ARROWROOT POWDER (KOOVA PODI)

How is arrowroot (koova podi) powder made traditionally Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) is a tropical tuber with various nutritional and potential medicinal properties. The starch extracted from the root is usually consumed in a powdered form. The tubers are harvested and scraped, washed, and then rubbed on a stone to produce a pulp. The pulp is washed with cold water, allowed to settle, and then washed again; the whole process is repeated until the sediment is pure white which takes around 8-10 days. It is then sun-dried and allowed to harden into a cake which is then ground to a powder for use Is Arrowroot Good For Babies? The flour contains starch and protein. Besides, it is a good source of essential nutrients, like phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium, and zinc. It also contains folate which is essential for cellular regeneration and DNA synthesis It is also easy to digest and is gluten-free. You can use it as a thickening agent in pureed food. However, just like any other food item, consult a trusted pediatrician before introducing it to the baby. The unique nutritional value of arrowroot starch provides some more benefits for babies. A few of them are: Digestive health: Arrowroot flour is rich in dietary fiber. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to the diet and regulates the bowel while keeping constipation at bay. Gut health and immunity: Studies suggest that arrowroot flour is a source of prebiotics that could help enhance probiotics in the gut. An increase in probiotics has positive immunomodulatory effects. However, more clinical trials are needed to validate the suggestion . Nutritional Value Of Arrowroot Powder One cup of arrowroot flour( 128 gm) provides a variety of nutritional compounds that could help meet some of the daily nutritional needs of the baby. What Is the Right Age to Introduce Arrowroot to Babies? Arrowroot can be given to babies as soon as they start solids, which is around the age of six months. It can be given as porridge. Arrowroot Recipe For Babies Arrowroot powder porridge – Koovapodi kurukk for babies Ingredients 1 tbsp arrowroot powder ½ cup powdered jaggery(ensure you use chemical-free one otherwise, would be doing more harm than good to the baby) 2 cups water How to: Take one tablespoon of arrowroot powder in a bowl and add a cup of water, along with half a cup of jaggery powder. Heat the mixture on a medium flame for about two to three minutes or until you see a thick fluid with a jelly-like consistency. You can adjust the quantity of water as per the thickness you desire. Switch off the flame and serve it to your baby while still warm.