Can cassava flour cause diarrhea? We cannot promise that it will or will not upset your stomach. Any food can disagree with some people, and that includes cassava flour. Here is what is worth knowing, and when to see a doctor.
What cassava flour is
Cassava flour is made from the whole cassava root, peeled, dried and ground. It is mostly starch. Per 100 grams, raw cassava root has about 38 grams of carbohydrate, 1.8 grams of fiber and under 1.5 grams of protein, according to USDA FoodData Central (record 169985).
Read what is cassava and how do you cook with it.
Never eat raw cassava
Raw cassava root contains natural compounds called cyanogenic glucosides, mostly linamarin. Proper processing removes most of them. A 2009 review in Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety (Tanumihardjo, Montagnac and Davis) reports that crushing and sun drying cassava into flour removes 96 to 99 percent of these compounds.
So buy cassava flour from a seller you trust, and never eat the raw root.
If cassava flour upsets your stomach
- Start small. If cassava flour is new to you, try a small amount first.
- Cook it through. Use it in fully cooked or baked food.
- Stop if it does not agree with you. Every stomach is different.
If diarrhea is severe or does not go away, contact a doctor.
Is cassava good for diarrhea?
We make no health claims about cassava flour, either way. If you have stomach problems, ask your doctor what to eat.
Questions people ask
Is cassava flour hard to digest? It is mostly starch. Some people find any new flour takes time to get used to. If it does not suit you, stop and ask your doctor.
Can cassava flour make you sick? Raw or badly processed cassava can be harmful. Properly made cassava flour is a common food in many countries. Buy from a trusted seller.
Is cassava flour gluten free? Cassava has no gluten. Read is cassava flour gluten free.
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Our cassava flour is currently out of stock. Browse the rest of our African pantry, including bitter kola powder.
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