5 Health Benefits of Arrowroot

Arrowroot is a starch powder, which is extracted from the roots of the plant Maranta arundinaceae. This powder is also known as arrowroot flour. In Hindi, it is known as ‘Ararot’.

This plant is a perennial herb with flat, broad, ovate-shaped leaves. It grows to a height of 3 to 5 feet. The root of this plant is cylindrical-shaped with cream-white/light red tuber.

Ararot powder is extracted from the plant’s underground stem with multiple roots that store its starch and energy. It is used in sweet and savoury dishes. It is easily digestible, gluten-free starch and is used in diets requiring flavourless, low-salt and low-protein foods.

# Improved heart health

1. The high content of potassium acts as a defence against heart-related disorders.

2. Potassium is a vasodilator, it expands the blood vessels and arteries thus, reducing blood pressure and preventing cardiovascular diseases such as strokes, heart attacks, and atherosclerosis.

3. Ararot promotes the production of bile in the liver thus, reducing blood cholesterol levels.

4. The bioactive compounds such as cardiac glycosides, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, saponins, and flavones present in it also help in regulating healthy cholesterol levels.

# Treats urinary tract infection

The antiseptic and the anti-inflammatory effects of arrowroot aids in treating urinary tract infections, curing bladder infections, and preventing future flare-ups.

# Improves kidney health

1. The high content of potassium in ararot is responsible for improving the kidney health.

2. Potassium eliminates the toxins and stressors from the kidneys thus, improving urinary system functioning.

# Promotes healthy sleep

1. The high magnesium content helps in improving the sleep cycle. Magnesium enhances the quality and duration of sleep.

2. Magnesium content present in it also aids in decreasing the occurrence of sleep diseases like apnea and insomnia.

# Other possible benefits

Ararot has numerous health benefits, apart from the health benefits mentioned above, it also produces few more such as aids weight loss, boost the immune system, promotes growth and development, treats skin complaints, promotes digestion, boosts metabolic rate, promotes good circulation.

Also treats athlete’s foot, relieves diarrhoea and abdominal pain, heals the skin, aid diabetes treatment, prevents birth anomalies, relieves toothaches, fights food borne pathogens, beneficial in pregnancy, and treats hair complaints.