Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) is a tropical tuber native to Indonesia.
It’s usually processed into a powder, also called arrowroot flour. The powder is extracted from the plant’s rhizome, an underground stem with multiple roots that store its starch and energy.
This vegetable is mostly employed in the kitchen, as it works well in sweet and savory dishes alike, although it may have medicinal properties as well (1Trusted Source).
Aside from being high in protein and several nutrients, arrowroot is very easy to digest, making it ideal for children and older adults who may need gentler food (2Trusted Source).
This article reviews the nutrients, benefits, and uses of arrowroot.
Nutritional profile
Arrowroot is a starchy root vegetable similar to yam, cassava, sweet potato, and taro.
Like many starches, it’s high in carbs but offers various nutrients. A 1-cup (120-gram) serving of sliced, raw arrowroot contains the following (3):
Calories: 78
Carbs: 16 grams
Fiber: 2 grams
Protein: 5 grams
Fat: 0 grams
Folate: 102% of the Daily Value (DV)
Phosphorus: 17% of the DV
Iron: 15% of the DV
Potassium: 11% of the DV
Arrowroot has a higher protein content than other tubers, packing 5 grams per 1 cup (120 grams), compared with 2.3 grams in the same amount of yam (2Trusted Source, 4).
Additionally, it provides over 100% of the DV for folate (vitamin B9), which is essential for development during pregnancy and DNA formation. Low levels of this vitamin are associated with an increased risk of birth defects and chronic diseases like cancer (5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source).
What’s more, arrowroot offers significant amounts of phosphorus, iron, and potassium.
SUMMARY
Arrowroot is a starchy vegetable with a significant amount of protein and several minerals. It provides over 100% of the DV for folate.
Potential benefits of arrowroot
Historically, arrowroot has been used for its medicinal properties. Most of its potential health benefits are linked to its starch content and composition.
May aid weight loss
Arrowroot powder comprises 32% resistant starch, which your body cannot digest. It forms a viscous gel when mixed with water and behaves like soluble fiber in your gut (2Trusted Source, 7).
Foods high in fiber and resistant starch slow your rate of digestion, giving you a prolonged feeling of fullness. In turn, this may regulate your appetite and lead to weight loss (7, 8Trusted Source, 9Trusted Source).
In a study in 20 adults, those who took supplements containing 1.5 ounces (48 grams) of resistant starch experienced a significantly lower calorie intake over the next 24 hours, compared with a control group (10Trusted Source).
Arrowroot’s protein content may aid feelings of fullness as well (11Trusted Source).
May fight diarrhea
Arrowroot may help treat diarrhea both by firming stool and helping you rehydrate.
Severe diarrhea may lead to fluid loss, dehydration, and even death — especially in vulnerable populations, such as children (12Trusted Source).
In a monthlong study, 11 people with diarrhea who took 2 teaspoons (10 mg) of arrowroot powder 3 times daily experienced less diarrhea and abdominal pain (13Trusted Source).
Arrowroot’s high starch content may be responsible, as it helps increase stool consistency and size. In turn, this reduces the frequency of your evacuations.
It may also help your body rehydrate to make up for the related fluid loss.
An animal study determined that arrowroot water, which is made by boiling arrowroot powder, decreased the rate of cholera-induced diarrhea more effectively than a rehydration solution developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) (14, 15Trusted Source).
Still, more research is needed.
Supports your immune system
Arrowroot’s resistant starch content may stimulate your immune system.
In fact, this tuber is a potential source of prebiotics, which are a type of fiber that feeds your gut bacteria (7, 16Trusted Source, 17Trusted Source, 18Trusted Source).
Beneficial gut bacteria may boost your immune health, as they produce multiple vitamins and absorb key minerals that your immune system needs to function properly. What’s more, they may even influence how your body responds to many diseases (19Trusted Source, 20Trusted Source).
A 14-day study in rats fed arrowroot powder resulted in considerably increased blood levels of immunoglobulins G, A, and M, which are various antibodies that protect you from harmful microorganisms (16Trusted Source).
Test-tube studies have revealed similar results. That said, more human research is needed (16Trusted Source).
Fits a gluten-free diet
Like most tubers, arrowroot is naturally gluten-free. Its powder can be used as a substitute for wheat flour (2Trusted Source).
Those who have celiac disease — a common digestive disorder in which gluten inflames your small intestine — need to completely avoid this protein. Grains like barley, wheat, and rye, as well as products made from them, contain gluten (21Trusted Source, 22Trusted Source).
Intriguingly, arrowroot’s resistant starch is especially applicable for gluten-free products because it helps improve their texture, crispness, and flavor (7, 23Trusted Source, 24Trusted Source).
SUMMARY
Due to its high starch content, arrowroot may be suitable for gluten-free diets, promote weight loss, help treat diarrhea, and strengthen your immune system.
Uses for arrowroot
Though you can cook the root itself, arrowroot is more frequently consumed as a powder.
It’s used as a thickening agent for sauces, puddings, and jellies, as well as an ingredient in baked goods like cookies and cakes. Additionally, it’s a popular replacement for wheat flour in gluten-free recipes (25Trusted Source).
It may have several cosmetic applications due to its alleged oil-absorbing capacity, though they are not necessarily supported by scientific evidence. All the same, some popular uses include:
Dry shampoo. Massage arrowroot powder into your scalp to refresh your hair without water.
Deodorant ingredient. Mix equal parts arrowroot powder, coconut oil, and baking soda for a homemade deodorant.
Talcum and baby powder substitute. On its own, this powder is said to absorb moisture and increase smoothness.
Homemade makeup. Mix arrowroot powder with 1) cinnamon and nutmeg to make face powder or foundation, 2) beetroot powder for blush, or 3) cocoa powder for bronzer.
SUMMARY
Arrowroot powder is frequently used as a thickening agent in foods or a gluten-free replacement for wheat flour. Though it’s also added to homemade cosmetics, scientific research on these applications is lacking.
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Substitutes for arrowroot powder
If you run out of arrowroot powder, you can try one of these viable substitutes — all of which are gluten-free (2Trusted Source, 26Trusted Source):
Cornstarch. This common ingredient can be used for both culinary and cosmetic purposes. Add 1 tablespoon (8 grams) of cornstarch for every 2 teaspoons (5 grams) of arrowroot.
Tapioca flour. This popular gluten-free flour is similar in flavor to arrowroot. For every 1 teaspoon (2.5 grams) of arrowroot, use 1 tablespoon (8 grams) of tapioca flour.
Potato starch. Arrowroot and potato starch contain similar amounts of amylose, a starch compound that acts as a thickener. Use 1 teaspoon (2.5 grams) of potato starch for every 2 teaspoons (5 grams) of arrowroot.
Rice flour. Arrowroot and rice flour have very similar carb contents, but rice flour is higher in starch. When swapping it with arrowroot, use only half as much.
SUMMARY
Many gluten-free flours and starches, including tapioca and rice flours, make perfect substitutes for arrowroot.
The bottom line
Arrowroot is a root vegetable often sold as a powder. It’s used as a thickening agent and gluten-free flour.
Many of its health benefits are associated with its starch content, which may promote weight loss, treat diarrhea, and stimulate your immune system.
In addition to its culinary and medicinal uses, arrowroot is used for cosmetic purposes.
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(healthline)