Review on Nutritional Value of Cassava for Use as a Staple Food

Abstract

Cassava is emerging as a dominant staple food, primarily in the humid and sub-humid tropics of many African countries. It has high nutritional value and used by people where food scarcity is adverse and people are afflicted with under nutrition. Cassava roots and leaves are used as sources of carbohydrate, protein, vitamins and minerals. Cassava also contains some anti-nutrients that have an effect on human health when ingested in high amount. But, proper cooking and soaking overnight can detoxify the anti-nutrients before using for nutrition purposes. Bio-fortification, which increases protein, mineral and vitamin contents of cassava, is also utilized to minimize the anti-nutrient and carcinogenic content of the plant. The protein content of cassava could be improved by fortifying its powder with other crops with high protein content.