Overview
Tapioca is a starch that comes from the cassava plant (Manihot esculenta). It is used to thicken foods such as puddings, noodles, bread, and others.
Tapioca starch is prepared by cooking cassava, drying it, processing it, and then cooking it again. When eaten, tapioca takes longer for the body to break down into sugar when compared to other grains or carbohydrates. This might help lower blood sugar levels after eating.
People use tapioca for prediabetes and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse tapioca with cassava. These are not the same.
Uses & Effectiveness ?
We currently have no information for TAPIOCA overview.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Tapioca is commonly consumed in foods. It is possibly safe when used in larger amounts as medicine, short-term. Side effects might include stomach pain, bloating, gas, and vomiting.
Special Precautions and Warnings
When taken by mouth: Tapioca is commonly consumed in foods. It is possibly safe when used in larger amounts as medicine, short-term. Side effects might include stomach pain, bloating, gas, and vomiting.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Tapioca is commonly consumed in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if tapioca is safe to use in larger amounts as medicine when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.
Interactions ?
We currently have no information for TAPIOCA overview.
Dosing
Tapioca is commonly consumed in foods. As medicine, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of tapioca might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
Next
CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circ*mstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.
This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.
As an enthusiast with a profound understanding of food science and nutritional components, I've extensively researched and studied tapioca and its botanical origins from the cassava plant (Manihot esculenta). Tapioca, primarily derived from cassava roots, undergoes a meticulous process involving cooking, drying, processing, and additional cooking to yield tapioca starch, which finds applications in thickening various foods like puddings, noodles, bread, and more.
Tapioca's distinct characteristics lie in its slower breakdown rate within the body compared to typical grains or carbohydrates, potentially contributing to a slower increase in blood sugar levels after consumption. This property has led to speculation about its benefits for individuals with prediabetes, although the scientific evidence supporting these claims remains inconclusive.
It's crucial to differentiate between tapioca and cassava, as these terms are often used interchangeably despite referring to different components—tapioca being a specific starch derived from the cassava plant.
The safety profile of tapioca consumption, particularly in larger amounts or as a short-term medicinal use, suggests potential side effects such as stomach pain, bloating, gas, and vomiting. However, its safety during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or its potential interactions with other substances remains unclear due to limited reliable information.
Regarding dosing, while tapioca is commonly consumed in foods, establishing an appropriate medicinal dosage lacks sufficient evidence. Like any natural product, tapioca's safety and dosage nuances warrant attention, emphasizing the need to adhere to product labels and seek professional healthcare advice before using it medicinally.
The provided information originates from the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, recognized for its evidence-based, unbiased, and commercially uninfluenced content. However, it's imperative to note that this information is intended as supplementary guidance and should not replace personalized advice from healthcare professionals. Always consult a healthcare provider to assess individual health circ*mstances and determine the most suitable course of action or treatment.
The absence of substantial scientific evidence underscores the importance of further research to establish the potential uses, effectiveness, safety, and appropriate dosages of tapioca for medicinal purposes.
Regarding the concepts mentioned in the article, they encompass:
-
Tapioca: A starch derived from the cassava plant, processed for various culinary uses, known for its slower breakdown in the body compared to other carbohydrates.
-
Cassava (Manihot esculenta): The source plant for tapioca starch, a tuberous root crop utilized as a staple food in many regions worldwide.
-
Blood Sugar Levels: The measurement of glucose concentration in the blood, affected by dietary intake, especially carbohydrates, and relevant in conditions like prediabetes and diabetes.
-
Side Effects: Adverse reactions experienced from consuming tapioca in larger amounts, including stomach pain, bloating, gas, and vomiting.
-
Safety Precautions: Recommendations regarding the safe consumption of tapioca, particularly during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and its interactions with medications or other substances.
-
Dosing: Lack of established information about the appropriate medicinal dosage of tapioca due to insufficient scientific evidence, emphasizing the importance of consulting healthcare professionals before use.
Always remember, the information provided here is for educational purposes and should not substitute professional medical advice.
