Benefits of Eating Yam
September 3, 2009
Yam is a nutritious vegetable that grows in most countries of the world. There are about 200 varieties of yam. The rhizome of yam is used by folk healers for treating several illnesses.
The botanical name of yam is Dioscorea villosa. In Chinese medicine the rhizome of yam is called shan yao. Often yam is mistaken for sweet potato, which is a completely different vegetable unrelated to yam.
Nutrients in yam
Yam is packed with vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, manganese and fibers.
For sexual health
In traditional medicine, yam is used for treating the sexual problems of women. Before the discovery of oral contraceptives, yam was used as a birth control pill. Yam contains diosgenin, a plant compound which increases both estrogen and progesterone secretions.
Intake of yam is beneficial for the reproductive health of women. It can reduce the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Yam could also help to heal the symptoms of menopause. It can reduce morning sickness in pregnant women. After abortion, intake of yam could help to balance the hormonal levels in the body. Yam is also good for the breast.
The plant compounds found in this vegetable is believed to help in breast enhancement. It helps to develop healthy breast tissues. It is believed that yam could even prevent breast cancer, breast cyst and fibroids.
Although, consumption of yam is widely associated with pregnancy prevention, but nonetheless, folk healers suggest that regular intake of very small amounts of this rhizome between the first day of menstrual bleeding and the time of the ovulation, could increase fertility in women. Moreover, yam is useful in regularizing menstrual cycles.
Good for the heart
Vitamin B6, potassium and fibers present in yam, make it a heart friendly vegetable. Vitamin B6 helps to lower the level of homocysteine, an amino acid produced as a by-product of metabolism, which is associated with heart diseases. Individuals with high level of homocysteine are susceptible to heart attack. Yam is also a rich source of potassium.
Potassium helps to normalize the blood pressure level. Low blood pressure level is essential to prevent heart attacks and stroke. The fiber present in yam is essential for eliminating the bad cholesterol from the body and preventing cholesterol deposition in the coronary arteries. By reducing blood sugar level, the dietary fibers prevent heart diseases associated with diabetes.
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