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Health Benefits of Taro Root (Arbi) And Its Side Effects

Last Updated: Aug 05, 2020

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Taro root is an exceptionally healthy food, filled with numerous nutrients like vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, and antioxidants. Therefore, it should be consumed in ample quantity regularly to avail the many benefits it possesses. By consuming taro toot you can control high blood sugar, improve digestive system, prevent cancer, delay the aging process, improve the skin, reduce fatigue, improve blood circulation and heart’s health, improve vision, lose weight, and boost immunity.

Taro Root (Arbi)

Scientifically known as colocasia esculenta, taro root is an edible form of corn and belongs to the family of a plant called Araceae. Corm is an underground, thick stem that is loaded with essential nutrients. Other taro types include Xanthosoma sagittifolium (arrowleaf elephant’s ear), Cyrtosperma merkusii (swamp taro), and Alocasia macrorrhizos (giant taro).

Nutritional Value of Taro Root (Arbi)

Taro plant is a powerhouse of nutrients. Check out taro leaves and root nutrition facts. Its roots contain vitamins like folate (22 µg per 100 g), Niacin (0.600 mg per 100 g), pantothenic acid (0.303 mg per 100 g), Pyridoxine (0.283 mg per 100 g), Riboflavin (0.025 mg per 100gms), Thiamine (0.095 mg per 100 g), Vitamin A (76 IU per 100 g), Vitamin C (4.5 mg per 100 g), Vitamin E (2.38 mg per 100 g), and Vitamin K (1 µg per 100 g). Additionally, the root has antioxidants like cryptoxanthin and beta-carotene. Other minerals that are present in taro roots are copper (0.172 mg per 100 g), manganese (0.383 mg per 100 g), selenium (0.7µ per 100 g), zinc (0.23 mg per 100 g), and magnesium (33 mg Magnesium), iron (0.55mg per 100gms), and calcium (43 mg per 100 g). The electrolytes present in taro roots are potassium (591 mg per 100 gms) and sodium (11 mg per 100 g). Taro’s tuber contains complex carbohydrates (26.46 g per 100 g). Hence, it is an excellent energy booster. It is also rich in dietary fiber.

Nutritional facts Per 100 grams

11 mg
Sodium
591 mg
Potassium
26.46 g
Total Carbohydrate

Vitamins and Minerals

76 IU
Vitamin A
43 mg
Calcium
4.5 mg
Vitamin C
0.55mg
Iron
33 mg
Magnesium

Health Benefits of Eating Taro Root (Arbi)

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Mentioned below are the best health benefits of Taro Root (Arbi)

Controls Blood sugar

Taro root is a fiber-rich food. Dietary fiber has the potential to maintain the blood sugar level by controlling the insulin production in the body. Hence, individuals suffering from type 2 diabetes should regularly consume this vegetable.

Taro Root Improves Digestive Health

Dietary fiber plays a significant role in the human diet, as it cleans the digestive system. Taro root give benefits to those person suffering form digestive issue, since taro root is an excellent source of dietary fiber, as it adds bulk to the stool. Subsequently, stool can pass quickly through the digestive system. Hence, for a healthy gastrointestinal tract, taro root, should be regularly consumed. . Healthy gut signifies a longer life span, hence, higher the Taro root intake in diet lesser are the chances of indigestion, bloating, cramping, and constipation.

Taro Plant has Anti Cancer properties

Diet plays a vital role in preventing and treating a disease like cancer. Chances of cancer significantly get reduced by consuming antioxidants- that shield the cells against damage. Taro root is a rich source of antioxidants like cryptoxanthin and beta-carotene. These antioxidants may neutralize the free radicals present in our body. The free radicals are responsible for progressing cell damage that may lead to rapid cell mutation or cancer. Cryptoxanthin present in taro root reduces the risk of mouth and lung cancer.

Taro Root For Healthy heart

For instance, to promote a healthy heart, people must consume good amounts of dietary fiber in their diet. Also, taro root is rich in potassium that helps in controlling the heart pulse rate and relieves stress in the arteries. Also, potassium helps to regulate the blood pressure as it decreases the sodium’s effect on the body. The heart is a vital organ of the body; hence it is essential to keep it healthy, always. However, modern lifestyle and diet have negatively affected the heart’s health. By making amendments to the diet and adding taro roots in lifestyle, people can significantly improve their heart’s health.

Taro Root Benefits Immune System

Immune system is responsible for fighting against diseases like common cold and flu. Therefore, it becomes mandatory to keep the immune system healthy. Taro root is an incredible source of Vitamin C - an excellent immunity booster. Regular consumption of Taro root will improve the levels of Vitamin C in the body and strengthen our body’ immunity against illnesses.

Taro Root Good for Eye Vision

Antioxidants like beta-carotene and cryptoxanthin present in taro root strengthens eyesight and promotes general eye health. These antioxidants slow down the ageing of cells present in the eyes that may cause macular degeneration and cataract. For healthy eyes, regularly consuming taro root is wise.

Arbi Improves Blood circulation

The powerful combination of iron and copper in taro root does wonders for the blood’s health. Iron helps to prevent anemia, and promotes blood circulation. Further, the taro root helps to fight the consequences of anemia like fatigue, lack of concentration, and headaches.

Taro Root Skin Benefits

Vitamins A and E present in the Taro root have a great impact on the skin. These vitamins boost the formation of new and healthy skin cells and improve the life of degenerating skin cells. By regularly consuming Taro root, you can reduce the appearance of blemishes and wrinkles on the skin. Taro root promotes the skin healing process, and hence this food that does wonders for your skin.

Reduces Fatigue

Another helath benefit of taro root is that research indicates that since taro root contains a low glycemic index, it is beneficial for athletes. Taro plant root enables the athletes in keeping the energy level high for a longer time. Taro root also has the right amount of carbohydrate that boosts energy and reduces fatigue.

Taro Root Good for Weight Loss

Losing weight seems a difficult task due to poor diet and stressful lifestyle, today. Hence for an effective weight loss, people must consume foods that are high in nutritional value but low on calories. Taro root used for weight loss, as one cup of cooked taro root contains some amazing nutrients and only 187 calories. Hence, one should consider adding taro root when trying to lose weight.

Ageing Process is Delayed

Taro root is one food rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help in slowing down the aging process of the cells and helps in rejuvenating the old and damaged cells, which keeps the body youthful for a longer duration. Antioxidants in taro root have certain properties that help in fighting against various diseases and delaying the aging process. This root is cholesterol-free, low in sodium, gluten-free and comprises of protein.

Taro Root Promotes Muscle Health

Magnesium and vitamin E are responsible for maintaining the health of the muscles. Taro root is rich in magnesium and vitamin E, and thus should be regularly consumed for healthy muscles.

Uses of Taro Root (Arbi)

Taro’s root and leaves are full with flavor. The taro roots have a nutty flavor, while its leaves taste like a cabbage. Subsequently, they are used for preparing tasty food items like Taro chips, crispy taro pancakes, taro cheesecakes, taro fries, and taro buns. Taro root is a great energy booster; therefore, heated taro root is used in many warm compresses and plasters. Alopecia can be treated by regularly applying the juice of the taro roots at the hair roots.

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Taro Root (Arbi) Side-Effects & Allergies

Taro roots comprise of calcium oxalate in a needle-shaped crystal form. This can produce a burning sensation and irritation when handled with bare hands or consumed in its raw form. Hence, one should wear gloves while cooking it. Taro root consumption may cause the formation of kidney stones and gout, accompanied by some other health issues. Hence, proper boiling of the roots for an extended period is advised.

Origin And Cultivation of Taro Root (Arbi)

Taro roots comprise of calcium oxalate in a needle-shaped crystal form. This can produce a burning sensation and irritation when handled with bare hands or consumed in its raw form. Hence, one should wear gloves while cooking it. Taro root consumption may cause the formation of kidney stones and gout, accompanied by some other health issues. Hence, proper boiling of the roots for an extended period is advised.

References

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    Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
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    Reviewed ByDt. Ms. Shilpa MarwahB.Sc (Home Science), Post Graduation Diploma in Dietetics and Public Health NutritionDietitian/Nutritionist
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