The quest for effective weight loss solutions has led many to explore natural remedies, including various roots touted for their beneficial properties. Among these, Mexican root, specifically Tejocote root, has gained popularity, alongside other roots like Taro root. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these roots, their purported weight loss benefits, and the potential risks associated with their use.
Taro Root: A Nutritious Alternative
Taro root is a versatile vegetable with a mild, nutty flavor and starchy texture. It is used in cuisines worldwide and offers several nutritional benefits, making it a healthier alternative to potatoes. Taro root can be added to savory dishes or fried as a snack, and it can also add creaminess and a purple hue to sweet recipes. You can find taro root at international grocers, such as Latin American or Asian markets, and it is becoming a more common item in supermarkets that carry specialty produce.
As one of the world’s oldest cultivated plants, taro is also known as arbi, dasheen, and eddoe. Different varieties can be used interchangeably, providing the same nutritional benefits.
Nutritional Profile and Health Benefits
Taro is rich in nutrients that provide important health benefits. A one-cup serving provides a third of the daily recommended intake of manganese, which supports metabolism, bone health, and blood clotting. Its high levels of vitamins promote healthy vision, skin, circulation, and immune system function.
Other health benefits of taro root include:
Read also: Health and Longevity
- Improved Digestion: Taro root has more than twice as much fiber as potatoes. Dietary fiber improves digestive function and can relieve issues like constipation, diarrhea, stomach ulcers, and acid reflux. Fiber also promotes satiety, aiding in healthy weight management.
- Blood Sugar Management: The carbohydrate content in taro root is a resistant starch. Clinical studies have shown that resistant starches stabilize blood sugar, which helps with weight management and may reduce the risk of diabetes. These starches are also suitable for low-carb and keto diets.
- Heart Health: Taro root contains high levels of potassium, a mineral that helps control high blood pressure by breaking down excess salt. This reduces stress on the cardiovascular system, helping to prevent chronic heart problems.
- Reduced Cancer Risks: Taro root and its edible leaves are packed with antioxidants, including quercetin, which comes from the vegetable’s purple pigment. Quercetin protects the body from free radicals, molecules that can cause cell damage and may lead to cancer.
Taro root is an excellent source of dietary fiber and good carbohydrates, both of which improve digestive system function and can contribute to healthy weight loss. It is also high in vitamin C, vitamin B6, and vitamin E, which help maintain a healthy immune system and may eliminate free radicals.
Taro root also contains high levels of manganese, potassium, copper, phosphorus, and folate.
Serving and Preparation
One cup of taro root contains:
- Calories: 187
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 0.1 grams
- Carbohydrates: 39 grams
- Fiber: 7 grams
- Sugar: 1 gram
Taro root is low in calories and contains resistant starches that promote a healthy gut. Serving sizes of one-half to one cup of taro root can add significant nutritional value to any meal.
Taro root should never be consumed raw because it contains calcium oxalate, a bitter-tasting compound that can cause an itchy mouth and throat. Cooking eliminates this compound, making taro root safe to eat. Choose taro root based on its intended use; larger varieties have a stronger flavor, while smaller roots add more moisture. A ready-to-eat root is firm, unblemished, and feels heavy for its size.
Read also: Benefits of Mexican Tea
To prepare taro root, remove its thick peel under running water to avoid the stickiness from its starch content. Wearing gloves can protect your hands against irritation caused by uncooked calcium oxalate. Taro root is very versatile and can be boiled, roasted, stir-fried, braised, fried, or baked.
Tejocote Root: A Controversial Weight Loss Supplement
Tejocote root, derived from the Mexican hawthorn tree (Crataegus mexicana), has recently gained popularity as a weight loss supplement. The fruit of the Crataegus mexicana is traditionally used in Mexican cuisine to make sweets, such as candy and marmalades. However, it is the root that is marketed for weight loss, with claims that it decreases appetite and promotes early satiety due to its high pectin content.
Misleading Marketing and Unsubstantiated Claims
Certain advertisements on the Internet promote tejocote root, often showing only the dried fruit of the plant. Some commercial sites recommend taking capsules of the pulverized fruit and drinking 2-3 liters of water per day, along with ingesting potassium-rich fruits and vegetables.
Various unsubstantiated statements make specific medical claims, such as reducing knee pain, arthritis, arthrosis, and heart diseases. It is also claimed to significantly reduce food anxiety and alleviate hemorrhoids and constipation, as well as lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Potential Dangers and FDA Warnings
Despite its popularity, the use of tejocote root as a weight loss supplement is controversial due to potential health risks. Recent findings have revealed that some products labeled as tejocote root actually contain yellow oleander (Cascabela thevetia), a highly toxic plant.
Read also: Low-Carb Mexican Wedding Cookies
The FDA has issued consumer warnings about products marketed as tejocote root that contain yellow oleander. Consuming yellow oleander can cause severe adverse health effects, including neurologic, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular issues, and can be fatal. Symptoms of cardiac glycoside exposure might indicate exposure to products labeled as tejocote or other weight loss supplements and might benefit from treatment similar to that used in cases of nondigoxin cardiac glycoside exposures.
Case Studies and Adverse Effects
Several case studies have reported adverse effects associated with tejocote root consumption. One case involved a 30-year-old female who developed Mobitz Type 1 heart block after using tejocote root as a laxative. Laboratory findings revealed detectable Digoxin levels in her bloodstream, while an electrocardiogram (EKG) indicated sinus bradycardia with Mobitz Type 1 heart block.
Another case involved a 55-year-old obese Hispanic female who presented with nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and decreased appetite after starting an herbal supplement containing tejocote. She was found to have elevated liver enzymes, and her symptoms resolved upon cessation of tejocote.
Other documented adverse effects of tejocote root include gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular effects (such as positive inotropy, bradycardia, hyperkalemia, and second-degree AV block), and hematologic effects, such as immune thrombocytopenic purpura.
The Importance of Vigilance
These cases highlight the importance of considering the potential cardiac effects of herbal and supplement use, especially in regions where such practices are widespread. It is crucial for clinicians to remain vigilant and for patients to inform their healthcare providers about all supplements they are taking.
Tejocote Root Toxicity: A Closer Look
Tejocote root, a species of hawthorn, contains digitalis-like compounds that may interfere with serum digoxin measurement and cause falsely elevated digoxin levels. These compounds can inhibit the sodium-potassium ATPase and enhance endothelial relaxation through nitrous-oxide-mediated mechanisms.
While cardiovascular benefits have been studied, the adverse effects of tejocote root are less understood. Side effects include headaches, gastrointestinal symptoms, and dizziness or vertigo. Rare but serious adverse effects include dysrhythmias and respiratory depression.
Management of Tejocote Root Toxicity
Management of mild to moderate digoxin toxicity lacks established evidence-based guidelines. Severe toxicity may require the use of digoxin-specific antibody fragments. Additional options include activated charcoal for patients presenting within two hours of ingestion and atropine for bradyarrhythmia.
A second-degree atrioventricular block can be divided into types 1 and 2. Mobitz type 1, known as Wenckenbach, is due to a delay in conduction between the atria and ventricles, causing an atrioventricular block and prolonged PR interval on the electrocardiogram. Patients with second-degree AV block may be asymptomatic or present with lightheadedness and syncope.
The Broader Context: Regulation and Consumer Safety
In the United States, dietary supplements are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Regulations mandate that all ingredients used to manufacture dietary supplements be tested for identity and be free from reasonably anticipated contaminants. Despite these regulations, misbranded dietary supplements are frequently found to contain potentially dangerous substances.
The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA) was intended to ensure the safety and proper labeling of dietary supplements. However, the continued presence of adulterated products on the market indicates that further regulation and oversight are needed to protect consumer safety.