Taro, (Colocasia esculenta), also called eddo or dasheen is rich in nutrients that can provide important health benefits. A one-cup serving has a third of your daily recommended intake of manganese, which contributes to good metabolism, bone health, and blood clotting. Its high levels of vitamins can also promote healthy vision, skin, circulation, and immune system function. In addition, the root offers other health benefits like:
Improved Digestion
Eddo has more than twice as much fiber as potatoes. Dietary fiber improves digestive function and can relieve issues like constipation, diarrhea, stomach ulcers, and acid reflux. Because fiber moves slowly through the digestive system, studies show that it also keeps you feeling fuller between meals, aiding in healthy weight management.
Blood Sugar Management
The carbohydrate content in eddo root is what’s called a resistant starch. These good carbs have been shown in clinical studies to stabilize blood sugar, which helps with weight management and may reduce the risk of diabetes. These starches are also suitable for low-carb and keto diets.
Heart Health
There are high levels of potassium in taro root, a mineral that helps to control high blood pressure by breaking down excess salt. This reduces stress on your cardiovascular system, helping to prevent development of chronic heart problems.
Lowers Risks Associated with Cancer
Taro root and its edible leaves are packed with antioxidants. Quercetin, which comes from the vegetable’s purple pigment, is a powerful antioxidant that protects your body from free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that build in your body due to aging and lifestyle and cause cell damage that scientists believe can lead to cancer.
Nutrition
Taro root is an excellent source of dietary fiber and good carbohydrates, which both improve the function of your digestive system and can contribute to healthy weight loss. Its high levels of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and vitamin E also help to maintain a healthy immune system and may eliminate free radicals. Eddoe root also contains high levels of: Manganese, Potassium, Copper, Phosphorus, Folate.
Eddoe root is very versatile. It should never be consumed raw. The vegetable contains a bitter-tasting compound called calcium oxalate. This can cause an itchy mouth and throat if consumed raw but is safe to eat when cooked. You can boil, roast, stir-fry, braise, fry, or bake it to prepare it for a variety of recipes. The leaves can also be cooked and used like spinach to add even more vitamins and antioxidants to your meal. (Source:webmd.com).
