Yam is a rhizome and it is full of starch. There are about 200 varieties of this vegetable. It is long and cylindrical in shape and it is rough to touch. Yam is a rich source of energy and also Vitamin B Complex, Vitamin C, Fiber, Minerals, Antioxidants and complex carbohydrates. Vitamin A is found in small quantities in this vegetable.
Yam is a good source of energy and each of 100 grams contain 118 calories. It is a rich source of minerals like copper, Iron, calcium and phosphorus. 100 grams of yam provides 816 mg of potassium.
Benefits of Yam for Health
Improves Bowel Habits and Aids Digestion
Yam is good for preventing constipation because of the occurrence of dietary in it. This fiber is also helping in decreasing the bad cholesterol in the body. It is being rich in potassium, Yam helps in appropriate digestion of food and improves muscle contractions of the stomach for the smooth movement of the bowel.
Energy and Anti-oxidant Source
Yam is being rich in compound of carbohydrates and fiber, Yam slows down the rate at which the sugars are absorbed by the body. The fiber present in yam makes it an ideal food for those on a weight loss diet. Yam makes your stomach full and prevents you from over eating.
Manganese present in this vegetable is important for carbohydrate metabolism and also provides you with increased energy. It is also having anti-oxidant properties.
Cancer deterrent
Yam is very good for preventing cancer, especially colon cancer. The dietary fiber present in the yam helps in preventing the toxins from getting accumulated on the colon mucosa and thus it prevent colon cancer. Yam is also containing Vitamin A, which will protect your body from oral cavity cancer and lung cancer.
Increases Nutrient absorption of the body
Consuming yam juice regularly helps the body to absorb the nutrients more efficiently. It is also helping in keeping the cells healthy by shielding the enzymes needed by them. Yam juice makes it easier for the body to absorb all the vitamins and nutrients.
Low Glycemic Index Healthy food
The low glycemic index of yam makes it an idyllic food for the diabetics. They can have it without any fear that the level of blood glucose may increase. Yam causes a rise in the level of blood sugar very slowly and therefore it is very safe for diabetic patients.
Source of antioxidants
Yam is rich in antioxidants, along with anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin C and beta carotene that is present in Yam is helping in destroying free radicals that cause cancer. It is also very advantageous for people suffering from arthritis and asthma.
Treats Tespiratory problems and Heals Skin Diseases
Yam contains allantion that has a healing property when applied topically on the skin. It can cure boils, ulcers and other diseases of the skin. A decoction made from yam is very helpful to get you relief from the cough, cold, respiratory problems and bronchial irritation.
Benefits of Yam for Skin
Delays Sings of Ageing
Yam is rich source of beta carotene, antioxidants, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C that are helping in preventing the signs of ageing like Fine lines, wrinkles and so on.
Stimulates Collagen production
Yam can protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun and other environmental problems, because of the presence of antioxidants in it. It will improve the production of collagen, thus retaining the electricity and smoothness of the skin. It is also help in repairing the damaged skin and improves the texture of the skin.
Benefits of Yam for Hairs
Stop Premature Hair Graying
Yam is being a rich source of Vitamin B6, Yam aids in increased production of melanin, which provides colour to the hair. Thus Yam is preventing premature graying of hairs.
Good for Hair Growth
The presence of beta carotene, Vitamin A and anthocyanins will make Yam an outstanding food for healthy hair. If your body is deficient in beta carotene, your hair will turn dull & dry and flakes may form on the scalp leading to the structure of dandruff.
Improves Blood Circulation in Scalp
Yam is rich in iron and this is helping the RBC’s in the blood to carry more oxygen to the scalp. This in turn increases the blood circulation in the scalp. This is resulting in healthy and strong hair. If your body may form on the scalp leading to the formation of dandruff.
Hydrates Scalp
Vitamin A present in the yam helps the scalp to produce natural oil and also prevents its loss from the scalp. As a consequence, the scalp will always remain hydrated and you will not suffer from hair fall or hair hairline fracture. It is also keeping your hair silky, shiny and smooth.