Taro Root: Complete Mineral Profile

Taro Root ‐ Mineral Information

Introduction

Taro root, otherwise known as a corm, is a type of starchy vegetable that comes from the Colocasia genus. It appears to be most prominent in cultures all around the world, such as Asia and Africa, but it has also made its way into Caribbean culture as well. Taro root has become increasingly popular due to its thick texture, bright white color, and sweet flavor. Additionally, taro root contains numerous minerals and nutrients, making it an important part of a nutritious diet. This paper will go over some of the most prominent minerals that can be found in taro root.

Calcium

Taro root is a great source of calcium, with one cup containing approximately 11% of the recommended dietary intake (RDI). Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth, along with heart function and muscle contractions. In addition, calcium works to help the body maintain healthy blood pressure levels and helps prevent colon cancer by promoting regularity. Furthermore, research shows that increasing calcium intake may impact weight loss, with participants typically regaining two to three pounds less than those who consumed lower-calcium diets. Overall, this mineral offers numerous benefits on a mental and physical level, so consuming enough through food sources like taro root is important.

Potassium

Another key mineral present in taro root is potassium, with one cup giving about 8% of the RDI. Potassium acts as an electrolyte for the body, which means not only does it maintain fluid balance, but it is quite beneficial for heart health as well. Specifically, it helps reduce the risk of stroke and coronary heart disease, as well as controlling blood pressure. It also plays a vital role in proper nerve function, aiding the transmission of messages throughout the entire body. Moreover, low potassium consumption has been linked to higher rates of glaucoma, highlighting the importance of sufficient intake. All these reasons make taro root a great source of this critical nutrient.

Iron

In addition, there is iron present in taro root. One cup provides 4% of your daily required amount, which is necessary for hemoglobin production. Specifically, iron helps produce red blood cells, transport oxygen throughout the body, and protect against infections. Studies show that this unique mineral increases resistance to fatigue by enabling better oxygen capacity during exercise. In terms of deficiencies, a lack of dietary iron can lead to anemia because of interruption in the release of energy from cells. Therefore, having enough iron is critical for maintaining stamina and avoiding feelings of weariness or lethargy.

Magnesium

One final mineral to be aware of when eating taro root is magnesium. Just one cup carries 7% of the RDI of this crucial element. Magnesium is used in more than 300 chemical reactions within the body, with two of the major ones being protein formation and helping create DNA. It also plays a big part in regulating neurotransmitters and muscle movements, as well as managing artery stiffness. Additionally, studies have shown that increased magnesium intake reduces inflammation and leads to healthier sleep patterns. Lastly, it is said that adequate amounts of magnesium might even alleviate depression and anxiety symptoms.

Conclusion

All in all, taro root should definitely be considered part of a healthy diet. Not only does it provide beneficial vitamins, such as Vitamin A and vitamin C, but it packs up to four key minerals: calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium. Each boasts numerous positive effects on your physical and emotional performance, ranging from protecting against certain illnesses to boosting brain activity. Thus, adding taro root — or any other corms — to recipes every now and then will take you far in terms of improved nutrition and overall wellness.