Yams are tuber vegetables that are frequently confused with sweet potatoes. Yams are less sweet and more starchy than sweet potatoes. Like sweet potatoes, they feature white, yellow, purple, or pink flesh. The colour of the yam is determined by its maturity. Yellow, orange, and purple flesh yams are strong in antioxidants, complex carbs, and vitamins, but white yams are high in potassium. They have numerous health benefits. For example, they are high in resistant fibre, making them excellent food for digestion and weight loss. Yams aid to minimise blood sugar increases after a heavy meal. Furthermore, they have a number of other nutritional properties.
1. Promotes Brain Health
Consuming yams may help your brain. Yams contain a chemical known as diosgenin, which has been shown to increase neuron growth and improve brain function. Diosgenin has also been shown to boost memory and learning ability in mice in maze testing. More research in this area, however, is required to completely understand how yams may help the brain function.
2. Have Anti-Cancer Characteristics
Cancer is caused by aberrant cell proliferation. Cancer is also caused by oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Yams are high in antioxidants such as phenols, flavonoids, and vitamin C. These antioxidants have cancer-fighting effects. Antioxidant vitamins assist inhibit cancer cell growth by minimising free radical damage to organs. According to one study, antioxidants inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells. They may even be able to eliminate cancer cells.
3. Aids Digestion
The resistant starch found in yams functions similarly to soluble fibres. Since it is not digested, it passes through the stomach and intestines.. As a result, it promotes proper digestion by feeding the good gut flora and increasing digestive enzymes. However, yams are good food for digestion.
4. May Have Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The antioxidants in yams may aid in the reduction of inflammation. Obesity, diabetes, and heart disease are just a few of the disorders that have been linked to chronic inflammation as a risk factor. It is possible to treat chronic inflammation by eating anti-inflammatory foods like yams. More research is needed to discover whether yam consumption has the same anti-inflammatory effects in humans.
5. Enhances Skin Health
Yams are high in antioxidants, which aid in the regeneration of skin cells. These antioxidants have the potential to prevent oxidative damage produced by free radicals. Furthermore, yams contain vitamin C, which promotes collagen creation in our bodies. It is a protein that aids in the preservation of skin suppleness. Unfortunately, the body's collagen production decreases as we age. As a result, yams can assist us in maintaining collagen levels and improving skin health. According to research, vitamin C can assist improve skin health. It shields the skin from UV rays. It also aids in the reduction of wrinkles and skin ageing.
