Background

• Cassava (also known as manioc or yucca) is a vegetable that grows in tropical countries. It is an important food source for an estimated 600 million people worldwide, especially in developing countries. Cassava is an important food during drought or famine and is believed to provide more than a third of caloric content in Africa. Cassava is a staple in the humid and subhumid areas of tropical Africa.
• Cassava contains high levels of cyanic glycosides. These toxic substances are removed during processing to prevent them from being converted to hydrogen cyanide, which may cause diseases and sometimes death. Researchers are working to create a form of cassava that has reduced levels of cyanic glycosides, as well as higher nutritional value, as a way to reduce malnutrition and chronic illness in developing countries.
• At this time, there are no high-quality studies that support the use of cassava for any medical condition. Some research suggests that cassava salt solutions may help rehydrate children who suffer from acute diarrhea.

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