Impressive health-conscious living is full steam ahead, and individuals are returning to the original and natural components of foods as a method of feeling good about being healthy and raw nutrition. Among such foods finding overdue attention is arrowroot—a low-profile but reliable root used traditionally in the diet of various cultures, notably that of India. Also referred to locally as koovapodi in Malayalam, arrowroot is today being re-discovered for its digestible nature, gluten-free status, and soothing properties.
You might have heard of organic arrowroot powder in a nutrition facts label, or wondered about its role in an extended diet. In this article, you’ll discover everything you need to know about arrowroot—its health benefits, nutritional content, versatile uses, and possible side effects.
What is Arrowroot
Arrowroot is a naturally starchy tuber obtained from the underground rhizomes of the Maranta arundinacea plant.Its natural habitat is tropical area and for hundreds of years it was cultivated as an antidote and thickener to indigestion. Its root powder is obtained in dried and powdered form, formerly being called koovapodi, after the removal of the whole fibrous portion.
Powder is usually of two kinds:
Arrowroot flour: Grind into very fine powder and used as food thickener.
Organic arrowroot powder: Additive-free, chemical-free and best utilized in medicinal as well as baby food uses.
Award-winning arrowroot isn’t only greater in the culinary world, it is greater within the world of nutrition and curative value.
Nutritional Composition of organic arrowroot powder
Low in calories as it is, arrowroot is surprisingly rich in the majority of the necessary nutrients:
Nutrient
Per 100g of Arrowroot Powder
Calories: ~65 kcal
Carbohydrates: ~13g
Fiber: ~1.3g
Potassium : ~454mg
Iron: ~2mg
Folate : ~338mcg
Arrowroot is gluten-free, hypoallergenic, and gentle on the digestive system as well, so it is absolutely safe for aged people, babies, and food-allergic patients.
Top Health Benefits of arrowroot flour
1. Easy Digestion
The one of the recent applications of koovapodi is soothing the stomach and facilitating easy digestion. It is usually prescribed to irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, or indigestion patients.
2. Immune Support
Arrowroot contains resistant starch that is fermented by the gut’s good bacteria and stimulates immunity. It is made up of very high folate that maintains cell growth and cell regrowth.
3. Gluten-Free and Hypoallergenic
Arrowroot flour not being comparable to wheat or corn starch being gluten-free and hypoallergenic to the maximum extent and hence safer for the patients suffering from celiac or allergy.
4. Baby Food Compatible
Due to its horrid flavor and creamy texture, organic arrowroot powder is an improved baby food ingredient as porridge and gruel. Organic arrowroot powder contains easily broken-down carbohydrates and will not cause upset stomachs.
5. Weight Control
Arrowroot keeps you satiated for an abnormally long time and silences the pangs of hunger between meals. Arrowroot has fiber that keeps you satiated and promotes normal metabolism.
6. Natural Cure for Diarrhea
Used traditionally as a local remedy, a decoction prepared hot by using koovapodi is used to eliminate excess water from the intestines, thus preventing diarrhea and soothing the digestive system.
Arrowroot Preparation
The Arrowroot is also possible to adapt for use in conventional foods and contemporary foods. The product is normally utilized for the following:
1. Thickening Agent
Arrowroot flour is widely used as a natural thickening agent in soups, sauces, gravies, and puddings. It differs from cornstarch in the sense that it is acid-resistant and will not be dissolved by acidic foods, and it leaves a shiny, clear finish.
2. In Indian Traditional Recipes
Tamil Nadu and Kerala Koovapodi is employed to make babies’ porridge, postnatal women, and elderly. It is employed in homemade sweets and halwas.
3. In Baking
You can replace half of all-purpose flour with arrowroot flour to bake gluten-free cookies, cakes, and bread. It gives lightness and texture.
4. For Frying Coating
Arrowroot flour can be a suitable coating for deep-frying vegetables or meat without processed flour heaviness.
Ayurvedic and Traditional Medicine-Use of arrowroot flour (Koovapodi)
Koovapodi finds invaluable application in Ayurveda as it possesses the cool and pitta-pacifying quality. Koovapodi is utilized above:
Subdue inner inflammation
Treat peptic ulcers
Open up excessive body heat
Aid convalescence and combat fever or languor
Because of its mild natural character and bland flavor, it is an excellent convalescent food in summer.
Possible side effects of arrowroot flour
Even though arrowroot is extremely safe for most people, it is to be used in moderation. Here are some reasons why:
1. Constipation Due to Overuse
Although arrowroot soothes diarrhea, overuse without adequate fiber and water consumption could lead to constipation.
2. Allergic Reactions (Rarereaction)
Rare allergy to arrowroot but always best to introduce in small amounts with utmost caution in children.
3. Blood Sugar Problems
Although the glycemic rating of arrowroot is lower than that of white flour, arrowroot is a source of carbohydrates. Diabetics need to be careful and monitor their blood sugar level if they have to incorporate it in the overall diet.
How to choose the best organic arrowroot powder
Not all arrowroot powders are created equal. Do this:
Purity: Use organic arrowroot powder with no filler, additives, and no artificial flavor.
Processing: Opt for traditionally processed or sun-dried to preserve nutrients.
Source: Made from naturally cultivated arrowroot of authentic farms are ideal.
Conclusion: Opt for Quality with MegaVita
Arrowroot or koovapodi is a very, very ancient gift of nature—one providing gentle but useful support to digestion, nourishment, and health. Because it is so hugely versatile, it’s utilized in every shape from baby food and conventional porridges to more recent applications such as gluten-free preparation and thickening smoothies.
MegaVita presents to you the pure organic arrowroot powder processed and sourced with extreme care so that its natural goodness remains intact. It is chemical-free, processed traditionally, and perfect for healthy living today.
As the best millet brand in India, MegaVita promises wholesomely sourced, organic, and higher-quality foodstuffs that care for your health as much as ours.