Yams are wholesome root vegetables and India has a plethora of them -- kandh or purple yam, suran/jimikand/oal or elephant foot yam, ghuiya/arbi or taro root
Packed with essential nutrients, offering a mix of vitamins, minerals and energy-giving components, when you should include any of these yams in your diet because they may support well-being, ease menopausal discomfort and help keep cholesterol levels in check, says Healthline.
8 reasons why you need to eat yams!
1. Bone And Joint Support
Wild yam root contains a natural compound called diosgenin, believed to play a role in slowing the development of conditions like osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, states WebMD.
2. Natural Menopause Ally
The vegetable is often explored as a plant-based option, instead of hormone therapy, to manage menopausal changes, as it's thought to aid in balancing oestrogen levels, which may ease common symptoms like hot flushes and discomfort, says Medical News Today.
3. Yam Varieties: A Nutritional Snapshot
Different yam species have distinct nutritional strengths. Dioscorea dumetorum or kanta alu, found in Odisha and Jharkhand, stands out, with about 8.7 gm protein per 100 gm and roughly 240.2 mg potassium per 100 gm.
Meanwhile, D. praehensilis is notably rich in carbohydrates, providing around 80.9 gm per 100 gm, while D. bulbifera or ratalu, delivers the highest calcium content at close to 40.1 mg per 100 gm, as per National Institutes of Health, the US government agency for research.
According to NIH, Amorphophallus paeoniifolius or suran is very beneficial to the gastrointestinal system solving problems like hemorrhoids, vomiting, dyspepsia.
4. Yam Helps Lower Cholesterol
Diosgenin was linked to reduced total cholesterol as well as lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol levels, informs WebMD.
Researchers also noted potential effects on body weight, though further studies in humans are still required before firm conclusions can be drawn.
5. Cognitive Boost
Diosgenin is also thought to support memory and overall cognitive performance, making them a nourishing addition for brain wellbeing, says Healthline.
6. Gentle Relief For Cramps
Yam is often valued for its potential muscle-relaxing qualities and these properties may help ease spasms, making it a natural option some people consider for soothing PMS-related cramps and discomfort, suggests Medical News Today.
7. Antioxidant Advantage
This vegetable species is packed with antioxidants that may help calm inflammation linked to several health conditions, states Healthline. That said, further studies in people are still needed to confirm these potential benefits.
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