Health Benefits of Water Yam
Water yam is scientifically known as Dioscorea alata. It is tuberous root vegetable that originated from the tropical regions of Asia, Africa and the Caribbean. Water yam can be found in white, yellow, purple and pink colours. It is low in sodium. It contains the following vitamins (A,B,C and E), minerals (such as phosphorus, magnesium, copper, manganese) as well as dietary fiber. It is also a source of COMPLEX carbohydrate. Nigeria produces 70% of the world water yam.
In this article you’ll come across the health benefits of water yam.
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Health Benefits of Water Yam
(1) Regulate Blood Sugar Levels:
Water yam has a low glycemic index. Water yam is a starch vegetable that contains dietary fiber. It also contains complex starch that is gradually released and slowly absorbed in to the blood stream. This help in maintaining normal blood glucose levels.
(2) High Fiber Content:
This makes water yam good diet for people that suffer from pile and constipation. It contains dietary fiber that soften stools which makes it easy for bowl movement. It also prevent indigestion and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
(3) Lower Blood Cholesterol:
According to International Food Research Journal, modified water yam flour had the potency in lowering blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This show it has hypocholesteromic fiber content.
(4) Reduce Inflammation:
Antioxidants in water yam may help reduce chronic inflammation. Eating anti-inflammatory foods such as water yam will assist you in the management of chronic inflammation which is associated with an increased risk of health conditions such as heart disease, obesity and diabetes.
(5) Healthy Eye Sight:
Water yam contains vitamin A, C and E that enhance healthy vision. It boost the immune system. It lower your chances of suffering from macular degeneration that can result in blindness.
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(6) Lower Blood Pressure:
When it comes to the prevention and management of hypertension water yam is important. Water yam is heart friendly food. It contains potassium, magnesium and calcium. It is also low in sodium. Water yam lowers both the systolic and diastolic readings. In other words, it lowers high blood pressure.
(7) Brain Health:
Water yam is high in potassium mineral that enhance the function of the brain. Potassium regulate nerve activity of the brain.
(8) High in Antioxidants:
Fresh water yam contains high level of vitamin C that destroys free radicals. It prevents skin cell damages that result in dark spots and wrinkles. It also regenerates damaged skin,produces collagen and making the skin smooth and elastic. It contains allantoin which speed up healing when topically applied on abscesses and boils.
(9) Good for Obese People:
Water yam is rich in dietary fiber. It is low in calories. Water yam contains complex starch that gradually release and slowly absorb it in to the blood stream. It reduces appetite and promote weight loss.
(10) Cardiovascular Diseases:
Water yam contains vitamin B6 that reduces the chances of heart diseases. The body needs vitamin B6 to break down a substance called homocysteine. Too much homocysteine can result in heart attack. Homocysteine damages the blood vessel walls.
(11) Digestive Health:
According to research, resistance starch in water yam may improved digestive enzymes that break down foods. It also increases the number of good bacteria in your gut.
This article is for educational purpose and is not meant to be a substitute where the service of a dietician or medical professional is urgently needed.
Lastly, water yam is a starchy vegetable that can be found in several colours. It is great sources of fiber, minerals and vitamins. Water yam is easy to prepare and add to your diet.
