Naturally Daily
  • Home
  • Essential Oil
  • Food
  • Remedies
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Essential Oil
  • Food
  • Remedies
No Result
View All Result
Naturally Daily
No Result
View All Result

Home » Blog » Benefits » Health Benefits of Taro Root: Nutrition & Other Facts

Health Benefits of Taro Root: Nutrition & Other Facts

Naturally Daily Team by Naturally Daily Team
October 22, 2019
in Benefits

Taro root is a thick stalk of the taro plant (Colocasia esculenta) that is native to Asia. However, it is now cultivated and used in many places worldwide.

Over one thousand years, taro root has been a staple of the Polynesian diet. Due to the petioles, it is one of the few crops that can grow in flooded areas.

This vegetable comes with brown skin and white flesh with purple specs throughout. It has a potato-like texture and a mildly sweet taste when cooked.

The health benefits of taro root are quite impressive, considering its ability to improve digestion, control your blood sugar level, improve your eye health, and many more.

This article looks into some potential health benefits and side effects of taro root you may experience.

health benefits of taro

Nutritional Profile of Taro Root

Taro root contains a significant amount of dietary fiber, carbohydrates, vitamin A, B6, C, E, and folate that can benefit your health in many ways. [1]

According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, a 100 gram serving of taro root provide the following nutrients: [2]

  • Fiber: 4.1 grams
  • Carbohydrate: 26.46 grams
  • Calories: 112
  • Vitamin B6: 0.283 mg
  • Vitamin E: 2.38 mg
  • Potassium: 591 mg
  • Vitamin C: 4.5 mg
  • Phosphorus: 84 mg
  • Magnesium: 33 mg

Health Benefits of Taro Root

1. Taro Root Helps in Proper Digestion.

The high content of dietary fiber found in taro root plays a vital role in supporting your gastrointestinal health. [3]

Fiber can help to add bulk to your stool, thus helping the food move through your digestive tract and facilitating digestion.

Taro root may also prevent certain conditions such as bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, and improve your overall health.

2. It May Control Your Blood Sugar.

Fiber is a type of carbohydrates that your body can’t digest. Since it cannot be broken down into sugar molecules, it doesn’t have any impact of blood sugar level.

As taro root contains a significant amount of fiber, it can prevent blood sugar spikes after a meal. The root can slow down the absorption and digestion of other carbs as well. [4]

A research published in Nutritional Reviews concludes that a diet consists of up to 42 grams fiber per day can lower blood sugar level by 9.95 mg/dL in people suffering from type-2 diabetes. [5]

Taro contains another particular type of carbohydrate named resistant starch that also resists digestion. The combination of these two carbohydrates makes taro a good choice of food for people with diabetes. [6, 7]

3. Taro Root May Promote Healthy Heart.

Research has shown that people who consume fiber on a regular basis tend to have less heart disease. [8]

The risk of dying in heart disease can be reduced by 17% for every additional fiber eaten per day. [9]

A cup of taro root contains more than 6 grams of fiber, which is enough to make it a heart-friendly food.

Besides, the resistant starch found in taro root can also lower the cholesterol level, thus reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. [10]

health benefits of taro

4. It May Improve Your EyeSight.

Taro root is a good source of different types of antioxidants, including cryptoxanthin and beta-carotene. These antioxidants are incredibly beneficial for your vision and overall eye health. [11]

Regular consumption of taro root may prevent free radicals from attacking your ocular cells, as well as causing macular degeneration or cataract.

5. Taro Root May Prevent Cancer.

The high levels of phenolic antioxidants and vitamin A and C can boost your immune system and fight free radicals.

Quercetin, the main polyphenol found in this vegetable has shown to trigger cancer cell death, as well as to slow down their growth. [12]

This potent antioxidant can also protect your body from free radical damage that can cause cancer. [13]

In fact, a test-tube study published in 2012 shows that taro extract could stop some types of prostate and breast cancer cells. [14]

As most of these test were done in test-tube, human research is needed for better understanding of its anticancer activities.

6. It is Good for Your Gut.

Eating taro root may improve your gut health as it contains plenty of resistant starch and fiber.

As fiber and resistant starch do not get absorbed by your body, they can reach the colon and become the food for microbes in your gut, thus promote good bacteria. [15]

Once the fibers get fermented, they create short-chain fatty acids that can keep your gut healthy by nourishing the cells that line your intestines. [16]

Studies show those who have inflammatory intestinal disorders, such as ulcerative colitis, may lack short-chain fatty acids in their guts. [17]

A 2007 animal study shows that long-term intake of resistant starch could improve colon health by reducing damage to colon cells and boosting production of short-chain fatty acids. [18]

Feta Cheese Nutrition

7. Taro Root May Promote Weight Loss.

Eating an adequate amount of dietary fiber is crucial if you want to maintain lower body weight and less body fat. [19]

Since taro root has high fiber content, adding it in your regular diet may help you lose weight.

It works by slowing the process of stomach emptying, meaning that you will be less hungry and eat less amount of carbs throughout the day. [20]

The resistant starch found in this vegetable can also aid in weight loss.

Research published in The British Journal of Nutrition found that taking a supplement containing 24 grams of resistant starch could significantly reduce the calorie intake by 6%. [21]

The study also reported that the supplement helped maintain a lower insulin level after a meal. [21]

Taro Root: Side Effects and Risk Factors

While consuming taro root may help you lose weight, overconsumption of this vegetable may do the opposite.

It’s because taro root is high in calories — a 100-gram serving contains 112 calories and more carbohydrates than potatoes. It means eating taro may contribute to obesity if you are not careful.

Do not eat taro root without cooking as it is toxic in raw form and may cause burning or stinging sensation in your mouth.

Oxalates and proteases, these two components in this vegetable are responsible for this toxic effect. [22, 23]

Before eating, always cook them properly to deactivate these components.

Bottom Line

Taro root is quite versatile and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Hawaiian poi, chips, buns, cakes are some of the foods where you can put this vegetable.

However, remember to cook them properly to avoid toxicity and unpleasant side effects. Besides, if you are already overweight, eat them in moderation.

Being an excellent source of antioxidants and fiber, taro can be a nutritious addition in your daily meal.

Pin
Share
Tweet
0 Shares
Previous Post

Essential Oils for A Hangover Cure: Find Your Favorite One

Next Post

Strawberries: Health Benefits, Nutritional Value, & Risk Factors

Naturally Daily Team

Naturally Daily Team

Naturally Daily Team is a group of expert researchers, writers, editors, and medical reviewers . We create high quality contents on natural health and wellness topics. You can learn more about us in our "Meet the Team" page.

Related Posts

cbd-for-brain
Benefits

Is CBD Good for Brain?

by Naturally Daily Team
October 30, 2020
0

For the last few years, the use of CBD has increased at an impressive rate, thanks to its medicinal benefits....

Read more
weight loss
Benefits

CBD Effects on Weight Loss: What Does The Research Say?

by Naturally Daily Team
April 13, 2020
0

CBD or cannabidiol is one of the many components found in cannabis. After tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it's the second most available...

Read more
breastfeeding
Benefits

10 Superfoods for Breastfeeding Mothers to Boost Milk Supply

by Naturally Daily Team
April 12, 2020
0

Breast milk is the only natural source of nutrition for the newborn. The researchers suggest that breast milk is a...

Read more
Medical Marijuana Program in New York
Benefits

What Is the Medical Marijuana Program in New York?

by Naturally Daily Team
April 1, 2020
0

The Department of Health in New York is the organization that implements and handles the use of medical marijuana. Any...

Read more
Full Meal Plans
Benefits

Full Meal Plans: Its Significance and Surprising Benefits

by Airto Zamorano
March 30, 2020
0

A balanced diet is crucial because it gives you the proper nourishment for your body. However, to get adequate nourishment,...

Read more
Next Post
Strawberries Benefits

Strawberries: Health Benefits, Nutritional Value, & Risk Factors

Reasons You Should Try Mindful Eating

Reasons You Should Try Mindful Eating

how to balance your hormones

How to Balance Your Hormones: 8 Easy Ways to Try

RELATED

  • Essential Oil
  • Remedies
Is CBG Better Than CBD in Calming the Symptoms of Anxiety?

Is CBG Better Than CBD in Calming the Symptoms of Anxiety?

November 14, 2020
For Those Who Want Results: 6 Supplements to Consider Taking if You Work Out a Lot

For Those Who Want Results: 6 Supplements to Consider Taking if You Work Out a Lot

October 30, 2020
vaping

6 Tips to Make Vaping as Safe as Possible

August 29, 2020
Salmon-Farm

Supply and Demand: 10 Solid Reasons Why Salmon Farming Is the Way to Go

September 1, 2020
17 Foods for Constipation Relief- Simple and Available Ingredients

6 Key Differences between Healthy and Unhealthy Foods

August 19, 2020
Smart Coffee Maker

How to Make Delicious and Healthy Coffee

August 27, 2020
Cooking Essentials: Are There Any Differences Between Regular and Extra Virgin Olive Oil?

Cooking Essentials: Are There Any Differences Between Regular and Extra Virgin Olive Oil?

August 19, 2020
CBD vs. THC

8 Tips to Follow When Purchasing CBD Online

July 30, 2020
Anxious about coronavirus

Things to do When You Are Anxious About Coronavirus

October 16, 2020
Coffee Cake Recipes

Mouthwatering Classic Coffee Cake Recipe You Can Try at Home

June 13, 2020
  • About
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Medical Disclaimer
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact

© 2016 - 2018 Naturally Daily LLC. All rights reserved. Naturally Daily does not provide medical advice or treatment. See Medical Disclaimer. We provide trustworthy natural health, wellness and beauty contents for you. Reviewed by doctors, medical professionals, certified nutritionists, certified aromatherapist, and certified dietitian. Please talk to your doctor for treatment or diagnosis. Owned and managed by Dot Digital Publishing LLC.

  • Home
  • Essential Oil
  • Food
  • Remedies

© 2016 - 2018 Naturally Daily LLC. All rights reserved. Naturally Daily does not provide medical advice or treatment. See Medical Disclaimer. We provide trustworthy natural health, wellness and beauty contents for you. Reviewed by doctors, medical professionals, certified nutritionists, certified aromatherapist, and certified dietitian. Please talk to your doctor for treatment or diagnosis. Owned and managed by Dot Digital Publishing LLC.