Health benefits of taro
Eating taro not only provides energy for the body, good for digestion, but also helps regulate blood pressure, good for cardiovascular health, strengthens the immune system, and anti-aging.
Here are some health benefits of taro:
Energy source
According to Nguyen Tri Phuong Hospital (HCMC), taro provides more calories than potatoes, about 100 grams provide 112 calories. The calories of taro mainly come from complex carbohydrates.
However, taro is low in fat and has a higher protein content than cereals and legumes. The protein content of taro is comparable to other tropical food sources such as sweet potatoes, cassava, etc. Therefore, it can be an alternative energy source to rice.
You should soak or boil taro before cooking to reduce the amount of oxalate. Illustration: India
Good for digestion
Improving the digestive system is a benefit of taro that you should not ignore, especially for those who are suffering from constipation, indigestion or bloating.
The reason is that this tuber contains up to 27% fiber, so it is completely broken down and absorbed. The stool created will then move quickly down the intestines and be easily excreted. Therefore, you can treat constipation and help with bowel movements with taro.
About 100 grams provides 4.1 grams or 11% of daily fiber needs. Along with fiber, complex carbohydrates will slow digestion.
Good for the heart
Taro provides several important minerals such as zinc, magnesium, copper, iron, and manganese. It is also high in potassium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps regulate heart rate.
According to Medlatec General Hospital, potassium is an important mineral for cells and body fluids. By breaking down excess salt, potassium can control and reduce blood pressure. Therefore, it contributes to stabilizing the heart rate and minimizing the risk of chronic diseases.
Not only that, the fiber content in this tuber also has the effect of reducing cholesterol, a factor leading to cardiovascular and coronary heart disease. Therefore, the blood vessel wall will not be atherosclerotic or blocked, so the heart will always function healthily.
In addition, resistant starch of taro also brings many benefits such as increasing insulin sensitivity in the body, reducing fat storage, reducing insulinemic response...
Strengthen the body's immune system
Taro contains a lot of vitamin C and other antioxidants that help strengthen the body's immune system. By eliminating free radicals, the body will stay alert and fight against many dangerous diseases.
Relieve fatigue
The amount of starch in taro is very small, so it is good for athletes in overcoming fatigue because eating taro provides energy but does not increase blood glucose.
Anti-aging
In taro, vitamin E and vitamin A are two vitamins that have the ability to fight aging. If you supplement this tuber, you will reduce and fade wrinkles and dark spots. At the same time, damaged cells will also be rejuvenated.
One thing to note is that you should boil taro before cooking soup or preparing other dishes, or soak it overnight before cooking, in order to reduce the amount of oxalate, thereby limiting the risk of kidney stones.
