Are you on a candida diet and wondering if cassava flour is a safe option for you?
Look no further!
Cassava flour is a gluten-free substitute for wheat flour that has gained popularity in recent years. But is it suitable for those following a candida diet?
In this article, we’ll explore the potential health benefits of cassava flour, its nutritional value, and whether or not it’s a good choice for those with candida overgrowth.
So, let’s dive in and find out if cassava flour can be a part of your candida diet!
Can You Eat Cassava Flour On Candida Diet?
The short answer is yes, you can eat cassava flour on a candida diet. Cassava flour is an excellent choice for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. It is deficient in salt/sodium, sugar, and fat and is completely free of refined carbohydrates and synthetic ingredients.
One of the primary recommendations of the candida diet is low sugar, and cassava flour’s main strength is that it is low in sugar. This makes it an ideal choice for those who are trying to avoid sugar in their diet.
Cassava flour also includes resistant starch, which does not entirely digest until it reaches the colon. These resistant starches are degraded, fermented, and used as food by helpful bacteria. Resistant starches are also an essential part of the diet because they help control your hunger. They also aid in the binding of cholesterol and its removal from the body. Improved digestive and colon health and improved insulin sensitivity are among the potential health benefits.
However, it’s important to note that cassava flour is heavy in carbohydrates and has a similar carbohydrate content to most other grain-based flours. This means that if you’re trying to limit your carbohydrate intake on a candida diet, you should be mindful of how much cassava flour you consume.
What Is Candida Overgrowth?
Candida overgrowth is a condition that occurs when the Candida fungus, which is naturally present in the body, grows out of control. It can lead to a range of symptoms, including fatigue, brain fog, digestive issues, and skin problems.
Candida overgrowth can be caused by a variety of factors, including a diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates, stress, hormonal imbalances, and the use of antibiotics or other medications. When Candida overgrowth occurs, it can weaken the immune system and lead to a host of health problems.
One of the primary treatments for Candida overgrowth is the candida diet. This diet is designed to eliminate foods that can feed the Candida fungus, such as sugar, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol. Instead, it focuses on whole, nutrient-dense foods that support gut health and promote a healthy immune system.
While cassava flour is allowed on the candida diet, it’s important to remember that it is still a carbohydrate-heavy food. If you have Candida overgrowth, it’s essential to work with a healthcare professional to develop a personalized diet plan that meets your nutritional needs while supporting your body’s ability to fight off the fungus.
The Candida Diet: What You Can And Cannot Eat
The candida diet is a low-sugar, anti-inflammatory diet that aims to reduce gut inflammation and promote healthy gut bacteria. Here’s a breakdown of what you can and cannot eat on the candida diet:
– Vegetables: You can eat any vegetable as long as it doesn’t have flour, sugar, or alcohol added to it.
– Fruits: Avoid dried fruit and fruit juice, but you can eat any real fruit.
– Dairy: You can eat dairy as long as it doesn’t have added sugar. Look for higher protein or higher fat yogurts to avoid added sugar.
– Nuts/Seeds: You can eat any nuts or seeds as long as they haven’t been coated in sugar.
– Grains: You can eat grains like rice and quinoa, but avoid anything with flour. This means no bread, waffles, pancakes, tortillas, chips, or other baked goods.
– Fats: Use butter, coconut oil, and olive oil as your main staples. Avoid processed vegetable oils like corn oil, canola oil, and vegetable oil.
– Drinks: Stick to water, basic coffee, or unsweetened tea. Avoid juice, pop, energy drinks, Gatorade, or sugary coffee drinks.
– Sugars: Cut down on all forms of sugar from low to 0. This includes white sugar, brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, agave, dextrose, and concentrated fruit jams.
– Alcohol: Avoid all types of alcohol because they turn rapidly into sugar and can feed candida overgrowth.
– Flour: Avoid all types of flour, including cassava flour. The process of making flour creates a fine particle that breaks down artificially fast and creates the sugar the Candida needs to grow.
What Is Cassava Flour?
Cassava flour is a gluten-free substitute for wheat flour that is made from the cassava root. The cassava plant, also known as yuca or manioc, is a starchy root vegetable that is commonly consumed in many parts of the world. Cassava flour is a popular alternative to wheat flour because it is gluten-free and has a neutral flavor that can be used in a variety of recipes.
One of the main benefits of cassava flour is that it is low in sugar and free of refined carbohydrates and synthetic ingredients. It is also high in resistant starch, which does not entirely digest until it reaches the colon. Resistant starches are degraded, fermented, and used as food by helpful bacteria in the gut. This can improve digestive and colon health and aid in the binding of cholesterol and its removal from the body.
Cassava flour is also an excellent source of carbohydrates, which can provide energy for people who are active but avoid eating other starches. However, it’s important to note that cassava flour should be used with other nutrient-dense, complementary foods to increase recipes’ fiber, vitamin, and mineral content.
Nutritional Value Of Cassava Flour
Cassava flour is a high-carbohydrate food that is rich in resistant starch, making it an excellent choice for those looking to add fiber to their diet. One quarter cup of cassava flour contains 2 grams of dietary fiber, which helps maintain gut health and regulate the body’s use of sugars.
In addition to fiber, cassava flour is also rich in carbohydrates, which are the primary energy source for the body. A cup of cassava flour contains approximately 110 grams of carbohydrates, 5 grams of fiber, and 4.5 grams of sugar. This makes it an excellent substitute for wheat and other flours in gluten-free recipes.
Cassava flour is also rich in vitamin C, with one cup containing close to the recommended daily value. However, it is deficient in other essential vitamins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin D, and Cobalamin. Therefore, people who consume cassava flour regularly should also include protein sources like eggs, poultry, fish, meat, tofu or legumes in their diet.
It’s important to note that cassava flour is low in fat and protein, and the little protein it may provide is of low quality due to its very low essential amino acid content. Thus, it’s essential to include other sources of protein and healthy fats in your diet if you rely heavily on cassava flour.
Finally, cassava flour contains two main kinds of starch: amylose and amylopectin. Raw cassava contains approximately 75% resistant starch, which is not absorbed in the small intestine but is fermented in the large intestine. This makes cassava flour an excellent food for promoting gut health by feeding the beneficial gut bacteria as they ferment.
Health Benefits Of Cassava Flour
Cassava flour is a versatile and healthy ingredient that offers several potential health benefits. Here are some of the ways that cassava flour may benefit your health:
1. Aids in Weight Loss: Cassava flour is high in resistant starch, which can help you feel fuller for longer periods. This can help you reduce your overall calorie intake and lose weight.
2. Improves Gut Health: Resistant starch in cassava flour acts as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. This can improve gut health and reduce the risk of digestive issues.
3. Benefits Metabolic Markers: Cassava flour has been found to benefit metabolic markers, such as blood sugar and cholesterol levels. This is due to its high resistant starch content.
4. Gluten-Free Alternative: Cassava flour is an excellent gluten-free alternative to wheat flours. It’s also a Paleo-friendly and nut-free alternative.
5. Rich in Antioxidants: Cassava flour contains antioxidants that protect your cells against free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of dangerous diseases.
6. Low in Calories: Cassava flour has a lower calorie density than other flours, making it a good choice for people trying to reduce their calorie intake.
7. Rich in Nutrients: Cassava flour is rich in dietary fibers, vitamin C, vitamin B, and vitamin A. It’s also a good source of minerals like calcium and iron.
While cassava flour offers several potential health benefits, it’s essential to purchase your flour from a reputable brand to avoid cyanide poisoning from poorly processed cassava flour, particularly from wild cassava. Additionally, if you have any allergies or medical conditions, consult with your doctor before adding cassava flour to your diet.
