Cassava has nearly double the calories than that of potatoes, and perhaps one of the highest value calorie food of its kind. It is very low in fats and protein compared to cereals and pulses, and is gluten-free. Its gluten-free starch is used in special food preparations for celiac disease patients. Cassava carries some of the valuable B-complex group of vitamins such as folates, thiamin, pyridoxine (vitamin B-6), riboflavin, and pantothenic acid. It is also one of the chief sources of some essential minerals like zinc, magnesium, copper, iron, and manganese.