Yucca root, commonly known as cassava, is native to north, central and south america and a dietary staple in Americas and Caribbean. This gluten-free root vegetable is able to survive the winter months or dry months and regrown due to the nutrients stored in its tuberous stem, similar to potatoes and yams. Yucca is an absolute nutrition Powerhouse and should be a dietary staple for all athletes and active people (with the exception of those following a ketogenic diet).
Yucca provide almost 600 mg of potassium per cup, so it makes a great pre- or post-workout option. If weight loss is your goal. Yucca is a good source of B-vitamins (except B12) like thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, folate that are essential for converting proteins, carbs and fats into energy.
Yucca root contains a significant amount of resveratrol, a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant compound that protects your body from damage caused by free radicals (these are produced during exercise—like the exhaust that comes out of your car when you drive).
Resveratrol is also a natural aromatase inhibitor, preventing the aromatization or conversion of testosterone to estrogen. If you're overweight, have significant belly-fat or high blood sugars, this is crucial to preserve your body's own testosterone stores. One cup of yucca root packs a 42mg punch of vitamin C, crucial for collagen formation to keep your joints healthy and immune system strong.
The hippocampus area of your brain is responsible for setting your circadian rhythms - your body's 24-hours hormone cycle - as well as converting short to long-term memory (something that fades when stress levels are high or choline intake low).
Yucca provides a robust 24mg per half cup, and new research shows choline also plays a key role in building strength in the gym. Your innate immune system is the body's "first line of defense" against incoming invaders.
Fat-soluble vitamins, like the vitamin A found in yucca, is crucial for increasing the production of your immune system's "foot soldiers" that fight off colds and flu.
