Yuca Root Safety

[WakaWaka]

We hope everyone is doing and eating well

We noticed some Yuca root at Giant Food and since it is on the safe for birds list, decided to pick some up.

Looking on the web though, there appears to be several types of Yuca root. Basically a sweet and sour kind.

The sticker on the root has a website listed and this is what they sell:
Yuca (Yuca Root, Cassava, Manioc) - El Sol Brands

This website:
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2016/07/25/cassava-benefits.aspx
mentions that it may contain various levels of hydrogen cyanide.

I'm concerned and confused. Any input from some of our food experts ?
Also if it is safe, any suggestions on how to cook and for how long.

 

[WakaWaka]

Thought I would give myself a bump.
Any input ??

 

[noodles123]

In humans, it can reportedly interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins when consumed for a few months in a row (due to "antinutrient" content).
Also- https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/yucca/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cassava

"When eaten frequently, these increase the risk of cyanide poisoning, which may impair thyroid and nerve function. It is associated with paralysis and organ damage, and can be fatal (21Trusted Source, 22Trusted Source).

Those who have an overall poor nutrition status and low protein intake are more likely to experience these effects, since protein helps rid the body of cyanide (21Trusted Source).

This is why cyanide poisoning from cassava is a greater concern for those who live in developing countries. Many people in these countries suffer from protein deficiencies and depend on cassava as a major source of calories (21Trusted Source)." When eaten frequently, these increase the risk of cyanide poisoning, which may impair thyroid and nerve function. It is associated with paralysis and organ damage, and can be fatal (21Trusted Source, 22Trusted Source).

Those who have an overall poor nutrition status and low protein intake are more likely to experience these effects, since protein helps rid the body of cyanide (21Trusted Source).

This is why cyanide poisoning from cassava is a greater concern for those who live in developing countries. Many people in these countries suffer from protein deficiencies and depend on cassava as a major source of calories (21Trusted Source).

What's more, in some areas of the world, cassava has been shown to absorb harmful chemicals from the soil, such as arsenic and cadmium. This may increase the risk of cancer in those who depend on cassava as a staple food (23Trusted Source)."

When eaten frequently, these increase the risk of cyanide poisoning, which may impair thyroid and nerve function. It is associated with paralysis and organ damage, and can be fatal (21Trusted Source, 22Trusted Source).

Those who have an overall poor nutrition status and low protein intake are more likely to experience these effects, since protein helps rid the body of cyanide (21Trusted Source).

This is why cyanide poisoning from cassava is a greater concern for those who live in developing countries. Many people in these countries suffer from protein deficiencies and depend on cassava as a major source of calories (21Trusted Source)."

THE INTERNAL CITATIONS/SOURCES WILL ACTUALLY SHOW UP IF YOU FOLLOW THE HEALTHLINE LINK ABOVE (JUST CHECKED!)

 

[WakaWaka]

Thanks for the excellent information.
As far as we know this is Yuca, not Yucca.

Based on the information you've provided and links we've seen on other areas of the internet, are most likely going to play it safe and not give it to her.

Ellen, You seem to have a vast amount of knowledge and resources available. Do you feed Yuca to any of your fids? Any comments would be appreciated.

 

[bug_n_flock]

OK, now color me confused. The bag of roudybush I was given when we adopted Freedom *brags* about the yucca in it...?

 

[WakaWaka]

Yuca or Yucca ?
Curious how Roudybush prepares it.

Still playing it safe, we tossed the root.

 

[bug_n_flock]

From google, yuca is the cassava root. Yucca is the genus of plant it is from and a common "misspelling" of yuca. So in other words, they are synonyms and the same root. But that is w 3% phone batt quick search.



The bag calls it yucca I believe tho