Impressive health benefits of taro A series of Presentation�By�Mr. Allah Dad Khan ��former DG Agriculture Extension KP Province and Visiting Professor the University of Agriculture Peshawar �[email protected]

A series of Presentation�By�Mr. Allah Dad Khan ��former DG Agriculture Extension KP Province and Visiting Professor the University of Agriculture Peshawar �[email protected]

1. Impressive Health Benefits of Taro A series of Presentation By Mr. Allah Dad Khan former DG Agriculture Extension KP Province and Visiting Professor the University of Agriculture Peshawar [email protected]

2. Taro or Arvi Taro vegetable or Arvi as we better know it, originates from Malaysia and India, where it grows wild in wet or dry places ( 1 ). The taro leaves are heart shaped with white roots that are nutty in flavour . It can cause skin irritation when peeling. Taro is also known as ‘ Arbi ‘ in Hindi, ‘ Chamadumpa ‘ in Telugu, dasheen, colocasia esculenta and ‘ kacchalo ‘ in Punjabi. It has many healing properties that are useful to get rid of many diseases.

3. Nutritional Value Of Taro Root Taro roots contain a wealth of organic compounds,  minerals , and  vitamins  that are essential for human health and can  benefit  our overall health in a number of different ways. Taro root contains a very significant amount of dietary  fiber  and carbohydrates, as well as high levels of  vitamin A ,  vitamin C ,  vitamin E ,  vitamin B6 , and folate, as well as  magnesium ,  iron ,  zinc , phosphorous,  potassium ,  manganese , and  copper . The plant also provides some protein in your diet, but the amount is almost negligible.

4. Health Benefits Of Taro /arvi Root

5. Taro Reduces Fatigue: Taro root is mainly consumed by athletes for long lasting energy. This is because it contains a low glycemic index which is good for athletes.

6. Taro & Weight Loss: Taro roots can prove to be very beneficial for the ones who want to lose weight, since this has very a low caloric content. One cup of cooked taro can give you 187 calories (

7. Taro Clears  Stomach: Foods that contains high amount of fiber are also known to boost the digestive process. This helps to eliminate the wastes from the body and prevent re-occurrence.

8. Taro & Heart Health: One cup of taro has 0.1g fat and cholesterol, which helps to prevent hardening of the arteries. You can consume it several times without worrying about gaining weight or other health problems related to fatty foods like heart or kidney diseases. Taro roots can give 19% of the daily required Vitamin E that is required to prevent the risks of a heart attack.

9. Taro & Hypertension : Hypertension or high blood pressure is mostly observed in the mid aged group of individuals which can be kept in control by consuming foods that are low in fat and sodium. One cup of taro gives only 20 mg of sodium that helps to maintain kidney problems and fluid retention.

10. Taro as Antioxidant : Taro is one of the best sources of Vitamin C, since one cup of taro can give 11% of your daily requirement of Vitamin C. This acts as an antioxidant to remove toxins from your body and detoxifies it .

11. Taro and Immunity : Vitamin C in taro is useful in regenerative functions and boosts the immunity of the body.

12. Taro & Low Glycemic Index Food: Taro root has a Low Glycemic Index . This helps to break down glucose in the liver slowly and aids in weight loss and lowers blood sugar. This is also useful for hypoglycaemia as this provides long lasting energy.

13. Taro & Aging  Process This is a very nutritious food that contains many Vitamins – A, C, B, minerals like copper, manganese, zinc, magnesium, calcium, iron, selenium, potassium, beta-carotene and cryptoxanthin . All these are good antioxidants that are useful to protect against diseases and slow down the aging process. This also contains protein and is gluten-free, cholesterol-free and low in sodium too.

14. Taro & Cancer : Taro is very high in Vitamin A that has more than 160% of your daily requirement of Vitamin A. The leaves and roots of taro contain polyphenols which are great antioxidants to protect even from cancer

15. Taro & Muscle Health: Taro contains Vitamin E and magnesium that can protect you from cancer and heart disease ( 7 ). This also helps to maintain your blood pressure and is helpful for fluid regulation. Taro roots contain magnesium which is vital for muscle, bone and nerve health.

16. Taro And Amino Acids and Omega-3 Oils Taro root has more than 17 different amino acids that are essential to maintain good health ( 8 ). This also has Omega 3 and 6 oils which are required for maintaining cardiovascular health, cancer prevention, and other diseases

17. Taro & Cooking : Taro roots and leaves both have great flavours . They can be cooked and impart a nutty flavour , whereas the leaves taste like cabbage. Taro roots are used to prepare curries, fried for chips, cakes, roasted, boiled, steamed, pureed etc.

18. Taro & Skin Health Between vitamin E and vitamin A, our skin is well  protected  when we add taro root to our diets. Both of these essential vitamins work to eliminate skin conditions and boost overall cellular health, meaning that our wounds and blemishes heal faster, wrinkles can be diminished, and a healthy glow can be returned to the skin. Taro root is nature’s little secret for healthier skin!

19. Taro Circulation Stimulation  The mineral  content  of taro root has dozens of useful applications, but the dual presence of iron and copper in taro root make it a very important food to prevent  anemia  and boost circulation throughout the body. Iron and copper are both essential for the production of red blood cells, which carry the all-important oxygen to our body’s systems and cells. By lowering your chances of anemia (iron deficiency) and boost the flow of blood through the body, you can speed overall metabolism, growth of new cells, and general oxygenation of the body, which is always a good idea to keep organs and systems functioning at their optimal levels!