Arrowroot – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

06/21/2017 / By Bridgette Wilcox

Arrowroot, also known as arrowroot starch, is a powder taken from the roots of a plant of the same name. The plant itself is native to South America, according to StyleCraze.com. The root grows underground, and is shaped like a cylinder, covered with scales on the surface. This root is beaten and ground, then dried to make the arrowroot powder, which contains 23 percent starch.

The resulting powder is very fine with a clear white color, and is often used as a thickening agent for sauces, being able to thicken twice as much as regular flour. It is also used as a baking aid to replace flour in cookies and crackers, making it ideal for those who cannot tolerate gluten, particularly those who have Celiac disease.

List of known nutrients

Calcium
Copper
Folates
Iron
Magnesium
Manganese
Niacin
Phosphorus
Potassium
Pyridoxine
Riboflavin
Selenium
Sodium
Thiamin
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Zinc

Medicinal uses for arrowroot

When it comes to health benefits and medicinal uses, this starch is highly undersung, though it has been used in many ancient cultures as a herbal remedy for thousands of years.

The high copper and iron content in arrowroot makes it great for preventing anemia, as the two minerals are vital to the production of red blood cells, OrganicFacts.net said.

With its high levels of vitamin B, the powder is also great for maintaining hormonal balance. In particular, it contains a significant amount of folate, a B vitamin that has been deemed crucial for pregnant women, as it can prevent birth defects in unborn children.

As an alternative to flour, it can promote gastrointestinal health among those who have Celiac disease, which affects the small intestines.

Arrowroot also has a substantial amount of protein, which can boost growth and development. Arrowroot in particular is a plant protein, making it better for the body as it is easier to process than animal proteins.

Arrowroot may also help with:

Diaper rash
Gastrointestinal inflammation
Weight loss

Body systems supported by arrowroot

These are the body systems that can benefit from arrowroot, according to HealthBenefitsTimes.com.

Blood circulation
Digestive system
Immune system
Metabolic processes

Ways to use arrowroot

Arrowroot powder is often used to replace flour in recipes, or as a thickening agent. Its form makes it very easy to incorporate into your diet. Apart from using it as the main starch in a number of baked goods, PaleoGrubs.com also recommended making noodles using arrowroot powder. It can also be used for breading in onion rings and fish sticks, and is a great base for pancakes and crepes as well. Arrowroot starch can also be used as a safe alternative to commercial baby powders.