Yucca Root Nutrition

The yucca root, also known as cassava, is native to South America and a staple food in Africa. The root can be bitter or sweet and is 6 to 12 inches in diameter and 2 to 3 inches in width. The flesh is white, crisp and starchy, like a potato, and it has a tough outer skin. Yucca root is a good source of carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. A 1-cup serving of raw yucca provides 330 calories.

Carbohydrates and Fiber

Carbohydrates are the major nutrient found in yucca root. A 1-cup serving of yucca root provides 78.4 g of carbohydrates and 3.5 g of sugars. Adults should consume between 40 and 60 percent of their daily calories from carbohydrates, as recommended by the Institute of Medicine. Yucca root is also a source of dietary fiber, providing 14.8 percent of the recommended daily amount for women and 9.7 percent for men, per 1-cup serving.

Protein

Yucca root is low in protein, providing only 2.8 g per 1-cup serving. Adults should consume between 46 and 56 g of protein daily, as recommended by the Institute of Medicine. The type of protein found in yucca root is incomplete, meaning it lacks one or more essential amino acid. Eating a variety of protein foods daily will help you meet your needs.

Vitamins

Yucca root is a very good source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin essential for collagen production as well as for the synthesis of the neurotransmitter, epinephrine. A 1-cup serving of yucca root provides 42.4 mg of vitamin C. Women need 75 mg daily and men need 90 mg, as recommended by the Institute of Medicine. Yucca root is also a source of niacin, folate and choline.

Minerals

Yucca root is a good source of potassium. Potassium is essential for skeletal and smooth muscle contraction and is important for heart function. A 1-cup serving of yucca root has 558 mg of potassium. Adults need 4,700 mg of potassium daily, as recommended by the Institute of Medicine. Yucca root also provides some magnesium, zinc and iron.

Considerations

Yucca root can be purchased year-round at Latin American or African markets. Raw yucca root contains cyogenic glucosides, which are poisonous, and so it should be properly processed before consuming. Drying, soaking, fermenting or cooking raw yucca root degrades these toxins. Raw yucca root can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days.