Health Benefit of Yam
Although they are considered to be a starchy vegetable, yams are made up of complex carbohydrates and dietary fibre allowing for slow uptake to keep blood sugar levels.
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The vitamin A that is converted into beta-carotene when eating yams is not as spectacular as those in sweet potatoes, but the antioxidants they provide are exceptional.
Heart health
Yam is a good source of Vitamin B6 which is needed by the body to break down a substance called homocysteine, which can damage blood vessels walls.
High levels of homocysteine can also lead to heart attack despite having low levels of cholesterol. Thus, having a good supply of Vitamin B6 in the body is believed to reduce the risk of developing heart diseases.
Reduces risk of cancer
The dietary fibre nature of yam helps reduce bad cholesterol levels by binding to it in the intestines and lower colon cancer risk by preventing toxic compounds in the food from adhering to the colon mucosa.
Additionally, being a good source of complex carbohydrate, it regulates steady rise in blood sugar levels.
Source of vitamins
Yam contains small amounts of vitamin-A and β-carotene levels, carotenes convert into vitamin-A inside the body, both compounds are powerful antioxidants. These vitamins provide functions like maintaining healthy mucosa and skin, night vision, growth and protection from lung and oral cavity cancers.
Source of minerals
In addition to its being a good source of vitamins, yam is also loaded with minerals such as copper, calcium, potassium, iron, manganese, and phosphorus.
It offers a good amount of Potassium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids which helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure by countering hypertensive effects of sodium.
Regulates blood sugar level
Being a good source of complex carbohydrate, consuming yam also helps to regulate steady rise in blood sugar levels. And for that reason, yam is recommended as low glycemic index healthy food.
