WHITE YAMS
White yams…
White yams are root crops. It is full of vitamins and minerals making it a nutritious tubular vegetable. Yams are good for health. The roots of yams, particularly wild yams, contain a chemical called diosgenin. It influences the production of several useful hormones in the human body. White yams contain high levels of potassium and complex carbohydrates. They are excellent sources of manganese, copper, antioxidants, and fibre. It is loaded with many health benefits.
While yams are healthy to eat, you must cook them well before eating. Yams are generally toxic if eaten raw. The leaves and stems are poisonous too. So, you must remove them. Yams are versatile vegetables. Thus far, you may prepare the flesh by coiling, roasting, or frying. West African communities make mashed yams after boiling them. It is also pounded into a paste to use as a soup thickener.
Taste
Yams are not a type of potatoes. However, both are stem tubers and grow underground. Yams belong to a different botanical family. It belongs to a plant family of flowering vines. This group includes grasses and lilies. Whereas, potatoes belong to the nightshade family which includes tomatoes and peppers.
So, when compared to sweet potatoes, yams have a neutral and earthy taste. The taste is enhanced with cooking. However, they can be mildly sweet. Though mostly it will take on the flavour of seasoning that you may use to prepare the dish. Yam slices are often left out in the sun to dehydrate before pounding into a paste in African society. It is then used to make side dishes and to thicken soups and stews. They often make pudding from pounded yams too.
Brain and skin health
Recent research shows showing eating yams helps to enhance cognitive functions. When having cognitive disability, it may lead to numerous issues. It includes memory loss and confusion. Yams contain a compound known as diosgenin. It helps with brain functions and may improve learning abilities.
Improving skin health is one of the most prominent of eating yams. Due to its rich antioxidants, they help to rebuild skin cells. It helps to reduce oxidative damage that may be caused by free radicals. Furthermore, the vitamin C helps to enhance collagen production in the body. Collagen is an important protein that is prominent in maintaining the elasticity of the skin.
Inflammation and blood sugar
The antioxidants present in yams are beneficial in reducing chronic inflammation. It links to numerous health conditions. For example, it helps conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Yams are among the best anti-inflammatory foods. Therefore, it may help to manage chronic inflammation. Further to this, yams are known to help manage irritable bowel syndrome. It reduces the secretion of inflammatory components of the immune system too.
Yams may effectively regulate blood sugar levels. It contains resistant starch that helps to prevent blood sugar from spiking. Particularly after meals. Therefore, it helps to slow down the digestion process. It leads to a gradual release of glucose in the bloodstream.
Reputable and authentic producer
It is important to purchase yams and yam products from reputable merchants. When buying yam products, ensure the manufacturer is authentic. Therefore, look at the manufacturers’ ingredient lists. You need to ensure; they do not contain any additives or chemicals that may cause side effects.
Despite traditionally, doctors have been using yams for treating many health conditions, more research and studies are needed. It should help to determine its safety and effectiveness. Thus far, it is always prudent to consult with your medical professionals before using yams for health benefits. Otherwise, it may interact with other medicines. Hence, it may lead to some side effects.
