Good old days and alternative living were never Kerala’s forte, but one of Kerala’s age-long imitations of the good old days has been Kerala itself. One such century-old spice continued even today in Kerala kitchens and medicine boxes is arrowroot or koovapodi, so well known in traditional practice. Surprised with so much buzz about its recuperative property and wholesome nutrition, arrowroot soon became a gem of new diets for health. We are here today to talk about the miracle of arrowroot flour, its advantages, and why organic arrowroot powder should be your choice in your diet for health.
What is Arrowroot (Koovapodi)?
Arrowroot is a powder extracted from the rootstocks of Maranta arundinacea. Of the extremely few commercial starches that don’t have any gluten, arrowroot flour is ideal for the person who has to maintain a diet. Kerala individuals used and benefitted from arrowroot in generations at home and in disease treatment. It is simply referred to as Koovapodi, which describes a lot about cultural richness as well as trust in nature’s remedy.
Arrowroot was already traditionally processed at home by juicing the roots and drying it into powder. Homemade arrowroot powder was a chemical-processing-free, pure powder, which was healthier and safer than processed starches.
Nutritional Value of Arrowroot Flour
Arrowroot flour is dull-colored-looking, but it is a nutritional giant. It is rich in:
- Dietary fiber
- Potassium
- Iron
- B-complex vitamins
- Folate
Its low glycemic index and digestibility make it appropriate as a staple food in the case of aged, infants, and sensitive stomachs. It can also be used as a thickener for vegetables, meat, and soups and does not alter the flavor or nutritional content.
Health Benefits of Koovapodi (Arrowroot)
1. Scales down the Digestive System
Arrowroot is easily absorbed. It corrects indigestion, flatulence, and diarrhoea, koovapodi is Kerala’s traditional healers’ first line treatment for gastrointestinal disorders.
2. Immunity Booster
Natural arrowroot powder rich in antioxidants and vitamins has a potential to enhance the immunity. It is administered daily as patients’ convalescent diet following successful cure from disease or surgery.
3. Healthy Glowing Skin
Arrowroot powder, when applied directly to the skin, absorbs oil, calms irritations, and closes wounds. It is also highly used in homemade face masks and baby powders.
4. Ideal for Babies and Old People
Thanks to its natural, chemical-free composition, arrowroot flour is widely favored in the diets of infants and the elderly. Its role in weight gain, and provides nutrition that is easily digestible.
5. Gluten-Free Alternative
Arrowroot flour is a perfect wheat flours and wheat thickeners substitute in gluten intolerant patients or in patients of celiac disease.
Applications of Arrowroot Flour in the Kitchen
Arrowroot flour is extremely easy to handle in the bakery and kitchen. In Kerala, arrowroot is traditionally prepared as a warm porridge sweetened with honey or jaggery, cherished for its medicinal and soothing properties. Soups, puddings, and sauces are thickeners using arrowroot without the taste and consistency of the food being masked.
Arrowroot powder organic is also employed when baking in the preparation of cookies, biscuits, and pancakes. It has the light color and neutral flavor that makes it ideal to be incorporated into recipes that lack gluten so that it may be prepared.
How to Choose the Best Arrowroot Powder
Wherever the arrowroot is bought, the quality matters. Buy organic arrowroot powder free of additives and chemicals. Make use of white fine powder without any odor of any artificial type. Traditional processing like in Kerala enables the nutrient content and healing properties of koovapodi to be retained.
Adding Koovapodi to Your Everyday Life
Arrowroot Health drink: Blend a teaspoon of arrowroot powder with honey and hot water and drink it as a warm morning drink.
Face pack: Powdered arrowroot blended with rose water is a cooling oil-controlling face pack.
Thickener: Add gravies and soups to make a smooth, shiny texture.
Baby food: It makes a good first food too since it gets digested easily.
The Ageless Wisdom of Kerala in Modern Context
Among numerous artificial health products that at first glance appear to inundate the contemporary market, there are indigenous methods like koovapodi that remain valuable. Kerala’s age-old practice of using arrowroot for medication still attracts contemporary healers and promoters of well-being. It is able to bridge from pre-scientific times to scientific times by being tolerant of utilitarian as well as holistic practices.
Conclusion
In Kerala, arrowroot—locally called Koovapodi—is valued not just as a starch but as a versatile natural remedy. It is Kerala’s commitment to natural health. With its enhanced digestibility and immunity and skincare and as a gluten-free option, arrowroot flour is a health heaven of benefits. Utilizing organic arrowroot powder in one’s life is adopting an even healthier, more natural option that pays homage to tradition with good health.
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