is just a complement to the other superfoods Peruvians have enjoyed for centuries.
How is it possible that this simple answer: eating right, can lead to a long and healthy life?
I thought of the United States, where much of our older generation is 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 to excel in life.
Processed vs natural
Now comes the inevitable truth that many populations that suffer from obesity hate to admit. You are what you eat. Now what we see with people in Peru is that most families eat a diet consisting of fresh grains, fruits, and vegetables purchased from local outdoor markets. These families are fueling their bodies with unprocessed natural ingredients. A meal is made from scratch and all meals are considered family events. They all eat together and eat the same. There is little overindulgence because the quality of the food creates a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. There is no need for an after dinner cookie because there is no dependency on sugar like we find in the US Since the foods are not processed, the meals are devoid of added sugars and preservatives. Their bodies function 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! Could you imagine how strong you would feel? No lack of energy, no craving for chips or cream puffs. Slowly incorporating superfoods like yucca into your diet can show you how strong you can feel. It takes one small step that will lead you to an infinite number of healthy choices.
Don’t be afraid to try cassava. Your body will thank you!