Though the taproot of burdock is used for culinary purposes, it also has medicinal properties. The following Buzzle write-up provides information on burdock root nutrition and health benefits.
Burdock is a biennial plant from the Asteraceae family. It is native to Asia and Europe. Its taproot is consumed as a vegetable. In fact, these plants are often grown for their roots. Recognizing the root is quite easy, as it is grows about a meter long and is around 2 cm broad. It is pungent and sweet in taste. It is commonly used in many popular dishes in Asia. It is popularly known as ‘Oriental ginseng’ in Japan.
Health Benefits
Apart from the culinary uses, burdock root is also well-known for its medicinal qualities. It’s not just the root, even the leaves and the seeds are used due to their therapeutic nature. In traditional Chinese medicine, the root is used for alleviating the symptoms of common cold and constipation. It is also believed to be an aphrodisiac and a blood purifier. It can be used in the form of tincture, pills, extract, or herbal infusions.
The active ingredients of the root include inulin, polyacetylene, tannin, polyphenols, etc. While polyphenols have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, polyacetylene has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is believed that the use of oil extracted from the root can prove to be beneficial for dry, acne-prone skin.
This plant also contains inulin, which is a dietary fiber. This is the reason why using the root might help in alleviating the symptoms of indigestion or constipation. It is believed that inulin might help lower blood sugar levels. Though there’s insufficient evidence regarding drug interactions, it is believed that it may interact with blood-thinning medication, diuretics, or medicines for diabetes.
Nutrition Facts
The following table provides data on the nutritional value of burdock root.
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Protein | 2.6 g |
| Water | 94.6 g |
| Ash | 1.2 g |
| Calories | Amount |
| Total Calories | 110 |
| Calories from carbohydrates | 101 |
| Calories from fat | 1.5 |
| Calories from protein | 7.3 |
| Carbohydrates | Amount |
| Total Carbohydrates | 26.4 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.2 g |
| Sugars | 4.4 g |
| Fats and Fatty Acids | Amount |
| Total Fat | 0.2 g |
| Vitamins | Amount |
| Vitamin A | 0.0 I.U. |
| Vitamin C | 3.3mg |
| Vitamin E (alpha-Tocopherol) | 0.6 mg |
| Vitamin K | 2.5 mcg |
| Niacin | 0.4 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.3 mg |
| Folate | 25.0 mcg |
| Pantothenic Acid | 0.4 mg |
| Betaine | 0.2 mg |
| Minerals | 0 |
| Calcium | 61.2 mg |
| Iron | 1.0 mg |
| Magnesium | 48.8 mg |
| Phosphorus | 116 mg |
| Potassium | 450 mg |
| Zinc | 0.5 mg |
| Copper | 0.1 mg |
| Manganese | 0.3 mg |
| Selenium | 7.0 mcg |
Burdock root is rich in vitamins, proteins, phosphorous, iron, potassium, inulin, cellulose, folate etc. So, reap its health benefits by including it in your diet.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a nutritionist.