In a world of globalised processed food and snack food fast food, the stomach is assaulted more than ever before, and stomach sickness in the form of bloating, acidity, and constipation is the rule even among children. As a bid to make up for this, man is looking back to old medicine and old diets that promise overall wellness. One such extremely ancient proven and tested medicine, which is commonly used in Kerala society, is arrowroot by the local name koovapodi.
From home remedies for indigestion to omnipresent weather-woman in baby foods, arrowroot has labored behind the scenes for decades, revving up the stomach. With increasing focus today on natural remedies, organic arrowroot powder are taking their rightful place—not limited to Kerala anymore, but flourishing everywhere in India and globally.
Let us find out why the unassuming root is so much of a powerhouse in the health sector these days.
What is Arrowroot?
Arrowroot consists of starch tuber of rhizomes of Maranta arundinacea. Arrowroot calms the stomach, and conventional food and traditional medicine have been enjoying its goodness for decades. Arrowroot powder is the readily available spice of Kerala if one has burn in the stomach, if one has been unwell with fever, or if one wants to regain health.
The plant grows in the tropics and tubers are peeled, milled, and harvested into white powder. The organic arrowroot powder—is a staple food packed with unimaginable healing powers.
Arrowroot and Digestive Health
The wonder of arrowroot is its calming, healing effect on the digestive system. In contrast to other packaged foods, which irritate the stomach, arrowroot is easy to digest, cooling, and calming.
1. Soothes the Gut
The most utilitarian and the earliest applications of arrowroot powder ( koovapodi ) would probably be such applications which serve to calm an inflamed stomach. With indigestion, gastritis, or acid reflux, arrowroot serves to leave a calming layer on the stomach lining, working on inflammation as well as on pain.
2. Home Remedy for Cure of Diarrhea
Arrowroot is utilized by most of the Kerala homesteads also to treat diarrhoea. Arrowroot starch eliminates excess water from the intestine, makes the loose stools thicken, and replaces lost bodily fluid. One such self-formulation which was experimented and validated by the century test is an easy-to-drink concoction made by heating water over arrowroot powder with a pinch of salt or jaggery.
3. Gentle on the Stomach
Since Idris is gluten-free, allergen-free, and fat-free, organic arrowroot powder is especially beneficial for individuals who have sensitive stomachs. It is light and non-inflammatory and thus an excellent remedy for aged, post-surgical, or convalescent individuals.
4. Prebiotic Properties
Arrowroot has an abundance of resistant starch, a prebiotic that is food for good bacteria in the gut. A balanced gut microbiome is beneficial not just for digestion but also for immune function and mood.
Koovapodi in Kerala Cuisine
Koovapodi is the kitchen gold and the chemist as well. It is likely to be one of the initial solid foods given to an infant and one of the patient’s choice food.
Some of the patient’s choice foods include:
Koova Kanji (Arrowroot Porridge): Healthy liquid drink made by using jaggery as the sweetener and water or milk. Given to strengthen and make intestines hard.
Koova Halwa: Sweet rich food made of jaggery, ghee, and fried golden cashews—rich flavour and stomach-fill.
Baby Porridge: Smooth silky one and stomach-filling suitable for baby starting solids.
These dishes are gaining popularity elsewhere in Kerala as well, and along with conventionally super foods being fashionable with increasing numbers.
Nutritional Value of Arrowroot
Arrowroot is nutritionally very wholesome in plain white form:
Nutrient – Per 100g
Calories – ~65 kcal
Carbohydrates – ~13g
Dietary Fiber – ~1.3g
Potassium – ~450mg
Folate – ~340mcg
Iron – ~2mg
Such nutrient profile makes organic arrowroot powder a nutritional energy food, specifically for those in need of light, non-irritating food.
Why Use Organic Arrowroot Powder?
As with any health food, quality matters. Many commercial arrowroot products may be processed with additives or bleached for a whiter appearance. Choosing organic arrowroot powder ensures that you’re consuming a clean, chemical-free product that retains its natural nutrients.
Organic products are free from:
Artificial colors and flavors
Chemical preservatives
Bleaching agents
Pesticide residues
By switching over to organic arrowroot powder, more a brand name favorite, you’re paying for genuine well-being—not just for your body, but the earth as well.
Arrowroot Flour vs. Other Thickeners
Is it better to substitute arrowroot flour with cornstarch or wheat flour?
Gluten-Free: Gluten-free and gluten-safe in case of gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
Smooth Texture: Produces silky sheen for porridges and sauces without lumping.
Neutral Taste: Won’t spoil the taste of the food.
Digestive Benefit: Eaten as a functional food rather than being used solely as a filler.
Arrowroot starch in puddings, arrowroot starch to thicken gravies and soups—just add a little extra bit which not only adds texture but is good for the whole digestive system.
Precautions and Instructions for Use
Though safe for all human beings including infants and patients with chronic ailments, the following should be kept in mind:
Use in moderation: Excessive consumption of arrowroot may lead to constipation.
Doctor first: Consult doctor first before giving it, in infants or patients with chronic alimentary disorder.
In fresh water: Prepare porrides or drinks from freshly boiling water so as not to get contaminated.
Conclusion: Welcome Digestive Wellness with MegaVita
In Kerala, koovapodi isn’t just a cupboard staple—TLC. Baby tot to granny, arrowroot was used for cure, nourishment, and well-being. While the world has become enamored with the promise of ancient foods everywhere, now it’s this comforting digestive friend’s turn to enter your kitchen as well.
We are nature and tradition doers at MegaVita. We present to you lovingly handcrafted organic tradition-source organic arrowroot powder that’s love at first sight and additive-free.
We are India’s market leader in millets and welcome you to millet superfoods and tradition heritage wellness ingredients like arrowroot to care for the people you love with TLC their health rightfully deserves—naturally, beautifully, and safely.