The Essential Guide to Taro: The Anatomy of a Kalo Plant

Learn the parts of the taro plant and find out all the power-packed health benefits of eating it.

By Maria Kanai

diagram resource: uh college of tropical agriculture and human resources

Taro Power

Gluten-free and high in fiber, taro is low in fat and its leaves are rich in vitamin A. Just one cup of cooked taro contains:

6.7g fiber

439mg potassium

3x more fiber than white potato

40mg magnesium

Antioxidants! including cryptoxanthin and beta-carotene

That translates into power-packed health benefits. Taro can reduce the risk of diabetes and improve digestive health. It regulates insulin and glucose levels in your body, and prevents blood sugar from spiking. Fiber from taro can also help add bulk to get you going. Antioxidants keep free radicals at bay, improving vision health and reducing the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts. Taro’s significant levels of potassium help facilitate healthy fluid transfers between membranes and tissues throughout the body. This helps to relieve stress and pressure on blood vessels and arteries.

Taro is high in carbohydrates, so don’t overdo it. Like all things, eat taro in moderation.

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