11 Amazing Benefits Of Sabudana (Tapioca Pearls)

1. Supports weight gain

If you want to put on weight, tapioca pearls are the right food as they contain good amounts of carbohydrates and calories. Around 100 grams of sabudana contain 88.69 grams carbohydrates and 358 calories. Eating more calories than what your body needs will make you gain weight. As sabudana is a starchy food, you will gain weight easily [2].

2. Provides energy

One of the main reasons why sabudana is a must-have food during Navratri fasting is it provides the body with energy [3]. Some people break their fast with sabudana khichdi or pudding to give their body instant energy. Also, sago porridge is effectively known to treat excess bile as it provides a cooling effect to reduce the body's heat while you are on a fast.

3. Aids in muscle growth

If you are a vegetarian, sabudana is a great source of protein which is required for the growth of muscles, repairs damaged cells and tissues and also help in cell growth [4]. Apart from muscle growth, this comfort food also lets you gain physical strength. So vegetarians, you can start eating sabudana for your daily protein intake. Also, if you want to build muscles sabudana can be a great food to have as a pre and post workout snack.

4. Strengthens bones

Although the mineral content in tapioca pearls is limited, they have calcium, magnesium and iron. All these minerals help in the creation of bone tissues which strengthens bone mineral density, prevents arthritis and osteoporosis [5]. Have a bowl of sabudana khichdi daily to maintain bone health and improve bone flexibility.

5. Lowers blood pressure

Sabudana contains significant amounts of potassium which is known to keep your blood pressure under control. This mineral acts as a vasodilator which works by relaxing the tension in the blood vessels and open them up. This promotes healthy blood flow through the blood vessels, as a result, blood pressure is lowered and there is less strain in the heart [6].

6. Improves digestion

Tapioca is known to prevent stomach-related problems like gas, bloating, indigestion and constipation. It contains a good amount of fibre, protein, fats and carbohydrates which increase your metabolism and help you maintain good digestive health. Dietary fibre can speed up the digestive process and rebalance the healthy gut bacteria [7].

7. Promotes heart health

Sabudana contains zero cholesterol which is actually good as you don't need to worry about high cholesterol. An increase in cholesterol causes the build-up of plaque in the arteries which is known as atherosclerosis [8]. This condition could further lead to heart attack, stroke and angina. So, keep your heart healthy by consuming sabudana.

8. Fights birth defects

The presence of folate and vitamin B6 in sabudana aid in the proper development of the foetus and prevent the occurrence of neural tube defects in infants [9], [10]. This can have a serious effect on the newborn. Folate is an essential nutrient required for pregnant women in the first few months of pregnancy.

9. Non-allergic in nature

Tapioca or sabudana is free of gluten, nuts and grains so people who are sensitive to gluten, having celiac disease and nut allergies will not have a problem consuming this food [11], [12]. You can use tapioca flour instead of refined white flour as the latter contains gluten. Tapioca flour is considered the best alternative to white flour.

10. Promotes gut health

Sabudana is a good source of resistant starch, a type of starch that passes through the digestive tract without getting digested. As the resistant starch reaches the colon it feeds the healthy gut bacteria, thus keeping your gut healthy [13].

11. Improves exercise performance

Studies have shown that drinks containing sago and soy protein during exercise can delay tiredness during high-intensity cycling training. It is because sago is an excellent source of carbohydrates that provide your body with energy [14].

Ways To Eat Sabudana

Sabudana is first soaked in water for 5-6 hours or overnight to allow it to become soft and easy to eat.

Here are different ways to prepare them:

• Preparesabudana khichdiby mixing sabudana, potatoes and peanuts and cook it in the microwave.
• Preparesabudana tikkiby mashing it up with potato and frying it in oil.
• To make tapioca pudding, mix tapioca pearls with coconut milk or whole milk and serve with fruit toppings.
• You can also preparesabudana kheer, a common sweet dish made during festivals.
• Bubble tea is a drink which is made by using tapioca pearls, milk, brewed tea, sugar and served with chewy tapioca pearls, fruit jelly, and pudding.

Common FAQs

Can you eat sabudana daily?

Yes, you can include sabudana into your daily diet as it is easier to digest. However, if you are looking to lose weight, you should consume it in moderation.

Is sabudana good for diabetics?

Sabudana has a high carbohydrate content which can lead to an increase in blood sugar levels. So, diabetic people shouldn't consume on a daily basis.

Is sabudana harmful for health?

When sabudana is processed properly it doesn't have any adverse effects, however, if it is poorly processed it may cause cyanide poisoning. Cassava roots contain a toxic compound called linamarin, which gets converted into hydrogen cyanide in the body and may cause cyanide poisoning.

Is Sabudana good for fasting?

Sabudana is the most common dish eaten during fasting because it provides the much-needed energy, has a cooling effect on the body and keeps you feeling full for a longer period of time.