10 Interesting Health Benefits of Arrowroot (Maranta Arundinacea L)

October 26, 2023October 26, 2023 Agric4Profits

Arrowroot (Maranta Arundinacea L), although originated from Central America, South America, and the West Indies, it is now grown worldwide. The portion of the arrowroot plant that grows above ground can reach heights of up to six feet. The plant’s edible root is roughly 10 inches long and resembles a large potato.

When harvested, it resembles other underground tubers like cassava, yucca, or kudzu in appearance. Additionally, it is oblong, like underground tubers. However, it is extracted using more conventional, less difficult techniques. High heat or strong chemicals are not used.

Numerous researchers are currently examining the advantages of including arrowroot in your diet because of its vitamins and minerals.

You can purchase arrowroot either fresh or dried as a powder. In baking, dried arrowroot can be used in place of cornstarch because it is an easily digested starch. In the late fall, winter, and early spring, arrowroot is accessible.

In some recipes, arrowroot powder may even work better than cornstarch or flour as a thickening agent. A small amount of arrowroot powder, for instance, can thicken soups without making them appear foggy, as other starches frequently do.

Peeling and slicing the fresh arrowroot root will prepare it. It may be used in many of the same recipes and cooks similarly to water chestnuts. The arrowroot peels can also be fried into chips or used in stews in a similar way to potatoes.

The plant was given the name Arrowroot. Because it was used to heal people who had been wounded by poisoned arrows,

Like cornstarch, arrowroot powder is white and powdered but has a significantly higher nutritional value.

It works wonders as a thickening ingredient in sauces, soups, gravies, and puddings in place of cornstarch and flour. But unlike cornstarch, it doesn’t give meals a starchy flavor.

10 Health Benefits of Arrowroot (Maranta Arundinacea)

10 Interesting Health Benefits of Arrowroot (Maranta Arundinacea L) — Arrowroot (Maranta Arundinacea)

Due to its ease of digestion, arrowroot has long been a staple in the diets of infants and people recovering from illness.

Smallpox, gangrene, athlete’s foot, and sunburn can all be treated with arrowroot, a herbal remedy. Additionally, it treats infected wounds from snake or spider bites.

Since it has a slight laxative effect on the large intestine, it helps to relieve digestive discomforts such as acidity and indigestion.

You get clear skin and bouncy, smooth hair thanks to arrowroot.

1. For Diabetic Patients

Arrowroot’s low glycemic index and high potassium content benefit diabetics. As a result, scientists are currently investigating the advantages of using arrowroot flour as a component in nutritious snacks for diabetic patients.

2. Lowers Cholesterol

Since cholesterol is needed for the manufacture of bile, arrowroot promotes bile production, which increases the gall bladder’s absorption of cholesterol. As a result, arrowroot consumption lowers cholesterol.

3. Benefits for Pregnant Women

A crucial nutrient for pregnant women, folates are found in abundance in fresh arrowroots. Approximately 84% of the daily recommended dietary requirement of folate is provided by a 100-gram dose of arrowroot.

Folate is a crucial element for the production of DNA and cell division. Preventing neural tube abnormalities and other congenital deformities in the progeny requires adequate folate intake during pregnancy.

4. Good For Digestive System

The digestive system benefits from arrowroot. Irritable bowel syndrome sufferers’ bowel movements are cured by arrowroot powder’s high starch content and demulcent properties.

In addition to treating diarrhea, arrowroot starch can treat nausea and replenishes nutrients lost through vomiting and diarrhea.

5. For Smooth Skin

Moisturizers and talcum powder frequently contain arrowroot starch. It has moisture-absorbing properties that make your skin softer and smoother and allow active substances in talcum powders and lotions to permeate into the higher layers of the skin.

6. Aids Weight Loss

The key substance that arrowroot powder is resistant to is starch, which the body cannot digest or absorb. It contains 32% resistant starch, according to studies.

As a result, when combined with water, starch behaves in the gut like soluble fiber. You have a sustained feeling of fullness thanks to the same feature.

Additionally, the protein in arrowroot can aid in satiety. Consequently, it might assist you in controlling your hunger and gradually promote weight loss.

7. Gluten Free

Gluten, which can cause allergic symptoms, is found in various grains, including wheat flour. If you have a gluten or corn allergy, you can use arrowroot flour in place of wheat flour, especially if you have celiac disease.

It is a supplantable vegetable for corn starch. For making bread, cookies, and other recipes, it also combines well with almond or coconut flour. Additionally, you can use it to thicken other sauces and gravies.

8. Great Source Of Vitamin B

Riboflavin and niacin, two forms of vitamin B, can be found in abundance in arrowroot. Niacin aids in reducing inflammation, reducing discomfort from arthritis, and lowering cholesterol. Additionally, it helps lessen the chance of developing cardiovascular illnesses.

Another vitamin B complex found in arrowroot is folate. It is crucial for good fetal growth and for preventing anemia. It contains 338 mcg of folate per serving (100g), promoting the development, division, and production of red blood cells in the body.

Niacin eliminates the signs and symptoms of Pellagra, which also eliminates diarrhea, dementia, dermatitis, and mortality. Furthermore, the folate component is necessary for the fetus’s growth and development. Arrowroot shields children from neural tube abnormalities.

9. Improves Kidney Health

Potassium, which is abundant in arrowroot, is believed to help the kidneys remove toxins and other substances that cause stress.

Additionally, it might aid in enhancing kidney function and the health of the urinary system. Additionally, it aids in maintaining healthy blood pressure and immunity.

10. Good For Babies

In addition to encouraging healthy growth and development in young children, arrowroot aids in increasing the rate at which many vital minerals are absorbed.

It serves as an alternative to breast milk. Numerous arrowroot snacks can also aid the management of infants’ cough, bronchitis, and diarrhea. It may also assist in lessening gum discomfort while teething.

10 Interesting Health Benefits of Arrowroot (Maranta Arundinacea L)