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Yam and It Nutritional Benefit

Yam is any of several plant species of the genus Dioscorea (family Dioscoreaceae) grown for their edible tubers. Yams are native to warmer regions of both hemispheres, and several species are cultivated as staple food crops in the tropics. In certain tropical cultures, notably in West Africa and New Guinea, the yam is the primary agricultural commodity and the focal point of elaborate rituals. Yams are consumed as cooked starchy vegetables. They are often boiled and then mashed into a sticky paste or dough, but they may also be fried, roasted, or baked in the manner of potatoes or sweet potatoes, which are unrelated.

Yam and It Nutritional Benefit
Yam and It Nutritional Benefit

Physical Description

Yam plants have thick tubers (generally a development of the base of the stem) which often have thick, almost barklike skin. The long, slender, annual, climbing stems bear lobed or entire leaves that are either alternate or opposite. The unisexual flowers are borne in long clusters. The flowers are generally small and individually inconspicuous though collectively showy. Each consists of a greenish bell-shaped or flat perianth of six pieces, enclosing six or fewer stamens in the male flowers and surmounting a three-celled three-winged ovary in the female flowers. The ovary ripens into a membranous capsule, bursting by three valves to liberate numerous flattish or globose seeds.

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Yam Nutrition

Nutrients per serving

Yam nutrition per a 5-inch yam:

  • Calories: 112
  • Fat: 0 grams
  • Cholesterol: 0 grams
  • Sodium: 4 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 26 grams
  • Fiber: 4 grams
  • Protein: 2 grams

A single yam packs a whopping 369% of your daily vitamin A requirement. Yam vitamins and minerals also include vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

White Yam
White Yam

Yam Benefits

Yams are rich in vitamins and minerals and are a nutritious food staple in many places around the world. They have many other reported health benefits, though most of the research on this has been on compounds extracted from the yam root. Research is in its early stages. But it has looked at these possible benefits:

Eating Yam May Prevent and Ease Arthritis Symptoms

Wild yam root contains diosgenin, which has been shown to limit the progression of both osteoporosis arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In one study, mice who were given wild yam extract daily for 90 days showed a drop in inflammation and, at higher doses, pain levels. We need much more research to determine whether it might have these same effects in humans.

May Reduce Cholesterol

It has been observed that when diosgenin taken from wild yam root was given to mice for 4 weeks, it lowered both their overall cholesterol levels and their LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Researchers say their results suggest that diosgenin could lower body weight and cholesterol levels.

May Improve Hormone Balance

Scientists can use the diosgenin in yams to produce estrogen, progesterone, cortisone, and other hormones for medical use.

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Conclusion

Yams are rich in vitamins and minerals and are a nutritious food staple in many part of the world. The Nutritional benefit of yam include, sources of energy, it helps in reducing cholesterol, it prevent and ease arthritis symptoms.

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