Nowadays, kudzu powder is a familiar food in many families due to its excellent health benefits. However, to maximize the effectiveness of kudzu powder, you need to know how to use it at the right time. So, when is the best time to drink kudzu powder? Furthermore, what is the simplest and most effective way to prepare kudzu powder? Understanding this information will help you fully enjoy the nutritional value this food offers.
When is the best time to drink kudzu powder?
Kudzu powder is a cooling beverage that offers numerous health benefits. However, if not used correctly and at appropriate times, it can lead to undesirable effects. So, when is the best time to drink kudzu powder?
Ideal times to drink kudzu powder:
Midday and evening: These are two ideal times to drink kudzu powder, especially about 1 hour after a meal. At midday, when body temperature is highest, drinking kudzu powder helps cool the liver and effectively reduces heat.
Evening: After a stressful day of work, the body needs to relax. A glass of kudzu powder helps you feel refreshed and supports body detoxification. However, drink it 30-60 minutes after dinner and avoid drinking it too close to bedtime to prevent affecting your sleep.
If you want to drink kudzu powder for weight loss or to improve your skin, drink it in the morning, about 20 minutes before a meal. This helps stimulate digestion, boost metabolism, and effectively supports skin beauty.
When should you NOT drink kudzu powder?
Early morning on an empty stomach: At this time, hormone levels in the blood are low, and consuming cold-natured kudzu powder can affect the digestive system.
Individuals with digestive conditions: People suffering from gastritis, duodenal ulcers, chronic pancreatitis, or chronic colitis should limit their intake of kudzu powder, as it can worsen symptoms.
A brief introduction to kudzu you should know
Kudzu is a climbing plant belonging to the Legume family, commonly cultivated in Vietnam, especially in mountainous regions. The kudzu root has a dark brown skin, while the flesh inside is white, watery, and has a refreshing sweet taste.
Kudzu plants are typically harvested in winter and spring – the period when the roots reach their optimal development, becoming plump and nutrient-rich. To preserve kudzu’s nutritional value, growers usually harvest the roots before the plant flowers, as waiting too long causes nutrients to be redirected to the flowers, reducing the quality of the roots.
Uses and preparation of kudzu
Kudzu roots contain many valuable nutrients, primarily concentrated in the root tuber. Similar to herbs like ginseng, “tam thất” (Panax notoginseng), or ginger, kudzu has long been used in traditional medicine for various remedies. After harvesting, kudzu roots are processed to create kudzu powder – a popular ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine and beverages. People often mix kudzu powder with water to make a cooling drink or use it in cooking.
Nutritional components of kudzu powder
Kudzu powder is renowned for its rich nutritional content, offering numerous health benefits. According to nutrition experts, 100g of kudzu powder contains:
- Energy: 340 calories
- Water: 14g
- Protein: 0.7g
- Carbohydrates: 84.3g
- Fiber: 0.8g
- Calcium: 18mg
- Phosphorus: 20mg
- Iron: 1.5mg
- Crude fat: 1.4%
- Crude protein: 2.48%
- Crude fiber: 1.37%
Kudzu powder not only provides a significant energy source but also supplements many essential vitamins and minerals, aids digestion, cools the body, and helps maintain body temperature balance.
Does kudzu powder make you gain weight?
Many people wonder: Does eating kudzu powder make you fat? In fact, the amount of kudzu powder used per glass typically ranges from 10 – 20g, equivalent to 34 – 68 calories. This is a relatively low-calorie intake that does not exceed the body’s needs, thus it absolutely does not cause weight gain or obesity.
Furthermore, the benefits of fiber in kudzu powder are noteworthy. Thanks to its rich fiber content, kudzu powder helps promote satiety, reduce cravings, and thus supports controlling food intake. This plays an important role in naturally and effectively managing weight with kudzu powder.
Is drinking kudzu powder before bed good?
Kudzu powder is a nutrient-rich food that offers many health benefits. However, not all times are suitable for drinking kudzu powder; in fact, incorrect use can harm the digestive system and sleep.
Before going to bed is not an ideal time to drink kudzu powder. This habit can negatively affect the digestive system, causing bloating, indigestion, and disrupting sleep. Kudzu powder has a cold nature; if consumed in the evening when the body is preparing to rest, the stomach may be irritated, leading to discomfort and impacting sleep quality.
Similarly, drinking kudzu powder in the morning on an empty stomach is also not a good choice. After a long night, the stomach is empty and quite sensitive. Although kudzu powder has cooling and detoxifying effects, consuming it at this time can lead to cold stomach, stomach pain, or other digestive problems. Especially, individuals with a weak constitution or those feeling debilitated should avoid drinking kudzu powder in the morning to prevent negative health impacts.
Improper use of kudzu powder can be dangerous
To maximize the benefits of kudzu powder, it is crucial to choose the correct type of kudzu starch. Prioritize using Vietnamese kudzu (native variety), which, despite requiring more cultivation area and having lower yield, offers higher quality than Indian or Chinese kudzu.
How to distinguish genuine kudzu starch:
- Color: Genuine Vietnamese kudzu starch is pure white, like ivory.
- Taste/Feel: When placed on the tongue, the powder dissolves completely, giving a cool sensation (an endothermic reaction).
- Texture: The starch crystals are sharp-edged and emit a characteristic aroma.
- When mixed with water: Dissolves completely in cold water, leaving no residue or dust.
- Low-quality type: Adulterated kudzu starch often has round, pebble-like granules, without sharp edges.
How to use kudzu powder correctly:
- Although kudzu powder is very beneficial for health, it should not be overused. For each serving, mix 2-3 tablespoons with water and consume 3-4 times per week.
- Kudzu has a strong cooling property, so children should not consume too much to avoid stomach upset and diarrhea.
- Pregnant women who feel tired or cold should limit consumption, as it may cause discomfort.
- If the body is experiencing internal heat, kudzu powder helps to cool it, treat constipation, acne, and heat rash more effectively than synthetic dietary supplements.
- Kudzu powder is contraindicated for women with threatened miscarriage as it may increase the risk of miscarriage.
Note: Individuals suffering from severe cold-dampness or those whose bodies are currently cold should not drink it. Those with digestive tract diseases such as peptic ulcers, chronic colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic hepatitis, or chronic pancreatitis need to be cautious when using it. People with low blood pressure or a weakened body should not drink kudzu starch in the morning because hormone levels in the blood are low at this time.
Simple and quick homemade kudzu powder recipe
Kudzu powder is a familiar ingredient with many health benefits. However, not everyone knows how to make kudzu powder correctly at home. Below is a simple kudzu powder making process that helps you obtain a high-quality product.
Choosing quality kudzu: To make delicious kudzu powder, you should select kudzu roots harvested before the plant flowers. At this time, the roots contain high nutritional content, ensuring the best nutritional value of the kudzu.
Pre-processing kudzu roots: Peel off the brown outer skin of the kudzu roots. Wash thoroughly and grind them into a pulp to obtain a mixture of starch and residue.
Kudzu powder filtering method: Filter multiple times to completely separate the starch from the residue. After filtering, the kudzu powder will have a slightly brownish color. Soak the powder in water, wait for the starch to settle at the bottom. Discard the water on top, keeping the pure white starch layer at the bottom.
Drying kudzu powder: Dry the kudzu powder under strong sunlight until it is completely dry. Avoid exposing the powder to dust to ensure product quality. If there is no sunlight, you can use a food dehydrator or fruit dryer to dry the powder.
Assessing kudzu powder quality:
- Type 1: Pure white, fine powder, which forms large blocks after drying.
- Type 2: Brittle texture, easily crumbled, opaque white color.
Tips for making standard kudzu powder: Choose a sunny day to dry the powder, which helps shorten drying time. Use a food dehydrator if weather conditions are unfavorable.
Storing kudzu powder: Store the powder in a dry, cool place, away from moisture and mold. Seal tightly in a glass jar or zip-lock bag to protect the powder from insects.
Proper procedure for mixing kudzu powder drink
Kudzu powder is known for its many health benefits, especially in helping to cool the body, beautify the skin, and support weight loss. However, the correct mixing procedure for kudzu powder is crucial to maximize its benefits and prevent clumping. Here is a detailed guide to help you mix kudzu powder properly.
Ingredients preparation
- 1 glass cup
- 1 tablespoon of kudzu powder
- 1 cup of boiling water
- Lemon juice (half a lemon)
- Stirring spoon
How to mix kudzu powder drink
Step 1: Dissolve kudzu powder: Put the kudzu powder into a glass cup. Then, slowly pour in boiling water while continuously stirring with a spoon to allow the powder to cook gradually without clumping. When the powder becomes translucent and cohesive, it means it is fully cooked.
Step 2: Add lemon juice: Once the kudzu powder is cooked, add lemon juice to the cup and stir well to harmonize the flavors. Lemon juice not only enhances the taste but also provides a large amount of vitamin C, supporting weight loss and improving metabolism.
Notes when using kudzu powder
- Drink the correct dosage: Only drink 1 glass of kudzu powder drink per day to avoid side effects like bloating or cold stomach.
- Do not use when feeling cold: Kudzu powder has a cooling nature, so people with cold stomachs or low blood pressure should limit its consumption.
- Combine with a healthy diet: Combining kudzu powder with natural foods and a balanced diet helps increase its effectiveness.
Kudzu powder is a natural food that offers significant nutritional value and pharmacological effects on health. However, proper preparation helps you avoid clumping and retain all its nutritional value. Start incorporating kudzu powder into your healthy diet today!
