Arrowroot: Health Benefits and Therapeutic Uses

Dhannyya uses home remedies for common ailments and incorporates healthy supplements into her favorite recipes.

What Is Arrowroot Powder?

Arrowroot starch has been cultivated for thousands of years from the arrowroot plant. The pure starch is a light, white powder, and makes an excellent thickening agent and substitute for cornstarch. Let's talk about the many uses of arrowroot powder and how you can benefit from this therapeutic supplement.

The Therapeutic Uses of Arrowroot Powder

How Is It Incorporated Into Products?

Arrowroot powder is easily digestible compared to regular wheat flour and other commonly used flour. It is often incorporated into baked goods, baby food, and meals for the sick and elderly. The starch may also be found in baby powders, makeup, and various products worldwide.

What Makes It a Superior Thickener?

Arrowroot is an excellent thickener and is fully flavorless. It will not taste starchy in recipes and, therefore, makes a great thickener for various dishes. The powder works well at low temperatures, unlike cornstarch, and blends well with acidic ingredients. Sauces that use cornstarch as a thickener often become spongy in texture if refrigerated, but sauces made with arrowroot powder can be frozen.

Arrowroot Is Used in Gluten-Free Baking

Arrowroot is used as a thickener in baking. It is first mixed in cold water before being added to hot mixtures to avoid the formation of lumps. It does not contain gluten, so individuals suffering from gluten intolerance can use the powder for baking and similar purposes. It is a great substitute for wheat powder in gluten-free baking and cooking.

Arrowroot is increasingly being used in:

• Sauces
• Creams
• Stews
• Soups
• Gravies
• Fruit Fillings
• Puddings
• Dishes
• Pie Fillings

Only a small amount of the powder needs to be used compared to cornstarch and other flour. Arrowroot is colorless (unlike corn flour that gives off a milky color when mixed with water).

The Benefits of a Low-Calorie Food

Arrowroot powder is fat-free and is a low-calorie food. It can be used in sauces and soups without the worry of increased fat content or calories.

Simple Arrowroot Porridge Recipe

I would like to share a simple and delicious arrowroot porridge recipe with you.

Ingredients:

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• 4 tablespoons arrowroot powder
• 1 Nendran banana (or 1 cup red grapes)
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 5 cashew nuts
• 2 teaspoons ghee

Preparation:

1. Cut the banana or grapes into round pieces and cook in coconut milk. Make a smooth paste of the milk (dairy) and arrowroot powder.
2. Add the paste to the cooked banana (or grapes) and cook for 2 minutes.
3. Fry cashew nuts in ghee and add them to the mixture.
4. Add the sugar and mix well. The porridge is ready.

Arrowroot Powder Porridge for Toddlers

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

Comments

Crystal on December 19, 2014:

Could you post an arrow root recipe for babies

DowntroddenInDC from Houston, TX on June 07, 2014:

Saw arrowroot at the store today, and neither my wife or I knew what it was for. Very useful. Thank you!

dhannyya (author) on June 11, 2012:

thank you GusTheRedneck for your comment..arrowroot has several health benefits..i will put a hub about on arrowroot preparation

Gustave Kilthau from USA on June 11, 2012:

Hello dhannyya - I had often wondered why my brother-in-law (a very fine chef) used arrowroot flour to make his pie crusts. Now I know. Thank you.

Gus :-)))

dhannyya (author) on May 18, 2012:

thanks livingpah2004 for the comments

Milli from USA on May 18, 2012:

Good to know arrowroot`s uses and benefit. Thanks for posting it. Voted up!

itsvssudheesh from kochi,kerala, india on April 14, 2012:

But eth enik puthiya arivanu ketto. Nannayittundu. Eniyum enganathe articles dhanyayil ninnum pradheekshikkunnu..

dhannyya (author) on April 14, 2012:

thank you sudheesh..nammude nadan items would be too gud..ammayude items anu ethellam

itsvssudheesh from kochi,kerala, india on April 14, 2012:

Wow.. arrowroot porridge recipe. I liked it very much i will give a try.

It was very informative hub, dhannya. congrats