I heard someone say that kudzu root powder is a good health food, and I want to buy some for the elderly in my family. They often have diarrhea, so I wonder if kudzu root powder is suitable for the elderly and if it can be consumed when they have diarrhea.
Is kudzu root powder suitable for the elderly?
Yes, it is.
As people age, the functions of various organs in the body and personal constitution gradually decline, and various diseases follow. Therefore, many elderly people take some health foods to enhance their physical condition.
Kudzu root powder is a type of starch substance obtained from the water grinding and precipitation of the tuber of the kudzu plant. It has a sweet taste and cool nature, and has the effects of clearing heat and relieving restlessness, promoting saliva production, and suppressing cough. It can be used to treat symptoms such as restlessness, dry mouth, and thirst. It also contains various nutrients needed by the human body, such as flavonoids, puerarin, soy isoflavones, amino acids, proteins, iron, calcium, selenium, etc., which have certain benefits for the health of the elderly. Therefore, kudzu root powder is quite suitable for the elderly to consume.
What are the benefits of the elderly consuming kudzu root powder?
Boosting immunity
Kudzu root powder contains sterol compounds that can help enhance the immune function of various immune cells in the body, thereby strengthening the elderly's ability to resist diseases.
Protecting cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health
Kudzu root powder contains rich flavonoids, which can increase the blood supply to the brain and coronary arteries, improve blood circulation, reduce vascular resistance, and help improve myocardial ischemia. It has a certain auxiliary effect on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and myocardial infarction.
Liver protection
The active ingredients in kudzu root powder can promote liver metabolism, improve the regeneration capacity of liver cells, promote bile secretion, and enhance the excretion of fat and alcohol from the liver. It can play a certain role in protecting and nourishing the liver.
Assisting in blood sugar regulation
Kudzu root powder is made from the tuber of kudzu, and it contains substances that can regulate blood sugar levels and help repair damaged pancreatic cells, maintaining the normal physiological function of the pancreas. It can to some extent assist in lowering blood sugar levels in the body.
Can the elderly with diarrhea consume kudzu root powder?
It is not recommended to take it.
Kudzu root powder has a cool nature and has a certain stimulating effect on the intestines and stomach. The intestinal and stomach functions of the elderly are already weaker than those of healthy adults. Taking kudzu root powder may worsen the stimulation to the intestines and stomach, exacerbating the symptoms of diarrhea. Therefore, it is better for the elderly with diarrhea not to consume kudzu root powder.
What should the elderly pay attention to when consuming kudzu root powder?
1. Pay attention to the dosage
It is generally recommended to take about 20-30 grams of kudzu root powder. Overdose of kudzu root powder may stimulate the intestines and stomach and affect gastrointestinal health because of its cool nature.
2. Avoid taking it on an empty stomach
Kudzu root powder has a cool nature. Taking it on an empty stomach may irritate the intestines and stomach, leading to adverse reactions such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Therefore, it is best to avoid taking kudzu root powder on an empty stomach.
3. Avoid consuming it with stimulating foods
It is recommended to avoid consuming kudzu root powder with other stimulating foods such as alcohol, onions, garlic, ginger, Sichuan pepper, and onions. Consuming these stimulating foods after consuming kudzu root powder may affect the effectiveness of kudzu root powder and hinder its absorption.
How can the elderly consume kudzu root powder?
Kudzu root powder porridge
Ingredients: 30 grams of kudzu root powder, 100 grams of corn.
Instructions:
1. Soak the corn in water overnight.
2. Mix the soaked corn with kudzu root powder.
3. Put them into a pot and add an appropriate amount of water to cook porridge.
4. Add sugar or honey for flavoring when the porridge is cooked.
Brewing kudzu root powder
Ingredients: about 10 grams of kudzu root powder, honey to taste.
Instructions:
1. Put the kudzu root powder into a bowl and mix it with warm water.
2. Pour boiling water into the bowl while stirring until the kudzu root powder becomes a translucent paste.
3. Let the kudzu root powder cool slightly, then add honey and mix well.