Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea), a member of the Marantaceae family, is not a plant itself: it is a nutrient-dense starch that can be extracted from the tubers of various perennial rhizomes.

It is not technically a root, but rather a collection of roots.

Alternative to corn starch

Cornstarch is a powdered substance made from corn that is used to thicken sauces.

However, since the advent of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), almost all cornstarch is made from genetically modified corn...

You can buy non-GMO corn starch, but it is usually more expensive.

The process of extracting corn starch is also controversial, as it uses chemicals and high temperatures to turn the corn into a powder.

In summary, maize starch is usually made from genetically modified maize and is extracted through a rigorous chemical process.

This is why arrowroot starch has emerged as a healthier alternative to corn starch.

Healthy and with no side effects, arrowroot starch is even sometimes used in infant formula.

In addition, arrowroot starch has no taste or odour.

Its powder is one of nature's best carbohydrates.

Its properties, such as digestibility and ability to mix well with a wide range of food ingredients, make it one of the most sought-after starches in infant formula and confectionery.

Nutritional value of arrowroot starch

Arrowroot starch (Maranta arundinacea), Nutritional values per 100 g

• Energy 65 Kcal
  • Carbohydrates 13,39 g 
  • Protein 4,24 g 
  • Fat 0,20 g
  • Cholesterol 0 mg 
  • Fibre 1,3 g
• Vitamins 
  • Folate 338 mcg 
  • Niacin 1.693 mg
  • Pyridoxine 0.266 mg 
  • Riboflavin 0.059 mg 
  • Thiamine 0.143 mg 
  • Vitamin A 19 IU
  • Vitamin C 1.9 mg
• Electrolytes
  • Sodium 26 mg 
  • Potassium 454 mg
• Minerals
  • Calcium 6 mg
  • Copper 0.121 mg 
  • Iron 2.22 mg 
  • Magnesium 25 mg 
  • Manganese 0.174 mg 
  • Phosphorus 98 mg 
  • Selenium 0.7 µg 
  • Zinc 0.63 mg
• Phytonutrients
  • Carotene-ß 11 µg 
  • Carotene-a 0 µg

Indications

Aids digestion

• Diarrhoea
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation

Baby food supplement

• Stomach pains
• Digestive problems
• Soothing of the gums
• Regurgitation

Treating urinary tract infections

• Cystitis
• Pain from inflamed or irritated mucous membranes

Boosts immune function

• Arrowroot powder extracts also have cytotoxic activities that help boost immunity. This means that Maranta arundinacea extract stimulates the production of cells within the immune system.

Control of food-borne pathogens

• Intestinal worms
• Traveler's diarrhoea
• Intestinal candidiasis

Soothes sore gums and mouth

• Sore gums