It can cool and improve the system since tapioca is easy to digest. Suggested citation for this article: Alitubeera PH, Eyu P, Kwesiga B, Ario AR, Zhu B. Outbreak of Cyanide Poisoning Caused by Consumption of Cassava Flour Kasese District, Uganda, September 2017. 4. Illness onset began a few hours after the funeral on September 5, and continued through September 8 (Figure 2). Because it is free of any meat and a high source of protein, Tapioca is a must for vegans. Tapioca is perhaps the most visible (albeit often without recognition) in Bubble Tea. Cassava is heavily featured in the Brazilian cuisine.In the guise of farofa (lightly roasted flour), cassava is combined with rice and beans to make the basic meal of many Brazilians. Fit the pie dough into the pie dish. 1 When raw, cassava's flesh is white; when . Raw Meat. Ginger (zingiber officinale) Luya. Certain experts believe that ginger could cause bleeding due to its anti-platelet (blood thinning) properties ().Some believe ginger can further increase the risk of bleeding when taken along with other herbs like cloves, garlic, ginseng, and red clover. Stir in the vanilla and add the filling to the pie crust. It thickens quickly, has a neutral flavor, and provides sauces and soups with a silky appearance. Once the tapioca has rested you should strain the pearls and then run them under cold water so that any excess starch can be washed away. In a separate incident, a teenager recently reported experiencing abdominal pain and constipation as a result of consuming large amounts of tapioca pearls. Tapioca ( / tpiok /; Portuguese: [tapik]) is a starch extracted from the storage roots of the cassava plant ( Manihot esculenta, also known as manioc), a species native to the North and Northeast regions of Brazil, [1] but whose use is now spread throughout South America. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. The seeds are dangerous to your birds. Eating foods that are high in resistant starch may benefit your health in several ways (6). In humans, the clinical signs of acute cyanide intoxication include rapid respiration, drop in blood pressure, rapid pulse, dizziness, headache, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, mental confusion, twitching and convulsions. Tapioca flour is a great ingredient in cooking. CDC twenty four seven. Nigeria, Thailand, and Indonesia are the top cassava-producing countries in the world (1). It would take even less than that to kill a human. It is a great source of protein. Furthermore, tapioca may be unsuitable for people with diabetes since it's almost pure carbs. This concern mainly affects people in developing countries. The roots should have a clean fresh scent and snowy white center when cut open. Most human-use medications, pain relievers, decongestants, etc are highly toxic to ferrets and should Cassava, also known as yuca, must be cooked or pressed before it's eaten, as it is poisonous in its raw form. Its important to note is that you must cook cassava root before eating it, as it can be poisonous if consumed raw. Both are commonly used in desserts and beverages that call for tapioca. In a medium saucepan, combine the tapioca (with milk) and the remaining 1/2 cup milk, coconut milk, cream, sugar, seeds from vanilla. Cook in low flame for another 1-2 minutes. It has been used as a nutritive product dating back to the 18th century, and was used for medicinal purposes during the 19th century. 2 While the fruit of the apple is fine for your bird, be aware that in addition to the poisonous seeds, there may be pesticides present on the fruit's skin. On September 8, the Uganda Ministry of Health received notification from the Kasese District health team regarding this outbreak of suspected food poisoning. Nigerians when travelling when there were no motor vehicles u. However, if the cassava is peeled and cooked, toxic substances are removed. In September 2017, an outbreak of suspected cyanide poisoning, involving 98 cases with two deaths, occurred in western Uganda. nicomp really from Ohio, USA on June 09, 2012: tapioca starch is very popular here.. and love to eat that cassava root, we just boil it until soft. The name on packaging depends on the producers' choices, but the product is the same. A small number of people are also allergic to the plant the American Cancer . Tapioca Yuca Phonetic Spelling MAN-ee-hoat es-kew-LEN-tah This plant has high severity poison characteristics. Cassava. It is difficult to start from seed, needing 'slash and burn' conditions and dry heat -- bare soil temps of 90F+ . water to the ground coconut paste. Ginger is a common ingredient in chai tea. Grapefruit. Cassava is a type of root vegetable. Cassava is heavily featured in the Brazilian cuisine.In the guise of farofa (lightly roasted flour), cassava is combined with rice and beans to make the basic meal of many Brazilians. Tapioca is sometimes used as a natural pesticide. Tapioca is purely made of starch. If your pearls are done, now is the time to add any sweetener to them. This may hinder some people's weight loss and fitness goals since it is high in calories yet low in nutrients. One serving also provides some fiber and a few vitamins and minerals (3). The five samples obtained from the implicated batch were pure white in color and contained cyanogenic glycoside that was equivalent to an average of 88 ppm of cyanide (range=8590), more than eight times the recommended safe level of 10 ppm (2). Add around 1 tbsp. Tortillas, Crepes, Waffles, Muffins, Crackers, Oblaten (sweet tender crisps thin Waffle) Eating tapioca increases the production of blood cells, preventing anemia, and improving oxygen flow to the body, keeping it in peak condition. Charcoal comes from burning carbon-rich material, such as wood, to produce a fine, black. Farofa is also a frequent side dish to many Brazilian foods including the national dish feijoada, a salted-pork and black-beans stew.The dish vaca atolada ("mud-stranded cow") is a meat and cassava stew, cooked . But what's the serious risk of mixing ginger with manioc? Well I am glad that I was eating a root instead of fish eyes, but fish eyes definitely sounds a little more exciting than a root. When preparing manioc for eating, check whether the tuber shows a blue line when peeled for cooking. Bitter roots contain 1g/kg, and they can not remove all of the cyanogenic glucosides through cooking. 4. Cassava Cyanide Diseases and Neurolathyrism Network 2014;24:49. If the flesh has black specks, lines, or any discoloration, it should be discarded. There are many other treats you can feed your pet cat if you would like; however, dairy products should be steered clear after the pet cat is 12 weeks of age. It is recommended to add a half cup of tapioca for every eight cups of water as a half cup of tapioca will normally produce one whole cup of pearls when it is cooked. Mr. Lavesh : +91 9769570556 Because it contains a high glycemic index, it should only be consumed in moderation. Its high calorie content is what makes it such an important staple crop in many countries. J Sci Food Agric 1998;76:3948. Let's See if this can get you on the Right Trail. Department of Health and Human Services. If you have been eating manioc, it is advised not to take any form of ginger or ginger products such as ginger beer and ginger biscuits. You can review and change the way we collect information below. Kasese district health office and police department; Uganda Government Analytical Laboratory. A case-control study was conducted to identify the likely source of the outbreak. Welcome to Thoroughly Nourished Life! MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2019;68:308311. Wed love to hear from you! Cassava can be grown in many types of soil, producing even in poor soil but but will be optimally productive in well-draining, sandy . Any benefits of tapioca are often attributed to the cassava benefits since cassava root is a starchy vegetable. Move Over, Potatoes, Yuca Is Like Potatoes 2.0. In short, there is no difference between tapioca flour and tapioca starch. 7. Tapioca and other cassava products have the potential to cause cyanide poisoning if they are poorly prepared. Jamie Grill / Getty Images. It also provides a little fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, they are often associated with cassava benefits. There are few reported side effects of tapioca. One of the disadvantages of tapioca is that it consists mainly of carbohydrates. Have a fantastic day! Pour some honey and sugar after each portion. ---Medicinal Action and Uses--- A nutritious diet for invalids; is baked into bread by the natives of Central America; it is used to adulterate arrowroot. Apples, along with other members of the rose family including cherries, peaches, apricots, and pears contain trace amounts of cyanide within their seeds. There is also evidence that they can cause liver cancer in humans. Important Instructions: cassava must be cookedraw cassava is poisonous Varieties There are two varieties of cassavasweet and bitter. But the crop can have deadly consequences. 1. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. Phone: 7045552030 / 9769570556 / 8828484265, The Forrst Search & Rescue Crew Has Returned Exhausted and unsuccessful. When preparing manioc for eating, check whether the tuber shows a blue line when peeled for cooking. For a tasty side dish, try making mashed yuca, cassava chips, or yuca fries. According to Cleveland Clinic, tapioca is a low-FODMAP alternative to legumes. All rights reserved. Cassava. Better known to Americans as tapioca, the pudding favorite is produced from the roots of this bush-like plant. The Spruce / Ruthie Darling. Many people drink ginger teas or soft drinks. Jones KR. Thank you for taking the time to confirm your preferences. I think I ate quite an amount but so far not feeling sick. Brachial Plexus Block Nysora, There are two groups of cassava root. Let me help you take a load off with my Healthy . Epidemiologic and laboratory investigation identified consumption of a cassava flour dish made from wild cultivars of cassava with high cyanogenic content as the cause of the outbreak. Ginger Natural Sources. They state it can be used to thicken foods like gravy, soup, sauces and stir-fries. This can even prevent colorectal cancer by keeping the digestive system healthy. . The following nutrients are found in 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of cooked cassava (3): Cassava root is particularly high in vitamin C, an important vitamin that acts as an antioxidant, supports collagen production, and enhances immunity, among other benefits (4). Most negative health effects come from consuming poorly processed cassava root. A probable case was defined as sudden onset of vomiting or diarrhea with one or more of the following signs or symptoms in a resident of one of three Kasese District subcounties during September 19, 2017: myalgia, tachycardia, tachypnea, headache, dizziness, lethargy, convulsions, or syncope. Health education was conducted in the communities about cyanide poisoning from cassava and the need to adequately process cassava to reduce the cyanide content. Tapioca Granules Pudding. 3. Tshala-Katumbay D, Mumba N, Okitundu L, et al. Ms. Kajal : +91 8828484265 Some of the symptoms of cyanide poisoning are dizziness and . This substance can be extremely lethal to humans if it is consumed in the wrong amounts. The basic preparation of tapioca pudding is quite simple. A rapid, semiquantitative, colorimetric test that is free to workers in developing countries can be used by relatively untrained persons to quickly determine the cyanogenic potential of cassava flour (10). Is It Wise to Eat Raw Food and Cooked Food In the Same Meal? 1 cup buttermilk. Tapioca and other cassava products have the potential to cause cyanide poisoning if they are poorly prepared. Individuals with food allergies can benefit from using cassava root in cooking and baking because its free of gluten, grains, and nuts. You must cook it before eating it, as the raw form can be poisonous. Disadvantages of Tapioca According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, consuming poorly prepared cassava may lead to cyanide poisoning. Very good for the bones, the heart and blood pressure: Tapioca contains a lot of calcium. Jamie Grill / Getty Images. Interesting hub, I didn't know it came from a root, in fact I wasn't sure what it was made of. In animals, saponins can cause red blood cells to burst. Liver Transplant Conference 2022, What they may not know is that tapioca is actually a poisonous plant. Patients signs and symptoms included dizziness, vomiting, tachypnea, syncope, and tachycardia and were consistent with acute cyanide poisoning (3,5); the absence of fever made infectious etiology unlikely. What are the implications for public health practice? Just like the lemongrass, the ginger is used in cooking to rid of fishy smell and serves the same purpose in sauteing meats. Flatbreads A casabe is a thin flatbread made from bitter cassava root without leavening. Cassava may offer several potential health benefits. 2. tapioca and ginger poisonous. Bad foods are Avocado highly toxic and rapidly . Furthermore, tapioca may be. We take your privacy seriously. Mayo Clinic recommends tapioca flour in place of wheat flour. Bcso Bookings Mugshots, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6813a3external icon. Certain experts believe that ginger could cause bleeding due to its anti-platelet (blood thinning) properties ().Some believe ginger can further increase the risk of bleeding when taken along with other herbs like cloves, garlic, ginseng, and red clover. M. esculenta (cassava) is an important root crop in Latin America and Africa and is usually propogated via cuttings. A total of 88 case-patients and 176 controls were interviewed in person regarding potential exposures. Airplane pilots have been known to have brain seizures while flying, after drinking a can of diet soda! Or is it Tapioca Flour? Disadvantages of Tapioca According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, consuming poorly prepared cassava may lead to cyanide poisoning. Tapioca, coconut milk, cream, sugar, vanilla and ginger together make an excellent dessert. Cats lack the enzymes necessary to break down and digest these dairy products, and while vanilla is . This drug may contain cyanide, which is toxic in acute and chronic ways and may be an aetiological factor in tropical nutritional amblyopia, tropical endemic goitre, cretinism, and diabetic complications. Other foods that contain tapioca include cassava chips and some gluten-free baked goods made with tapioca flour. tapioca and ginger poisonous. Let stand at least 15 minutes. Pop a tapioca pearl in your mouth and chew it. If a person eats bitter cassava root it in its raw form for several weeks they can develop a paralytic neurological disease called konzo, and may even consume enough to cause death. Before eating, it is necessary to cook tapioca. Without energy, cells die rapidly and on a massive scale, leading to loss of life. Long Island Baseball Tournaments 2021, Tapioca is more processed and at that stage, the vast majority of cyanide has been removed. Tapioca is commonly used as a thickener for puddings, pies, and soups. Outbreak of Cyanide Poisoning Caused by Consumption of Cassava. Not commonly grown in NC. Dried tapioca pearls are 11% water and 89% carbohydrates, with no protein or fat. Remove tapioca from heat and stir in the sugar until completely blended. Not only preventing some common digestive problems such as constipation and bloating. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. (31) 3351-3382 | 3351-3272 | 3351-3141 | 3351-3371. umaine career center staff associe-se. Tapioca cyanide poisoning is a serious medical condition that can be fatal. Some even claim that it freezes and thaws better . Neurology 2013;80:94951. Refrigerate to room temperature. Starchy vs Non-Starchy Vegetables: Food Lists and Nutrition Facts. ---Other Species---. Since it is low in nutrients, it is not considered a health food. If you are like I was, what tapioca pudding is made of would be very interesting to know. Aspartame is Nutra Sweet, and also causes brain dysfunction. Furthermore, its worth noting that some popular, processed forms of cassava, including tapioca and garri, have limited nutritional value. Because of the size of tapioca pearls, you should consider adjusting the cooking time to fit the size. This conversion might result in character translation or format errors in the HTML version. See Full List. can interact with ginger, causing the blood pressure and/or heart rate to drop to unhealthy levels, leading to irregular heartbeat or other complications. Add chilled butter and cut in with a pastry blender - or use your fingers - until . When processed properly, tapioca does not seem to have many negative health effects. However, it is important to note that there is no concrete evidence that tapioca starch is actually dangerous. You can also find ginger lollipops . In a sauce pan, simmer the coconut milk, tapioca and salt (if using). Tapioca contains iron and calcium - both are . These potential carcinogens have also been shown to have other adverse health effects on the immune, reproductive, nervous, and endocrine systems. But does this mean that eating tapioca and ginger will kill you? 2. Classic pumpkin pie made grain-free and paleo with a buttery cassava crust, vanilla-scented filling and a festive ginger and orange topping. The term "toxic burden" refers to the load of harmful compounds, both natural and man-made, that have accumulated in your body at a given point in time. This Pearl is also great at healing your body (this is due to the protein in the pearl). 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Remove from the cooker. Cassava is a vegetable that is a staple ingredient of many diets worldwide. For this reason, its best to enjoy cassava in moderation as part of a balanced diet. best firewood for allergies; shannon balenciaga jail; river lathkill postcode Emergency preparedness and response: facts about cyanide. Cook in low flame for another 1-2 minutes. 135g - Carbohydrates. ---Other Species---. Yuca, manioc root, mandioca, balinghoy, tapioca and mogo. Ginger paste; Coriander leaves; Preparation Steps: Soak a cup of sabudana in water overnight or for at least 4 to 5 hours. Arum arrowroot derived from Arum Dracunculus ( see ARUM ). Cassava contains 191 calories per 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving, which is high compared with other root vegetables (3). Below is a simple step-by-step guide you can follow for safe tapioca preparation: The first thing you will need to do is get a large pot and add eight cups of water to it and then bring it to a boil. According to Dr. Watts, tapioca pearls are high in carbohydrates (sugar) and add calories to the beverage, but they do not contribute anything to a healthy diet. The laboratory investigation found high levels of cyanogenic glycosides in the implicated cassava flour. It also helps regulate blood sugars and supports a healthy weight. Properly cooked tapioca products will not contain any toxic chemicals and will not be poisonous. While your body has systems in place for eliminating these compounds, chronic mold exposure can . Residents also bought cassava from retailers, especially for serving at communal gatherings when a large quantity was needed. You can get your daily dose of carbohydrates without having to sacrifice taste or functionality by making tapioca pudding. So, is anything that is made from cassava poisonous? Users are referred to the electronic PDF version (https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr) Cassava is a root vegetable widely consumed in many countries around the globe. Unsolved Murders In The Rio Grande Valley, Why Does Cooked Food Make Me Tired But Raw Food Doesnt? If you consume too much of it, you are more likely to develop diet-related diseases. Eating tapioca increases the production of blood cells, preventing anemia, and improving oxygen flow to the body, keeping it in peak condition. Sundays - Closed, 8642 Garden Grove Blvd. Bertrams 18 Whiskey, It is a good source of nutrients, but people should avoid eating it raw. Approximately 600 million tropical residents, half of whom live in Africa, rely on cassava as their main food source (8). The plants toxins can cause serious illness or even death. Cooking or pressing the root thoroughly removes the poison. If you need to go back and make any changes, you can always do so by going to our Privacy Policy page. The plants toxins can kill insects, spiders, and other small pests. Cassava root is also used to produce tapioca, a type of starch, as well as garri, a product similar to tapioca. You may not know, however, that the tapioca we use is a refined product whose parent plant is filled with dangerous toxins that, absent proper preparation, can result in cyanide poisoning and possible death. According to a June 2017 study published in Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry, resistant starch helps regulate the gut microbiota. One of the ways that it helps is by encouraging beneficial bacteria to flourish. For example, you can use it to make snacks and side dishes. which is poisonous in its native state, is the cassava of Spanish America. Try this today: You can easily swap other root vegetables for cassava in your favorite recipes to add some diversity to your diet. Some manifestations of toxicity are subtle. 15 Benefits of tapioca and side effects Table of Contents What is Tapioca? If not, it can lead to cyanide poisoning. java load keystore from byte array; who might reside in canada in 1862 what occupation; high school wrestling rankings 2022. and we know podcast rumble Very interesting article and information. In a sauce pan, simmer the coconut milk, tapioca and salt (if using). Both contain prussic acid (hydrocyanic acid), which can cause cyanide poisoning; therefore, cassava can never be eaten raw. On September 5, 2017, a funeral was held in Kasese District in western Uganda. Divide the ginger and lemon into 3 portions. The basic preparation of tapioca pudding is quite simple. Below are a few examples: There are a ton of other great recipes that merge ginger and tapioca. After boiling it at home it should be safe to consume with ginger products, in moderation of course. CDC is not responsible for the content So, you have to cook it properly. "These pearls are simply little spheres made of tapioca that are boiled in . Eating tapioca increases the production of blood cells, preventing anemia, and improving oxygen flow to the body, keeping it in peak condition. Bring water to a rough boil - roughly 10x the amount of water compared to the amount of tapioca pearls you are preparing. Its also worth noting that processed varieties like tapioca may be lower in important micronutrients. FISH/MEAT/POULTRY. We eat the STEMS and FLOWERS of broccoli. Tapioca contains iron and calcium - both are . 1 When raw, cassava's flesh is white; when . Views equals page views plus PDF downloads. If you too are curious then make sure to read more. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide whether or not they want to consume tapioca starch. Marriage Counselors Overland Park, Ks, is the solution of nh4f acidic, basic or neutral, brothers osborne we're not for everyone tour setlist. Cassava may be dangerous if consumed raw, in large amounts, or if prepared improperly. According to the USDA, a 1-ounce serving of tapioca contains the following nutrients: Tapioca also contains insignificant amounts of calcium and zinc. All you need is five simple ingredients. 1. . These enzymes work to create cyanide which is very toxic to animals and humans. Take care when youre drinking bubble tea with tapioca pearls. And though it is made from the cassava root, which is usually grown underground and may be potentially exposed to chemicals, it is still safe for dogs to eat since the cassava root has already been fully processed to produce tapioca. It is used in puddings, noodles, bread, and other food products. I ate it raw just today and enjoyed it. Tapioca is perhaps the most visible (albeit often without recognition) in Bubble Tea. Some folks when preparing traditional dishes with fresh roots use the water in which the bitter cassava root is boiled, THAT is highly goitrogenic since it contains a lot of cyanide. Great hub!! It contains cyanide, which can cause acute toxicity or chronic toxicity, and it is an aetiological factor in nutritional amblyopia, tropical diabetic goitre, goitre of the optic nerves, and cretinism. Since cassava is a whole food, cassava benefits may outweigh those of tapioca. 2 While the fruit of the apple is fine for your bird, be aware that in addition to the poisonous seeds, there may be pesticides present on the fruit's skin. Cassava flour has more fiber than rice flour but less than whole wheat and chickpea flours. Some of the symptoms of cyanide poisoning are dizziness and . Cassava as a noun means This root or a starch extracted from it, used in making bread and tapioca.. 2. Processing cassava by peeling, chopping, and cooking it significantly reduces its content of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and resistant starch. The exception is vitamin C, which is sensitive to heat and easily leaches into water (24). Histamine is present in small amounts in animal flesh but after death, histamine increases quickly (especially in fish that retain the guts). Basic requirements Cassava thrives in tropical and subtropical regions of the world as it requires warm temperatures for optimal growth. . First, resistant starch feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut and may help reduce inflammation and promote digestive health (6, 7). Advanced Emergency Nursing Journal 2008;30:11221. However, many researchers agree that more research is needed. Among nonattendees, 100% of case-patients and 79.2% of controls bought cassava flour from retailers supplied by wholesaler A during the outbreak period (OR=infinity; Fishers exact 95% CI=4.3infinity). Food Chem Toxicol 2011;49:6315. These benefits are likely related to improved blood sugar management, increased feelings of fullness, and reduced appetite (8, 9, 10, 11). Arum arrowroot derived from Arum Dracunculus ( see ARUM ). On September 5, 2017, a funeral was held in Kasese District in western Uganda. However, this is more likely to happen with raw cassava root that has been poorly prepared. This concern mainly affects people in developing countries. People using high blood pressure medications. Whisk the milk and egg together, then add the sugar and tapioca. Well, they can produce a toxin called Cucurbitacin. Cookies used to make website functionality more relevant to you. Tapioca Granules Pudding. Tapioca can help meet fiber needs. Try These Delicious Alternatives to Wheat Flour, Cleveland Clinic: Best and Worst Foods For IBS, Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry: Resistant Starch Regulates Gut Microbiota: Structure, Biochemistry and Cell Signalling, USDA: Nutrition Facts for Tapioca Pearl Dry, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Outbreak of Cyanide Poisoning Caused by Consumption of Cassava Flour. Following the funeral, 33 persons with symptoms that included diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pains were admitted to Bwera Hospital in Kasese District. There are few reported side effects of tapioca. Plus, pairing the root vegetable with a well-rounded diet thats high in protein may reduce your risk of adverse health outcomes (22, 23). An investigation into the outbreak was conducted by fellows of the Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program and their supervisors. It is eaten mashed, added to stews, and used to make bread and chips. Around 84% of them comes from carbs, while the rest come from protein and fat (3). The best way to check if the root is still good is to break off the end of the yuca. But after reading this, I plan not to eat it raw any more. A bushy herb or shrub with elongated tubers; leaves alternate, simple, deeply lobed; flowers inconspicuous; fruit a 6-angled globose capsule. COPYRIGHT 2018 NARMADA KIDNEY FOUNDATION. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. Define cassava. Address : B-01, Nav Sanyukta Co op. Two primary sources were identified. Bring to a simmer and cook until a line can hold its shape on the back of a spoon, about 15 minutes. Though it is low in calories and nutrients, there are health benefits of tapioca. Here are 6 of the, From carrots to potatoes to onions, root vegetables have long been enjoyed as a delicious part of a healthy diet and for good reason. There are small groups of Africans who are in danger when they eat the cassava root. Tapioca flour/starch is an excellent binding and thickening agent for multiple purposes- baking goods, cooking soups, or making bubble tea.