Yams are recently being re-discovered as a great source of several essential vitamins and minerals. They are high in beta carotene and Vitamins B1 and B6 which are beneficial to people with heart problems. It works by repairing damaged blood vessels. Yams are also high in potassium which is good for controlling cholesterol and blood pressure. Yams are also great source of fiber, manganese and carbohydrates not to mention Vitamin A, Calcium and Vitamin C.
There is always a great confusion between yams and sweet potatoes. Technically they are both called or often referred to as sweet potatoes. But always remember that the flesh or the inside of yams is orange in color white sweet potatoes are white.
Because of the recent craze about juicing, expect a lot of health benefits with yam juice. Daily consumption of yams can increase nutrient absorption of the body. It can also protect valuable enzymes needed by the body for healthier cells and maintaining the good condition of our bodily system. Juicing is so effective because all the vitamins and nutrients of fruits and vegetables are easily absorbed by the body because it’s already in liquid form.
Weight loss and management
Recent studies were conducted in several universities in the US and Japan. The studies revealed that one of the active components of Yams, diosgenin inhibits inflammatory responses of fat cells in the human body. It can help in weight control.
Brain Power
Recent studies published in the “American Journal of Chinese Medicine” in 2009 showed that Yams have the ability to increase learning and memory capacity in the human brain. According to the study, after six weeks of yam intake, there was significant increase in the cognitive abilities of the subjects. It is believed that the unique anti oxidant enzymes present in yams are responsible the increased cognitive response.
Because of this study a lot of people are now hopeful about Alzheimer’s disease. It believed that with more research and studies, Yams and sweet potatoes alike will someday give us the answer and the medicine to cure this very debilitating disease.
Healthy Digestion
Yams have an amount of potassium. It aids in the healthy digestion which greatly is needed by people with IBD or Irritable Bowel Disorder. The role of potassium as electrolyte is very important in stimulating the smooth muscle contractions in the stomach as well as in the large intestine creating a healthy environment for good digestion. By adding yams to your regular diet, you can prevent IBD and or prevent it from getting worse and eventually eliminating it altogether for those who are already suffering from it.
The Big “C”
There are also studies being conducted about the ability of the health components of Yams to possibly cure cancer because of the many enzymes, vitamins and minerals that it contains. By juicing yams, you can actually get all of its health benefits with a very minimal loss in its nutritional values.
20/20
Vitamin A is one if the main vitamins found in yams. By juicing it, you can be sure that your eye sight will be healthy (as long as you also follow the advice on how to keep your eyes healthy). Yams may even improve it if you are already having problems with your visions.
Yams are very humble vegetable (root crop). They are not expensive and can be found in most markets and grocery stores. But its nutritional health value is so much that you just can’t afford not to buy it and juice it.
