Herbs
Sabudana Health Benefits: Sabudana is known as the "Cassava roots" and "Sago." It is widely being used in parts of India. Sabudana is a starch extracted from the roots of tapioca and then processed for the shape it is. It is somewhat similar to the herb Potato. It is being used as a thickening agent in soups and sauce as well. But unlike potato, it has no nutrients present in it.
Sabudana is highly rich in Carbohydrates and calories also. In India, it is mostly consumed during Navratri. A lot of recipes are prepared using Sabudana. The most famous one of them is Sabudana Khichdi. It is used in the treatment of diseases in both Scientific and Ayurvedic. Excessive consumption of Sabudana can be harmful and can have few side effects also.
The Etymology of the Word “Sabudana”
Metroxylon is the genus name of Sabudana. It is derived from the Greek language. It means Heartwood. In the English language, "Sago" is the name that is used to call Sabudana. Sago was named after Sagu, which the name of local food. There are numerous names for the herb Sabudana, such as Indian Sago, Sago, Chavvari, etc.
Historical Uses of Sabudana
For centuries, the medicinal herb Sabudana has been used to tend to health problems and diseases such as low energy levels, diarrhea, poor digestion. The herb also helps treat people from aging as it has got the anti-aging properties present in Sabudana.
It is said to contain carbohydrates and calories in large quantities but not so many nutrients. A little amount of Sabudana will give one a full feeling. It has been used to treat diseases and health conditions for a long time in scientific treatment and Ayurvedic treatments.
Due to its good qualities and properties, it has been considered as a Rasayana and used widely in the Indian Ayurveda. It helps in gaining weight and also maintains the youthfulness of a person, both young and old.
Sabudana Benefits: Benefits of Using Sabudana in Ayurvedic Treatment
Various types of scientific studies and experiments prove that the consumption of Sabudana is said to have numerous and different kinds of benefits for every person. Although it doesn't have all nutrients usually present in other herbs, the Sabudana has its uses and benefits. None can deny the fact about Sabudana.
Sabudana is completely free of gluten and is not allergic to anybody. People usually consume it to increase their energy levels, and since Sabudana has a good amount of calories and carbohydrates. In India, people eat Sabudana during a fast. It also aids one gain a lot of weight, and Sabudana is also a herb that can easily be digested without any pain or effort. The usage of Sabudana also controls the blood pressure of a person. The low cholesterol present in Sabudana makes it a good and healthy food to consume.
Treating Diseases or Health Problems Using Sabudana
We will now know how the Sabudana is helping one treat each kind of health condition and disease. We will also know about what are all the health conditions that can be cured with the help of the consumption of Sabudana in both Scientific Treatment and Ayurvedic Treatment.
● Poor Digestion
Science
Ayurveda
According to scientific experts, Indigestion or Poor digestion is caused due to a weak digestive system.
Consuming Sabudana regularly will help correct the digestive system as it is light and easy to digest.
The Ayurvedic experts believe that poor digestion is due to Agnimandya. Due to the Laghu property present in Sabudana, it makes the process of digestion easy and effortless.
● Lack of Energy
Science
Ayurveda
Many experiments conducted have proven that the medicinal herb Sabudana is an excellent way of increasing a person's energy level.
Sabudana has a good amount of starch, a quality to increase a person's energy instantly, and that is why people in India consume it after breaking their fast.
According to Ayurvedic experts, the utilization of Sabudana in a regular manner can have a great effect on your energy levels.
It has the quality to increase and balance the Pitta dosha quickly and instantly. Due to this, the people who are weak and are lack energy are advised to consume Sabudana.
● Constipation
Science
Ayurveda
The consumption of Sabudana relieves one from constipation, say the science experts. It is so because the medicinal herb, Sabudana is rich in dietary fiber that aids in rebalancing the gut bacteria and making it healthy.
In Ayurvedic treatment, it is trusted that the condition of constipation is Agnimandya, a weak digestive system. But the Ayurvedic experts ensure that the Sabudana can cure constipation due to its Laghu property; it can be easily digested. Regular consumption of Sabudana is advised for better results.
● Hypertension
Science
Ayurveda
Hypertension is due to the increase in the Blood pressure levels in the body—the consumption of Sabudana aids in lowering and maintaining proper blood pressure in a person.
Sabudana can lower blood pressure as it has a good amount of potassium present in it.
This prevents one from other issues such as stress, anxiety as well.
In Ayurveda, hypertension is known as Raktagata Vata. It happens mainly when a person is stressed or anxious.
The Ayurvedic experts say that the consumption of Sabudana will reduce the blood pressure level of a person and relieve them by controlling feelings that cause hypertension.
The Ayurvedic experts say that the consumption of Sabudana will reduce the blood pressure level of a person and relieve them by controlling feelings that cause hypertension.
Forms of Sabudana in Ayurvedic Treatment With Recommended Dosage
The Sabudana is available in a lot of forms. It can be cooked as Tikki, Upma, or Puri. But the most preferred form of Sabudana is in the form of dessert and the main course. Sabudana is not consumed in its raw form. It is best when it is cooked. The two best-cooked forms of Sabudana are as follows.
● Sabudana Khichdi: Take ½ to 1 cup of Sabudana once a day
● Sabudana Kheer: Take ½ cup of Sabudana once or maximum twice a day.
In case you have consulted with your physician, you can carry on with it as prescribes to you. If otherwise, you may adhere as is mentioned above.
Types of Ayurvedic Care With Sabudana
1. Sabudana Khichdi
The Sabudana Khichdi is an Indian main course dish that is completely enriched with carbohydrates and starch. This form of Sabudana provides one with instant energy. An energy booster it is. It has a cooling effect on your digestive system and is also easily digested. It is added to certain spices and cooked for health.
Tips:
- Before cooking, ½ cup of Sabudana has to be soaked in water for a while
- Take a pan and add refined oil to it
- Add all kinds of vegetables as per your wish
- Saute for a few minutes
- Add Sabudana and spices to it now
- Stir continuously till its completely cooked
- Serve it hot
2. Sabudana Kheer
The Sabudana Kheer is not the main course but a dessert that many people in India love. Consumption of Kheer lets one have an instant boost in energy and also a cooling effect. It is added with milk, sugar, and nuts and can be consumed hot and cold.
Tips:
- ½ to 1 cup of Sabudana to be soaked in water for a while
- Add sabudana to 2 cups of boiled milk and stir constantly
- When it is slightly thick, add sugar to it and keep stirring
- Add a few nuts that are fried in ghee
- Serve it hot or cold.
Side Effects of Using Sabudana
Although numerous benefits of Sabudana were discussed, certain side effects are possible to occur if Sabudana is consumed excessively. Some of the side effects that are likely to occur are as follows:
● Acute or chronic toxicity
● Increase sugar level
● Vomiting
● Liver damage
Both the Ayurvedic experts and Scientific experts recommend consuming Sabudana only after consulting a doctor or a physician to cause the mentioned side effects. Especially, people who are sensitive and allergic are advised to consult before consuming.
Precautionary Guide While Using Sabudana
For people with low blood pressure
- View of science experts
According to scientific experts, Sabudana should not be consumed more than the required quantity as it can lower the blood pressure in a person. Hence, people with low blood pressure need to have a constant eye on their blood pressure.
For Diabetic Patients
- View of science experts
The science experts advise that the Sabudana be taken to a limited amount as it can lower a person's glucose level. So, people consuming it must be aware of their glucose level.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sabudana
Can Sabudana be used to gain muscles?
Yes, Sabudana can repair damaged cells and tissues and develop muscles. Due to the presence of protein in Sabudana, it helps gain and grow muscles in a person.
Is Sabudana advisable for pregnant ladies?
There is no proper evidence to support this question. It is recommended that one consults with her doctor before consumption of Sabudana in any form.