Summer drinks that are good for people with blood sugar control and kidney problems.

Does drinking kudzu powder cause kidney stones?

The kudzu plant offers significant health benefits, especially its root. After processing, kudzu root drinks are not only known as a delicious treat but also as a beneficial beverage for people managing blood sugar and kidney problems.

Currently, there are mainly two forms available on the market. Dried kudzu root in thin slices is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. Kudzu starch is in the form of a fine white powder, obtained through grinding, soaking, filtering, and draining off the sour water.

According to traditional medicine practitioner Bui Dac Sang ( Hanoi Traditional Medicine Association), in traditional medicine, kudzu root has a sweet taste, a neutral nature, and the functions of relieving heat, colds, and thirst. It is a valuable medicine for treating colds with fever, measles, boils, thirst, and is very effective in relieving hangovers.

According to modern medicine, kudzu powder has antipyretic effects, improves cerebral and coronary artery blood circulation, lowers blood sugar, regulates lipid disorders, and lowers blood pressure. In addition, it helps prevent arrhythmias, detoxifies, protects liver cells, fights aging, and supports the prevention of respiratory viruses. Kudzu powder is beneficial for people needing to control blood sugar, those with kidney failure, etc.

Many people mistakenly believe that kudzu powder is similar to lime powder, thinking that ingestion will cause sediment to form stones. However, this is a misconception. Medical literature has not recorded any cases of kidney stones caused by consuming kudzu powder. The components of kudzu powder contain absolutely no active substances that cause sediment deposition to form stones.

Kidney stones form due to increased concentrations of dissolved substances in urine such as calcium, oxalate, potassium, etc., which then crystallize due to individual predisposition or lifestyle habits.

According to nutritionists, although kudzu root is beneficial, caution is needed when consuming it as it can cause adverse reactions. One glass of kudzu root tea per day should not be consumed. Additionally, the following should be noted when using it:

+ Do not mix with honey, as this combination may cause unwanted toxic reactions.

+ It's best to drink kudzu root tea in the morning, avoiding drinking it in the evening.

+ Cassava starch has a high cooling effect, so it should be used sparingly in young children with weak digestive systems as it can easily cause stomach upset and diarrhea if consumed raw. Therefore, cassava starch should be cooked thoroughly before giving it to children to reduce its cooling properties and make it easier for them to absorb.

+ For pregnant women, drinking kudzu root tea is very good if their body is feeling hot. However, if they are feeling cold, tired, or have symptoms of low blood pressure, they should not drink it.

How to make a refreshing kudzu root and lime milk drink for summer

Cassava starch drink is sold on the market at a fairly cheap price, only from 10,000 VND/glass. Following the instructions of Ms. Duyen Tran, you can create delicious variations of cassava starch drink as follows:

Ingredients: 2-3 tablespoons tapioca starch, kumquat, 40ml hot water, condensed milk, 100-150ml fresh milk, and sugar syrup.

Instructions: Dissolve 2 tablespoons of tapioca starch in hot water until well combined. Add condensed milk and fresh milk, then shake well with ice cubes. Afterwards, add 1-2 kumquats to enhance the aroma and add a refreshing sourness.

How to distinguish between real and fake kudzu starch

For optimal health benefits, we need to choose pure kudzu powder.

Pure kudzu starch powder typically comes in large, sharp-edged granules, pure white in color, with a distinctive natural aroma. When bitten, the granules are crispy, dissolve quickly in the mouth, leave a warm sensation on the tongue, and are completely free of grit.

Low-quality products have a slightly cloudy color, lack aroma or have a very strong odor (due to preservatives), and feel soft when bitten.