Cassava is a popular and affordable root crop enjoyed in many parts of Africa and other parts of the world.
Recently, claims circulating online have suggested that eating boiled cassava may help people with enlarged prostate, prostate cancer and other forms of cancer.
One widely shared personal account comes from a man who says he has lived with an enlarged prostate since 2006 and has a family history of prostate cancer. According to his account, he experienced frequent urination, difficulty completely emptying his bladder and occasional urinary incontinence.
He claims that after being advised by an elderly man to regularly eat cassava, he noticed changes in his urinary symptoms. He said he previously woke up several times each night to urinate but later reported waking only once.
How the Cassava Remedy Is Prepared
According to the account, cassava should be cooked thoroughly, preferably over a charcoal or wood fire. The saucepan is reportedly left uncovered so that steam can escape freely.
The cooked cassava can then be eaten with a stew or other preferred food.
However, these claims should not be interpreted as medical advice. There is currently no established medical evidence that eating cassava can cure an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer.
Viral Claims About Cassava and Cancer
Another version of the story makes stronger claims, suggesting that cassava consumption can eliminate cancer cells.
The story mentions a 70-year-old man identified as Mr Pereira who was reportedly diagnosed with prostate cancer. According to the unverified account, his PSA level allegedly dropped significantly after he began eating cassava regularly.
The story also describes another individual who reportedly ate cassava after undergoing surgery for liver cancer and later received an MRI result that allegedly showed no remaining cancer cells.
These stories have circulated widely online, but personal testimonials are not the same as scientifically controlled medical studies. A reduction in PSA, for example, cannot by itself prove that cassava cured prostate cancer.
Can Cassava Treat an Enlarged Prostate?
An enlarged prostate, medically known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), can cause symptoms such as frequent urination, nighttime urination, difficulty starting urination, weak urine flow and a feeling that the bladder has not emptied completely.
While cassava can be part of a balanced diet, there is no reliable evidence that cassava alone can treat or reverse BPH.
Men experiencing persistent urinary symptoms should consult a qualified healthcare professional for proper assessment. Depending on the cause and severity of the symptoms, doctors may recommend lifestyle changes, medication or other treatments.
What About Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer requires proper medical diagnosis and treatment. Depending on the stage and characteristics of the cancer, treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy or other specialist treatments.
Cassava should not be used as a replacement for prescribed cancer treatment. Stopping cancer medication or delaying medical care based on an online remedy could be dangerous.
Is Cassava Healthy?
Cassava is a carbohydrate-rich food and can provide energy as part of a balanced diet. It should, however, be prepared properly because raw or improperly processed cassava can contain naturally occurring compounds that can release cyanide.
For anyone considering cassava as part of their diet, proper preparation and moderation are important.
Final Thoughts
The viral story about cassava and prostate health may be interesting, particularly for people searching for natural remedies for an enlarged prostate or cancer. However, the reported experiences are anecdotal and should not be presented as proof that cassava cures cancer or prostate disease.
If you have symptoms such as frequent nighttime urination, painful urination, blood in the urine, difficulty passing urine or unexplained changes in your PSA level, seek medical advice.
Cassava can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet, but people diagnosed with prostate cancer, enlarged prostate or any other cancer should continue working with qualified healthcare professionals and should not discontinue prescribed treatment without medical guidance.
Source: newsthemegh.com