The best discoveries to be made in health is a component or material which can do wonders for our body. An excellent example of this is arrowroot powder that many people don’t know of, but once they become aware of its benefits, they can’t get enough of it.
This unique powder can help with a variety of medical problems and can also be used to prepare various remedies for the body, replacing a lot of store-bought products. So what are you waiting for? Continue reading to learn about arrowroot’s 12 impressive health benefits.
Arrowroot, or Maranta arundinacea, is a perennial plant that reaches a height of nearly 2 meters and is grown mainly due to its high starch content. The starch is extracted from its bulbs and is grounded into a unique powder that can be purchased in health stores and specialty Asian stores. In the distant past, 7,000 years ago, the plant served as a natural healer for a variety of medical conditions, and in the United States, Africa, and Asia, the plant has recently gained massive popularity. The flour produced from the plant is used to make a variety of different pastries as a substitute for white flour, and besides this, it has several health benefits that are worth knowing:
Apart from starch, the arrowroot bulb contains high amounts of copper and iron. These two minerals are essential for proper blood flow because they are an important part of the red blood cell system, and also allow them to move better through the blood vessels. Because of this, more oxygen reaches the body's various cells and we feel less tired, so this compound contributes to strong health and also helps to provide the various tissues with the oxygen they need.
Vitamin B is essential for maintaining a normal metabolic rate and it is found in abundance in arrowroot powder. To add to this, this vital vitamin helps regulate the natural circadian cycle of the body, which is controlled, among other things, by hormones and also affects the quality of sleep, thus making metabolism even more efficient.
During pregnancy, fetuses may develop defects due to various problems, one of which is the lack of essential vitamins, such as folic acid. This acid, which is a derivative of vitamin B, is essential for proper fetal development, so its consumption should be increased during the months of pregnancy. Arrowroot powder contains high amounts of this essential vitamin and is therefore recommended for use during pregnancy to ensure that it progresses well and to prevent birth anomalies.
Many people today suffer from digestive problems that cause them to suffer from chronic diarrhea which may, in turn, cause dehydration. In a study conducted at the Gastroenterology Department at Leicester Hospital in the UK, researchers found that consuming 10ml of arrowroot powder three times a day not only solved the problem of diarrhea but also stopped and prevented stomach aches.
Arrowroot powder is rich in essential components, but on the other hand it is low in empty carbohydrates, making it the perfect ingredient for people on a diet. This unique powder contains complex carbohydrates that the body needs and breaks down slowly, unlike other starchy flours that contain simple carbohydrates that break down fast and do not contribute to a feeling of satiety. Therefore, arrowroot flour is an excellent substitute for people who want to lose weight, and it also contains a large amount of fiber that helps digestion.
To maintain normal heart health, it is important that blood vessels are clean and dilated so that the blood can pass through them easily. Arrowroot, which is rich in potassium, helps here thanks to its high potassium content. Potassium expands blood vessels, thus improving blood flow and preventing heart problems caused by clotted veins and arteries, and also improves oxygen flow to the brain, which keeps it functioning properly.
There are many foods for babies that contain various starches that do not benefit their delicate digestive system, but arrowroot is unlike anything else. The odorless, neutral powder is suitable for infants and can be used to thicken foods or mixed with water and used as a substitute for milk when weaning.
The anti-inflammatory properties of the canola powder makes it a natural and safe analgesic for use for both adults and infants. Arrowroot powder can be applied directly to painful teething babies’ gums. It can also be used by adults suffering from a toothache while waiting for a dentist to treat it. The powder actually reduces inflammation and swelling, thus relieving the annoying ache.
Talcum powder, commonly used today, contains substances that can be dangerous in high quantities, especially if used for babies. Arrowroot powder is an excellent natural substitute because, like talcum, it absorbs fluids and thus prevents irritation and rubbing. The powder can be applied just like talc and will work similarly to prevent diaper rash and other skin problems in infants and adults.
Using arrowroot powder on a warm compress can heal many types of skin afflictions, such as acne sores, foot fungus and more. These compresses can also help with inflammatory joint conditions due to its antibacterial properties, which can help relieve the resulting pain.
For all those who suffer from allergy/sensitivity to lactose, or who avoid this ingredient for other nutritional and health reasons, arrowroot powder is a godsend. This powder is gluten-free and can, therefore, be used to replace different types of flour in recipes so you can enjoy delicious gluten-free dishes. In addition, the powder has no taste, meaning it won’t affect your food’s taste or smell, making it the perfect flour substitute.