Discover the power of the kuzu! It is much more than a thickener

You may not know it or it may seem like a minority food, but kuzu has been used for centuries in Asian cuisine and in the Chinese traditional medicine for its properties and health benefits. It has been attributed benefits for the intestinal microbiota, to regulate intestinal transit, to calm the nerves, to combat addictions, to protect the heart… Its use has even been recommended in menopause and diabetes. But, what exactly is the kuzu and what is true in all this?

What is the kuzu?

He kuzu comes from the roots of the climbing leguminous plant pueraria lobata. Once ground, washed and dehydrated, they produce a very pure starch powder that is used in cooking as a thickener.

In the kitchen it has multiple uses, acquires a gelatin consistency and is very suitable for adding texture to sauces, soups, creams… and ice creams, flans or jams. Besides does not contain gluten and it is very digestible.

But kuzu is not just a thickener. As we said, traditional Chinese medicine has been using it for millennia for its multiple therapeutic propertiesendorsed today by studies.

Is kuzu the same as arrowroot?

No. They look alike because of their appearance and because they both serve to thicken, but the arrowroot comes from the plant Maranta arundinacea and It has no known medicinal properties.

the kuzu too resembles classic corn starch but with the difference that a 5 g teaspoon of kuzu is equivalent to a 15 g tablespoon of corn starch.

How is kuzu prepared and eaten?

Although you can benefit from its properties when you use it as a culinary ingredient, you can follow these tips depending on whether you use it for cooking or as a medicinal remedy:

How to prepare it to use it as a thickener:

One has to dissolve it cold in water, tea, broth, juice or vegetable milk, and then heat for five minutes, stirring.a teaspoon of coffee (three to five grams) is enough to thicken a quarter of a liter of liquid.HE keep in a dry placeat room temperature.

Have a neutral taste, so it combines with both sweet and salty. house to perfection with miso and soy sauce shoyu or tamari type.

How to take it as a medicinal remedy:

Diluted a teaspoon in a glass of cold water and heat without letting it boil, until it thickens.It is taken hot, one to three times a day.It is not known to be toxic, not even at high doses.

What nutrients does kuzu provide?

Among the nutrients that kuzu provides are carbohydrates, although it also contains fiber and minerals.

Is rich in high-quality phytochemical componentssuch as flavonoids, saponins, isoflavones, coumarins and daidzein, those responsible for its medicinal properties.

Does kuzu cause constipation, as they say?

No. Thanks to its fiber and flavonoids do not constipateon the contrary:

Balances the intestinal microflora Due to its prebiotic effect, it improves the absorption of nutrients.Activates the immune systemRegenerates intestinal villiRestores peristaltic mobility

It is useful in case of constipation, diarrhea, gastroenteritis or irritable colon. It is ideal for ulcers and heartburn because protects and heals the stomach mucosa.

Why is it good in respiratory conditions?

the kuzu softens the lung mucosa. It is useful, especially if associated with the umeboshi plum, in infectious processes such as colds, coughs, bronchitis and asthma; and in allergies with rhinitis.

In case of flu, reduces feverpromotes perspiration and calms congestion and pain.

Is it true that it is used against alcoholism?

Yes. The kuzu has a deterrent effect on alcohol intake and It is used in ethyl detoxification cures. In addition, it exerts a very useful anxiolytic action in the cessation of tobacco and other drugs.

The extract of its flower relieves the effects of a hangoverdetoxifies the liver and prevents cirrhosis.

Is it useful in cardiovascular problems?

Yes. One of its main properties is dilate the arteries and veins, so that the blood circulates more freely. So act like a antihypertensive It lowers blood pressure and reduces anxiety.

Besides, lowers the level of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol in the blood plasma.

How does it act on the nervous system?

Kuzu is a vasodilator:

Promotes brain irrigation and reduces stress and insomniaRelax. Used to treat headaches and migrainesImproves cognitive abilityIt is recommended in the childhood hyperactivitysince it is easy to include it in your diet dissolved in juice

Should I take it at menopause?

Yes. It has been shown that among its components, in addition to saponins and coumarins, there are isoflavones puerarin, daidzein and miroestrol, which regulate estrogen levels.

Is a natural alternative to reduce hot flashessweating, insomnia and other climacteric discomfort.

Can diabetic people take it?

Yes. In traditional medicine it has been used as supplement for diabetes. Despite containing a large amount of starch, its richness in soluble fiber slows the absorption of glucose.

In addition, its vasodilator effect improves vision and protects the cardiovascular system.

How is it used to combat fever?

So it is recommended to use it for to treat fever:

Dissolves a teaspoon in a little watergets hot in a quarter of a liter of water until transparent Add half a umeboshi plum or half a teaspoon of ume paste and a few drops of shoyuit cooks a couple of minutes on low heatIt is taken hotbetter in the afternoon

What other properties and indications does the kuzu have?

for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial propertiesIt is used as a home remedy for disorders such as muscle pain, fatigue, neuralgia, heartburn, indigestion, diarrhea, allergies, colds, and coughs.

It is useful in deafness due to poor circulation.

And all this without side effects!