Sabudana: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects

2022-05-13 00:00:00

Sabudana, also known as sagu, rabia, saksak and sago, is a type of tapioca pearl. Extraction of starch from cassava leads to the preparation of Sabudana. Cassava cultivation is widespread in India, South America and the West Indies. Cassava root is rich in starch. The starch treatment step involves filtering it under a pressure vessel. The drying process is then followed by filtering.

Sabudana's high starch content makes it an excellent thickener. It has started to gain popularity among young people in the form of bubble tea. Sabudana is very nutritious and serves as a good source of carbohydrates. Itis white and round andonce cooked, it doubles its size. The resulting form of Sabudana feels bland and chewy.

Importance of Sabudana in Ayurveda

Regular use of Sabudana can have a huge impact on the  energy levels. It has the qualities to improve and balance the Pitta dosha quickly and instantly. Therefore, people who are weak and lack energy are recommended to consume Sabudana

Nutritional Content of Sabudana

Sabudana may seem nutritionally valuable as it only contains starch as its main ingredient. However, the nutritional content of Sabudana is more than it seems. It contains calories, protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, Zinc, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, thiamine, folic acid and vitamin B6. Zinc is found in high quantitiesin Sabudana. Other minerals and vitamins are scarce and almost non-existent. Itcontains no grains or gluten whichmakes it a suitable diet for people who are allergic to both.

Benefits of Sabudana

Stamina booster-

Drinks with Sabudana helps increase stamina. It is beneficial for those who like to exercise. People with higher stamina rarely get tired. This is due to the high carbohydrate content of Sabudana.

Reduces cholesterol level-

Sabudana helps lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the body. The effect of Sabudana is due to the presence of amylose.

Increases metabolism-

Sabudana helps the body get rid of gas and bloating. Excess fiber and carbohydrates speed up metabolism which reduces the body weight.

Cures constipation-

Sabudana can cure constipation because of its laghu properties; can be easily assimilated. Regular consumption of Sabudana is recommended for better results.

Hypertension-

Consuming Sabudana will lower one's blood pressure and provide relief by controlling the emotions that cause high blood pressure.

Side effects of Sabudana

Sabudana is safe for consumption and has no side effects but raw form of Sabudana causes severe side effects and it is not suitable for people who want to lose weight.  Raw sabudana can causethe following symptoms-

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Hepatotoxicity - liver damage
• In rare cases it can even lead to death

Sabudana has cyanogenic glycosides which is a chemical found in the raw form of Sabudana.

This chemical compound is responsible for causing cyanide poisoning in humans.

Where is it found?

Sabudana is found in many parts of the world as it is an edible starch extracted from the heart, or sponge center, of a tropical palm tree. It has been a staple food for people living in the tropics for centuries.