Arrowroot supports healthy digestion, it has no gluten, good for babies, boosts metabolic rate, promotes healthy sleep and high potassium to sodium ratio.
You must have heard a lot about arrowroot if you are into cooking. Many recipes suggest replacing cornstarch with arrowroot. But have you ever wondered what this product really is? In this article, we will discuss 7 health benefits and uses of arrowroot flour. Read on to find out what those benefits are.
In this article:
How is Arrowroot Flour Made?
7 Amazing Health Benefits of Arrowroot Flour
Substitutes for Arrowroot Flour
Are Arrowroot Powder and Arrowroot Flour the same thing?
How is Arrowroot Flour Made?
Arrowroot flour is a kind of flour, which is made by extracting the starches from the tubers of the arrowroot plant and is cultivated in the tropical climates. However, it is often commercially manufactured from the cassava root, which is popular in Brazilian cuisine, though it likely includes other ground tropical tubers.
7 Amazing Health Benefits of Arrowroot Flour
It has no Gluten
Arrowroot flour is gluten-free. You could even use arrowroot flour as a substitute for wheat flour. Arrowroot is incredibly versatile in replacing corn starch and has mixed well with almond flour, coconut flour, or tapioca flour for bread or cookie recipes. Puddings, sauces, and gravy can also be thickened with arrowroot flour.
Arrowroot is a B-Vitamin Powerhouse
Arrowroot is filled with b-vitamins, particularly riboflavin and niacin. Niacin has long been known for its ability to boost HDL cholesterol aka “good” cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Niacin deficiency leads to pellagra, a disease characterized by diarrhea, dementia, dermatitis, and death. Also, arrowroot has folate, which aids in red blood cell formation. Folate is also essential for preventing anemia and increasing cell division and growth. It is equally important for fetal development and to prevent neural tube defects in infants.
Arrowroot Supports Healthy Digestion
Arrowroot flour helps in healthy digestion because it is rich in starch that acts as a mild laxative in regulating bowel movement and digestion. For this reason, it is suitable for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In traditional medicine, arrowroot starch is also used for treating diarrhea and gastrointestinal problems. Being naturally gluten-free, it can reduce the discomforts associated with celiac disease. Also, arrowroot flour comes handy in reducing stomach pain and bloating.
It is Good for Babies
Arrowroot flour contains magnesium, zinc, and iron that promote growth and development. This is why it is one of the best substitutes for breast milk. It is also effective in curing diarrhea, bronchitis, cough in infants. When milk tooth erupts, it may cause irritation and pain in the gums. It is said that chewing or biting on arrowroot biscuit provides relief from the pain.
Boosts Metabolic Rate
Arrowroot flour contains b-complex vitamins that regulate metabolism. To add to this, the vitamin b complex is important for regulating circadian rhythm. Therefore, if you are struggling with your slow metabolic rate, then you should consider adding arrowroot flour to your diet.
They Promote Healthy Sleep
Arrowroot aids peaceful sleep. Arrowroot flour has high magnesium content. As this mineral has direct links with improving the duration, quality, and tranquility of sleep, adding arrowroot flour in your diet is beneficial for the sake of your sleep.
Has High Potassium to Sodium Ratio
In other words, arrowroot can make hypertension in control. It is incredibly good for dilating the blood vessels and bringing back the pressure to normal levels. This translates into improved cardiovascular health. Arrowroot also helps individuals suffering from hypertension.
Substitutes for Arrowroot Flour
If you are looking for substitutes for arrowroot flour, then the best option is to replace the arrowroot starch with an equal amount of tapioca. This substitute works well in foods that are to be kept inside the freezer. It also gives the filling inside the fruit pies a nice, glossy sheen. Since tapioca doesn’t tend to fully dissolve even when cooked, you have to grind it into a fine powder before you add it to your recipe. If you don’t do this, you’ll have little balls of tapioca in the finished dish. This won’t affect flavor, however, it will change the texture and appearance of your recipes slightly. Tapioca happens to be the only gluten-free replacement for arrowroot powder. Of course, if you are still unsure, you still should check the packaging to make sure the tapioca was processed in a gluten-free facility.
Are Arrowroot Powder and Arrowroot Flour the same thing?
Yes, arrowroot powder and flour are the same thing and are used interchangeably, depending upon the speaker. In the shop, mention either powder or flour, and you will get the same thing.
Therefore, to conclude, arrowroot flour has immense benefits and can be used in versatile ways. Use this flour if you want to bring some variations in your diet.
