Know about some basic and important yam nutrition facts from this story. Not only this, also learn about what this earthy tasting vegetable has in store for your health.
Yams are long and cylindrical perennial herbaceous vines, which are cultivated in about 200 different varieties. Some have their flesh colors ranging from white, ivory, yellow to purple. The skin of these vegetables come in shades of white, pink or brownish black. They have an earthy taste with the minimal amount of sweetness.
In many parts of the United States, a yam is referred to as a sweet potato, though it is not one. Yam belongs to the Dioscoreaceae family and the sweet potato is a dicotyledonous plant and a part of the family Convolvulaceae. So it might be possible that what people might be buying thinking to be yams, are really orange-colored sweet potatoes.
Yam Nutrition Facts
The following data lists the nutritional value of yams according to a serving size of 100 grams. The value in percentages are percent daily values which are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Yams, being rich in vitamin B6, help in breaking down a substance known as homocystein, a substance whose elevated concentrations in the blood are thought to increase the risk of heart diseases by damaging the lining of blood vessels and enhancing blood clotting.
People with normal or low cholesterol levels, but having high levels of homocystein, are known to suffer from heart attacks. So, consumption of yams on a regular basis may prevent the occurrence of heart attacks and other heart diseases.
Yam is rich in potassium. Due to this, it is beneficial for people who are suffering from high blood pressure. Yam is considered to contain a storage protein known as dioscorin. This very protein is known to inhibit the angiotensin converting enzyme and this in turn, encourages kidney blood flow and reduced blood pressure.
Yams are also rich in complex carbohydrates. This factor slows down the release of sugar in the bloodstream and encourages its absorption. As they are also rich in fiber, they help you in keeping full, but not filling out at your hips and waistline. Manganese aids in the metabolism of carbohydrates in the body. It is also an important element in the production of energy and antioxidant defenses.
Yams help relieve the symptoms of menstrual cycle such as painful cramps, and even easing labor pain as they are a natural muscle relaxer. Expecting mothers who include yams in their diet suffer fewer incidents of nausea.
Other conditions which can be managed with yams include premenstrual syndrome, menopausal stages, acidity, irritable bowel syndrome, nervous tensions, bad circulation, arthritis inflammation and pain.
Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only and does not in any way attempt to replace the advice offered by an expert on the subject.