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Here are five ways to benefit from adding kuzu to your diet:

1. Digestion: Kuzu is commonly used in macrobiotics for an upset stomach and acid indigestion, as it strengthens and soothes the intestinal lining.
2. Calming anxiety: Stressed or anxious? Kuzu can help calm the nerves. Doctors who practice Eastern Medicine recommend it for its stress-reducing properties.
3. Sleeplessness: Since kuzu has calming properties, it can also be used for insomnia or night terrors. For a quick remedy for sleeplessness, Chef Elliott suggests dissolving 1 tablespoon of kuzu in 1 cup apple juice and heating that over a low flame until it thickens.
4. Fevers/colds: Kuzu contains sterols and isoflavones (puerarin, daidzin, and daidzein); and puerarin has been proven to have strong antioxidant properties, much more than say vitamin E. making it an ideal remedy for helping strengthen the immune system.
5. Hangover: Kuzu is highly alkalizing, so if you’ve overdone it one night, drink some the next morning to help relieve symptoms.

Recipe

Mango Ginger Kuzu Drink

By Chef-Instructor Ann Ziata

Great for tension headaches, helps relax the nervous system and can treat insomnia.

Ingredients

• 1 cup mango juice
• 2 1/2 tablespoons kuzu
• Pinch ground ginger (or ginger juice)

Directions

1. In small pot, combine mango and kuzu.* Stir to combine well.
2. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and cook until mixture thickens.
3. Serve hot or cold.

Note: Kuzu has a chalky consistency. Always dissolve it in a small amount of cold fluid before adding it to the simmering liquid.

This post was originally published by the Natural Gourmet Institute. Learn more about today's Natural Gourmet Center.

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