Many people fail to appreciate taro root! A nutrient-rich root vegetable, taro root is grown in tropical areas including Southern India, Southeast Asia, Polynesia, Hawaii and Japan.
Nutritional Benefits of Taro Root
Taro root is a great source of calcium, iron, vitamins A, C, and B2. You can use it in warm compresses, packs, and plaster as a natural remedy. Taro contains complex carbohydrates, fiber, calcium, and iron. It is packed with antioxidants like beta-carotene and cryptoxanthin, and minerals like potassium, copper, manganese, phosphorous, zinc, iron, and magnesium.
The leaves of this plant contain vitamins A, B1, B2, and C, all of which can keep your body healthy and prevent diseases.
Taro: The Carbohydrate With Low Glycemic Index
Taro root is a great carbohydrate replacement for potato. It has a much lower Glycemic Index and a better nutritional value. It can be used in a similar way to a potato. Taro contains 30% less fat and 3 times more fiber than potato. Due to its low Glycemic Index, taro is a suitable food for people suffering from diabetes and blood disorders.
Health Benefits of Taro Root
- It can eliminate the harmful toxins from your body
- It is used as a pack compress to ease aches and pains
- It treats cysts, fibromas (benign tumors) and lymphatic swelling
- It reduces inflammation
- It treats strains, sprains, and edema. It accelerates the healing process in the case of broken bones, joint sprains and strains.
- It relieves ear problems
Health Benefits of Eating Taro Root:
- Maintains healthy vision and prevents cataracts
Due to its high content of antioxidants like beta-carotene and cryptoxanthin, taro root can prevent vision problems, including macular degeneration and cataracts
- Keeps the bones healthy
It is an excellent source of copper. It can slow down osteoporosis and keep the proper health of your bones and connective tissues
- Helps prevent cramps
Taro root is high in potassium which can prevent and relieve menstrual and other muscle cramps
- Improves digestion and the health of intestine
Due to its rich content of dietary fiber, taro root improves digestion and aids bowel movements.
Taro Consumption Tips
For delicious and healthy chips, slice it and bake it at 400oF for 20 minutes.
- Do not eat raw
Taro roots have high calcium oxalate content and they can’t be eaten raw. You must cook it before consumption. To reduce the oxalate content, you can also leave it in water overnight before cooking.
People suffering from kidney stones are not recommended to consume taro root. However, they can use it as a compress.
Powerful Taro Root Home Remedies
- Taro Root Plaster Bandage To Treat Joint And Arthritis Pains And Earaches
This is an effective and natural way to relieve your pain. Apply a taro plaster to the painful area and let it stand for 2 hours. See the recipe below.
- Taro Root and Ginger Plaster to Eliminate Cysts And Fibromas
This is a combination of two compresses, one taro root and one ginger. It helps to get rid of cysts and fibromas. Apply the hot ginger plaster to the affected area then apply the cool taro plaster.
How to make a taro-ginger plaster or compress
First, you should peel the taro root. Grate the white interior and mix with 5% grated fresh ginger. Apply this mixture on the skin on the cyst, use cotton gauze to cover and leave it for 4 hours. Repeat this procedure every day for 2 weeks then every other day in the 6 following weeks.
In a case you experience skin burning, reduce the quantity of ginger or apply the taro directly to the skin. In this way, the ginger will not have a direct contact with your skin. Ginger compress is an excellent way to stimulate blood and body fluid circulation, treat cysts, mastitis, etc.
TARO ROOT FAQ
Where can I find taro?
Taro is available in grocery stores, oriental food stores, and natural food shops
How do you cook taro root and leaves?
You can boil them, roast or cook in a soup. They are also added to meat dishes.
Is taro poisonous?
Before consuming, you must cook taro root. It is high in calcium oxalate content so it may be an irritant to some people.
What are the alternative names for taro?
Taro is also known as albi, arbi, talo, dalo, kalo, and aba.
Source: Juicing For Health