What is the kuzu and what is it for?

China and Japan are very interesting countries, perhaps their cultures are quite honorable and over the years, these nations grow faster than Western countries, even in the nutritional field.

In this article we will learn about a crop native to both Japanese countries, known as kuzu , including its benefits but also what contraindications it contains.

What is the kuzu?

Kuzu, also called “kudzu” or “Pueraria Lobata”, is a set of flowers that live on the plant of the same name, an Asian crop of the ” Fabaceae” family whose use dates back approximately 200 years, especially in traditional medicine. from China.

Although evidence has been presented that Kuzu can alleviate many problems in the body, it is also true that it prevents intrinsic disorders in the human mind, such as alcoholism, as well as curing measles, among other health disorders.

Important: Thanks to numerous analyses, it is known that “The first Kuzu documents date from the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-8 AD) in whose materia medica (Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing) it was recommended for fever, diarrhea and emesis” . (1)

What properties does the kuzu have?

Kuzu is a plant very rich in components such as isoflavone , a chemical with a boost for estrogenic activity (hormonal effect), apart from having daidzein , another compound that protects the immune system as an antioxidant.

Besides, the kuzu has a minimum value of fats (exactly 0.1 g) as well as the Carbohydrates (measured in 81.5 g approximately), with them a certain level of energy is also provided for the organism.

Note: One study supports this information by noting that “Kuzu is known as a food in China and is also used as an herb in traditional Chinese medicine . ” (two)

What is the kuzu for?

The kuzu can be considered as a great medicinal plant , beyond Asian countries like China and Japan, there are others who consider it that way equally. Here are the benefits of kuzu:

1. Reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases

This plant is extremely rich in daidzein , a chemical compound that has anti-inflammatory characteristics, quite favorable for cases of cardiovascular diseases.

Like the effect caused by certain flavonoids , kuzu improves blood circulation , being a crucial factor in preventing conditions related to coronary arteries, thrombosis, or even a stroke.

2. Fight infections

Kuzu is an excellent alternative for strengthening the immune system , which, linked to white blood cells , is a primary defense system for the body, one that also requires proper care.

You should know: Beyond just the antioxidant effect on the body (including the main layers of the skin), kuzu also has the ability to improve the absorption and transformation of nutrients, which activates the immune system, therefore achieving prevent a large number of infections.

3. Improves respiratory disorders

The kuzu has the ability to alleviate respiratory disorders or conditions , in which we find, for example, bronchitis, dry cough or a state of common flu , which often do not allow a person to breathe properly.

These conditions are related to a quantity of mucus in the respiratory cavities. The kuzu has the property of dilating this accumulation of mucosa , which softens the respiratory walls, thanks to the antioxidants, as well as the fiber.

To highlight: Thanks to a study, the following is known: “Respiratory infections (RI) are very frequent conditions. They constitute an important cause of morbidity and mortality at all ages . (3)

4. Relieves intestinal and digestive conditions

Kuzu has an impressive capacity to alleviate annoying digestive or intestinal tract related problems. Just as pathologies such as constipation , which occurs in the intestine, become.

This is because kuzu has a considerable amount of fiber, a special element to dilate the digestive system enough, promotes the proper functioning of the intestine, as well as keeping its mucous walls soft and voluminous.

5. Detoxifies the liver

Apart from all of the above, kuzu has the ability to hydrate the intestinal flora and eliminate toxic agents that are found in the liver.

You should know: The liver is an important organ to clean the blood and even purify it from the presence of alcohol intake, because it is the organ that receives it the most.

Curiously, kuzu accelerates the process of alcohol intake, helping to prevent excessive consumption in those who suffer from alcoholism. Which ends up being a great treatment to eliminate problems related to excessive alcohol consumption.

6. Promotes visual health

Kuzu has an interesting vasodilator effect , which in common situations is found in medications that try to dilate blood vessels and improve blood circulation, this can also promote vision.

Note: It should be remembered that kuzu prevents cardiovascular conditions , which are a direct cause of vision loss, this is known since many parts of the body do not receive enough blood and, failing that, almost no oxygenation.

7. Reduces stress, nervousness and anxiety

Kuzu is a great relaxant for many people who have problems in common, which are called stress, nervousness and anxiety , classified as very common psychological states in society.

To highlight: Being highly consumed in Asian nations, kuzu promotes a very full relaxation effect, which can alleviate common problems such as migraine , rapid heartbeat caused by stress or agitation and muscle tension that can be suffered.

8. Improves the symptoms of menopause

The isoflavones in kuzu are not simple ornamental components, they are capable of improving or alleviating menstrual problems and disorders that women may suffer as they age.

As said at the beginning, this component in kuzu activates the estrogenic process in women, since they are directly responsible for characteristics such as the onset of menstruation, therefore they can alleviate the signs of menopause in those who suffer from it.

9. Reduces headaches, muscle and bone pain

Kuzu has the ability to reduce headaches, as well as muscle tension or bone problems (referring to the skeletal structure or bone tissue).

Note: This happens thanks to the transformation of nutrients, apart from the fact that the kuzu has carbohydrates and minerals . These strengthen and nourish muscle and bone tissue, complemented by antioxidant effects that give vitality to tissue cells.

How do you take kuzu?

We can find kuzu in two different ways , which are in the pharmaceutical field and in everyday cooking, as follows:

1. In capsules

It can be obtained in capsules, which contain 100 g of “Pueraria lobata” , in boxes with a maximum of 60 capsules. It is advisable to take three capsules a day, in a balanced way and without exceeding the limit.

2. Powder

Kuzu can appear as a deep white powder (not to be confused with salt or sugar), which is used as a seasoning in a variety of foods, mostly soups and stews.

What contraindications and side effects does kuzu have?

The kuzu, with all its wonders, also has certain contraindications , mainly it should not be used in diabetics, like pregnant states or patients with liver problems (such as hepatitis), in addition to the fact that it can interfere with birth control pills .

Important: Kuzu has certain side effects (mostly with pills), in which, if care is not taken, you can suffer from blood clotting problems , as well as cause an accumulation of acetaldehyde (alcohol metabolite).

Key Findings

• Kuzu is a crop native to China and Japan.
• It is considered a medicinal plant for its properties and great benefits for the body.
• Kuzu favors cardiovascular , visual, liver, intestinal and respiratory health.
• Kuzu is a plant that is available in the form of a white powder and pharmaceutical capsules.
• It has certain contraindications and side effects in a certain number of patients.