Benefits of Yams

1. Yams are members of the Dioscoreae family. Depending upon the yam variety, of which there are about 200, its flesh may be of varying colors including white, ivory, yellow or purple while its thick skin may either be white, pink or brownish-black. Their shape is long and cylindrical (oftentimes having offshoots referred to as andtoesand) while their exterior texture is rough and scaly. Yams have a very starchy and slippery texture and when cooked, .....

Studies on Yam

2. Thereands an interesting link between yams and unpleasant menopausal symptoms. Wild yam extracts have been studied as a possible remedy, due to steroidal saponin compounds, but thereands been nothing conclusive so far. Among the saponin compounds is a chemical known as diosgenin, which tests have shown to exert a positive impact on hormonal patterns, and possible benefits for lowering the risk of osteoporosis. One yam variety, Dioscorea bulbifera .....

Yam Fun Facts

3. Yams are thought to have originated in Asia, carried to Africa around the first century before being transported to the Caribbean with the slave trade. yams appear very similar to sweet potatoes, theyandre quite different. In fact, theyandre not even related. Yams belong to the Dioscoreae or morning glory family, while sweet potatoes are from the genus Convolvulaceae. Yams (from the African word andnyami,and meaning andto eatand) have only one em .....

Summary

4. Yams may be undergoing an identity crisis due to frequent comparison with sweet potatoes. Though yams donandt come close to the vitamin A content and carotenoid presence, this world-traveling tuber has a unique set of phytonutrients. Besides strong antioxidants, including the enzyme superoxide dismutase, yams contain vitamin C, fiber, potassium, manganese, B vitamins, and a long line of other minerals like riboflavin, potassium, iron, and mangane .....

Features

5. Yams are very high in beta carotene vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 is particularly helpful to individuals with heart problems, as B6 is known to break down homocysteine, which damages blood vessel walls. Yams are also high in the mineral potassium, which aids in controlling blood pressure, and also provides a good source of fiber. .....

Yam is a good source of energy

6. 100 g provides 118 calories. It mainly composed of complex carbohydrates and soluble dietary fiber. Together, they raise blood sugar levels rather very slowly than simple sugars and therefore, recommended as the low glycemic index healthy food. In addition, dietary fiber helps reduce constipation, decrease bad (LDL) cholesterol levels by binding to it in the intestines and prevent colon cancer risks by preventing toxic compounds in the food from .....

An excellent source of B

7. The tuber is an excellent source of B-complex group of vitamins. It provides adequate daily requirements of pyridoxine (vitamin B6), thiamin (vitamin B1), riboflavin, folic acid, pantothenic acid and niacin. These vitamins mediate various metabolic functions in the body. .....

VitaminC

8. Fresh root also contains good amounts of anti-oxidant vitamin;andvitamin-C. Provides about 29% of recommended levels per 100 g. Vitamin C has important roles in anti-aging, immune function, wound healing, bone growth. .....

Small amounts of vitaminA

9. They contain small amounts of vitamin-A, and beta-carotene levels. Carotenes convert to vitamin A in the body. Both these compounds are strong antioxidants. Vitamin A has many functions like maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin, night vision, growth and protection from lung and oral cavity cancers. .....

Rich sources of minerals

10. The tuber is indeed one of the vegetables rich sources of minerals like copper, calcium, potassium, iron, manganese, and phosphorus. 100 g provides about 816 mg ofandPotassium.andPotassium is an important component of cell and body fluids, which helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure by countering hypertensive effects of sodium.andCopperandis required in the production of red blood cells. .....

How to Selection

11. Yams are available in the market year around. Fresh tubers, however, are available in plenty by August when the annual harvest season begins at the end of the rainy season in western Africa. Aandnew yam festivalandcelebrated in symbolism to fresh crop and availability of fresh food in abundance all over Nigeria and Ghana with great fervor. In the super-markets generally you find small cut sections wrapped in thin plastic covers. Their interior me .....

How to storage

12. Whole tubers are stored after drying several hours in the sunlight, in well-ventilated yam barns (traditional storage system), where they stay well for several months without refrigeration. Cut sections, however, are used early or stored in the refrigerator for immediate use. .....

Preparation and serving methods

13. Yams should never be eaten uncookedandsince they contain many naturally-occurring plant toxins including dioscorin, diosgenin and tri-terpenes. They must be peeled and cooked in order to remove these bitter proteins. Dioscorea opposita orandJapanese yamandis, however, eaten raw unlike its African brethren. Here, the whole tuber is briefly soaked in a vinegar-water solution to neutralize irritant oxalate crystals found in their skin. The root is t .....

Medicinal uses

14. Yam tubers are used various traditional medicines in China, Korea and Japan. The mucilaginous tuber milk contains allantoin, a cell-proliferate that speeds the healing process when applied externally to ulcers, boils, and abscesses. Its decoction is also used to stimulate appetite and to relieve bronchial irritation, cough, etc.(Medical disclaimer). .....

Safety profile

15. Yams of African species must be cooked before safely eaten, because various natural toxin substances such as dioscorine can cause illness if consumed raw.and(Medical disclaimer). Yam varieties are classified as either andfirmand or andsoft.and When cooked, the former are more dense; the latter varieties become more tender and moist. Preparations can be as vast the varieties, including boiling, mashing, grilling, roasting, baking, or saut .....

200 different varieties

16. Yam is available in around 200 different varieties with colors ranging from ivory, yellow to purple. The shape of this tuber is long and cylindrical with a rough exterior. The commercially important species of yam are White Yam, Yellow Yam, Chinese Yam, South East Asian and trifoliate yam. The plant which bears yam is a perennial vine which grows up to 2 meters in length. Yams are quite similar to sweet potatoes but they are no way related it. .....

Yam Nutrition Value

17. Yam is a good source of energy and each 100 grams contain 118 calories. It is mainly composed of complex carbohydrates and soluble fiber. It is an excellent source of B complex vitamins like Vitamin B6, Vitamin B1, riboflavin, folic acid, pantothenic acid and niacin. It also contains a good amount of antioxidants and Vitamin C.and It provides around 20% of the required Vitamin C in the body per 100 grams. It also contains small amounts of Vitamin .....

Heals Skin Diseases and Cures Respiratory Problems

18. Yam has been used as a traditional medicine in China, Korea and Japan since centuries. It contains allantoin, a cell proliferate that expedites the healing process when applied topically on ulcers, boils and other skin diseases. Its decoction is also known to stimulate and relieve bronchial irritation, cough and other respiratory problems. .....

Good Source of Vitamin B6

19. 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. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids and controls heart rate and .....

Supports Female Endocrine System

20. Yam is particularly useful for menopausal women.and It contains an enzyme that provides a natural alternative to hormonal replacement in women who have reached menopause.Wild yam is also known to support the female endocrine system. Its root has been traditionally used in conjunction with lactation. Vitamin B6 is an important supplement for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) in women, especially the depression that is triggered by it. .....

Source of Antioxidants

21. Yam contains healthy antioxidants which also have anti inflammatory properties. The beta carotene and Vitamin C in this tuber work well to get rid of cancer-friendly free radicals. Free radicals can damage the body in reaction with DNA, so the antioxidants work to reduce the damage caused by these free radicals. It is also an excellent food for those suffering from arthritis and asthma. .....

Low Glycemic Index Healthy Food

22. Diabetics can eat yam without worrying about the rise in blood sugar level. Glycemic index of a food reflects the foodands effects on a personands blood glucose level. Fast glucose absorption is not desirable, so yam raises the blood sugar level slowly as compared to simple sugars and is therefore highly recommended as a low glycemic index healthy food. .....

Aids Digestion and Improves Bowel Habits

23. The dietary fibre present in Yam reduces constipation and decreases bad cholesterol. It contains good amount of potassium which aids in healthy digestion and stimulates smooth muscle contraction in the stomach for proper bowel habits. .....

Increases Nutrient Absorption of the Body

24. Daily consumption of yam juice can increase nutrient absorption of the body. It also protects valuable enzymes needed by the body for healthier cells and maintains the good condition of the body. By drinking yam juice, all the vitamins and nutrients of it can be easily absorbed by the body in its liquid form. .....

Improves Cognitive Ability

25. Yams also have the ability to increase learning and memory capacity in the human brain. According to a study, people who consumed yam for 6 weeks regularly noticed a significant increase in the cognitive abilities of the subject. This is mainly due to the antioxidant compound present in yams. It can also help to cure Alzheimerands disease. .....

Cancer Deterrent

26. Yam can also be viewed as a cancer deterrent especially of colon cancer. The dietary fibre in this tuber prevents colon cancer by preventing toxic compounds in the food from adhering to the colon mucosa. Vitamin A in Yam provides protection from lung and oral cavity cancer. .....

Source of Energy and Antioxidant

27. Yams contain complex carbohydrates and fibre which gradually slow the rate at which sugars are released and absorbed in the mainstream. Being high in fibre, yam keeps you full without putting on those extra kilos. Yams are also a good source of manganese, a mineral that aids carbohydrates metabolism and is very important for energy production and antioxidant defences. .....

Mediates Metabolic Functions

28. The vitamins present in yam mediate various metabolic functions in the body. Carotenes are very essential to convert Vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A maintains healthy mucous membranes and skin. It also improves vision. Vitamin C in yam plays an important role in anti-ageing, improves immunity, wound healing and bone growth. .....

Helps in RBC Production and Improves Blood Flow

29. The minerals present in Yam also play major roles in the body. Copper is very useful for the production of red blood cells and improves blood flow in the body. Iron further improves the blood circulation in the body. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. .....

Delays Ageing Signs

30. Yam has amazing anti-ageing benefits. It contains amazing skin-friendly nutrients like beta carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 and antioxidants which can help to prevent wrinkles and other signs of ageing. Yams have an amount of potassium. It aids in the healthy digestion which greatly is needed by people with IBD or Irritable Bowel Disorder. The role of potassium as electrolyte is very important in stimulating the smooth muscle contractions in the .....

Stimulates Collagen Production

31. It contains a high amount of antioxidants which protect the skin from harsh sun rays and environmental hazards. It stimulates the production of the skin collagen and brings smoothness and elasticity to the skin. Yam also renews damaged skin and improves the appearance of the skin. .....

Face packs

32. Boil some yam and leave aside to let it cool. Mash it properly and add a dollop of honey. Apply it all over the face and let it stay for 30 minutes. You can also soak your feet in the boiled water to calm and relax your feet. Cut slices of yam and place them on your eyes. Tubers have natural bleaching properties which help to reduce stubborn dark circles and rejuvenate the eyes and treat wrinkles as well. .....

Promotes Hair Growth

33. Yam is considered as an excellent source of natural health promoting compounds like antocyanins and beta carotene. It also contains Vitamin A which is highly beneficial for cell growth, including growth of hair. A deficiency in beta carotene can lead to dry, dull and lifeless hair which flakes off into dandruff. .....

Hydrates Scalp

34. Vitamin A in yam helps to produce and protect the oil in the scalp. This will keep the scalp hydrated and will prevent hair fall due to breakage. It will also keep the mane silky and shiny. Thus, yam can help to maintain hair and a fabulous scalp. .....

Prevents Premature Hair Greying

35. Yam will also prevent premature greying as it contains a good amount of Vitamin B6 which creates melanin and gives the hair its colour. Yams should never be refrigerated until theyandre cooked. Leftovers should be wrapped, refrigerated, and eaten within a few days. .....

Promotes Blood Circulation in the Scalp

36. Iron in yam helps the red blood cells to carry oxygen and promote blood circulation in the scalp. Low levels of iron in the body can lead to hair loss and baldness in both men and women. Thus, regular consumption of yam will prevent hair loss and will promote hair growth. .....

Side effects of Yam

37. Yam is not an allergenic food and does not contain too much of oxalates or purines but precautions should be exercised while consuming. andSpeak to your doctor if you suffer from kidney or gall bladder ailment as even the small amount of oxalates can also cause kidney damage. People who have a healthy digestive tract are better able to absorb the nutrients of yam without any side effects. There might be side effects like nausea, vomiting, headach .....

Protection Against Cardiovascular Disease

38. Yams are a good source of vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 is needed by the body to break down a substance calledhomocysteine, which can directly damage blood vessel walls. Individuals who suffer a heart attack despite having normal or even low cholesterol levels are often found to have high levels of homocysteine. Since high homocysteine levels are signficantly associated with increased risk of heart attack and stroke, having a good supply of vitamin B6 o .....

Good source of potassium

39. Yams are a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps to control blood pressure. Since many people not only do not eat enough fruits and vegetables, but also consume high amounts of sodium as salt is frequently added to processed foods, they may be deficient in potassium. Low intake of potassium-rich foods, especially when coupled with a high intake of sodium, can lead to hypertension. In the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) stu .....

A Look at Yam Diosgenin and Menopausal Symptoms

40. Many consumers have found products in the marketplace that promote wild yam or wild yam extracts as substances that can help provide a natural alternative to hormonal replacement in women who have reached the age of menopause. Many of these products are provided in the form of creams that can be topically applied. Even though the food itself is not usually promoted by natural products companies, these yam-containing products have sparked interest .....

Blood Sugar and Weight Control

41. Yamsand complex carbohydrates and fiber deliver the goods gradually, slowing the rate at which their sugars are released and absorbed into the bloodstream. In addition, because theyandre rich in fiber, yams fill you up without filling out your hips and waistline. And one more benefit, yams are a good source of manganese, a trace mineral that helps with carbohydrate metabolism and is a cofactor in a number of enzymes important in energy production .....

Sweet potatoes and yams

42. Sweet potatoes and yams are often used interchangeably in recipes, and many people donandt realize there are significant nutritional differences between the two foods. While both are good for you, sweet potatoes contain higher doses of most nutrients. If you like the taste of yams more than sweet potatoes, donandt kick them out of your diet; they are still a highly nutritious food. .....

Fiber

43. Most diets donandt get close to the 20 to 35 grams of fiber recommended for health, the Harvard School of Public Health reports. Fiber helps you digest your food properly, which can cut your chances of getting constipated or developing hemorrhoids. When you eat fiber regularly, you are also less likely to get heart disease and certain types of cancer. A 1-cup serving of sweet potatoes supplies 6.6 grams of fiber and a cup of yams provides 5.3 gra .....

Nutrients

44. One cup of sweet potatoes supplies 950 milligrams of potassium, and a cup of yams contains 911 milligrams, which is about 20 percent of the 4,700 milligrams you should get each day. Potassium keeps your heart beating normally and helps your muscles work right. A serving of sweet potatoes supplies 1,922 micrograms of vitamin A, a nutrient that keeps your eyes, skin, teeth and bones healthy. This is more than the 700 to 900 micrograms you need on a .....

Health Benefits

45. Sweet potatoes and yams contain antioxidants, which are compounds in plants that protect your cells from damage. A 2008 study published in the andJournal of the Science of Food and Agricultureand reports that sweet potatoes might reduce cholesterol levels, which can reduce your risk of heart disease. Yams have similar properties that can help reduce your risk of heart disease. The antioxidants and vitamin B6 in yams can also help reduce premenstr .....

Protein

46. Yams contain relatively little protein. Your body uses protein to build muscle, repair tissue and synthesize biological molecules such as enzymes and hormones. Protein also functions as a fuel source for your body if you donandt consume enough carbohydrates. Registered Dietitian Nancy Clark recommends a daily protein intake of 0.8 grams per pound of body weight. Although yams do not contribute significantly to your daily protein requirements, 1 c .....

Carbohydrate

47. Almost all the carbohydrates in yams--nearly 40 grams in a 1-cup serving--are healthy complex carbs. These carbs fuel your body, allowing you to conserve your protein for uses other than energy production. Yams are also rich in fiber, a type of carbohydrate your body does not digest. While not a fuel source for your body, fiber helps maintain a healthy digestive tract and correlates with a decreased risk of obesity, heart disease and some forms o .....

Fat

48. Yams are extremely low in fat, contributing less than 0.25 grams per 1-cup serving. While dietary fat is essential for maintaining healthy cell membranes, cushioning your organs and allowing your body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins, excess dietary fat may lead to cardiovascular disease. The low-fat content of yams may help you reduce your overall dietary fat consumption to a healthy level. .....

Vitamins

49. Yams are an excellent source of vitamins C and B6, with 1 cup providing approximately 20 percent of your daily requirement of each of these nutrients. Vitamin C assists in tissue repair and wound healing, and its antioxidant properties help offset the cell-damaging effects of free radicals in your body. Protein metabolism requires vitamin B6, and B6 also functions in the synthesis of red blood cells. Thiamin, another B vitamin, helps you convert .....

Minerals

50. Manganese, copper and potassium are abundant in yams, with a 1-cup serving providing roughly 20 percent of each of these essential minerals. The purpose of dietary manganese is not completely understood, says the Texas Heart Institute, although it is essential for good health and may help detoxify your body. Copper helps your body produce proteins such as hemoglobin, elastin and collagen. Potassium is involved in vital processes including energy .....

Health Benefits of Yam

51. Yams are made up of complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber allowing for slow uptake to keep blood sugar levels even, giving it the nod as a low glycemic index food. The vitamin A that is converted into beta-carotene when eating yams isnandt as spectacular as those in sweet potatoes, butandthe antioxidants they provide are exceptional. The vitamin A in yams has other functions, such asandmaintaining healthy mucous membranes and skin, heightening .....

Increased Cognition

52. The use of wild yam as a treatment for cognitive impairment was recently explored by C. S. Chiu and colleagues at China Medical University in Taiwan and found to be successful. Published in andThe American Journal of Chinese Medicineand in 2009, the study investigated the ability of yam to increase learning and memory capacity in biologically aged subjects. After six weeks of treatment, cognitive abilities were significantly increased by the supp .....

Digestive Aid

53. The moderate quantity of potassium in yams may prevent digestive conditions, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Potassiumands role as an electrolyte is essential in stimulating the smooth muscle contractions needed for digestion. The addition of yams to the diet of those with inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, may offer a dietary supplement of potassium more easily absorbed in the intestines. Additional anti-inflammatory sup .....

Juicing

54. Juicing a yam helps you get more of those vitamins and minerals without filling up on too much fiber. A juicer separates the juice from the pulp, giving you all the B6, potassium, and other benefits in a drink. Although you may be able to eat one or two yams in one sitting, you can drink five or six yamsand worth of juice, tripling or even quadrupling the amount of vitamins and minerals, and making it easier for the body to absorb. .....

Taste Benefits

55. Although the concept of yam or potato juice may sound odd, it actually adds a creamy, smooth texture when juiced with other fruits and vegetables, giving the drink a pleasant texture similar to a milkshake. . Use yams where you would normally use protein or potatoes. Yams are available in many grocery stores or natural food stores throughout the United States. .....

Misconceptions

56. Most of the yams in the United States are actually orange sweet potatoes, which are a completely different food. Yams grow best in tropical climates, such as in South America, the Caribbean, and Africa. . You can get the nutritional benefits of yams by baking them, frying them or roasting them. One serving of yams is approximately equal to one cup chopped or one medium yam. .....

Dioscorea rotundataandandandD cayenensis

57. Dioscorea rotundata, the andwhite yamand, andandDioscorea cayenensis, the andyellow yamand, are native to Africa. They are the most important cultivated yams. In the past they were considered two separate species but most taxonomists now regard them as the same species. There are over 200 cultivated varieties between them. White yamands tuber is roughly cylindrical in shape, the skin is smooth and brown and the flesh usually white and firm. Yello .....

Harvesting

58. Yams in west Africa are typically harvested by hand using sticks, spades or diggers.[10]andWood-based tools are preferred to metallic tools as they are less likely to damage the fragile tubers; however, wood tools need frequent replacement. Yam harvesting is labor-intensive and physically demanding. For each 2-10 kilogram tuber harvested, it involves standing, bending, squatting, and sometimes sitting on the ground depending the size of mound, si .....

Phytochemicals

59. The tubers of certain wild yam, a variant ofandkokoroandyam and other species ofandDioscorea, such asandDioscorea nipponica, are a source for the extraction ofanddiosgenin, aandsteroidandsapogenin. The extracted diosgenin is used for the commercial synthesis ofandcortisone,pregnenolone,andprogesterone, and other steroid products.[18]andSuch preparations were used in earlyandcombined oral contraceptive pills.[19]andThe unmodified steroid hasandest .....

Comparison to other staple foods

60. The nutrient content of yam and major staple foods in a raw harvested form. Raw forms, however, arenandt edible and can not be digested. These must be sprouted, or prepared and cooked for human consumption. In sprouted or cooked form, the relative nutritional and anti-nutritional contents of each of these staples is remarkably different from that of raw form of these staples. .....

Yam is an important dietary element

61. Yam is an important dietary element for Nigerian and West African people. It contributes more than 200 calories per person per day for more than 150 million people in West Africa, and is an important source of income. Yam is an attractive crop in poor farms with limited resources. It is rich in starch, and can be prepared in many ways. It is available all year round, unlike other, unreliable, seasonal crops. These characteristics make yam a prefe .....

yam is a food with moderate nutrient

62. Except for potassium, vitamin B6andandandvitamin C, yam is a food with moderate nutrient density.Yam provides around 110 calories per 100andgrams. It has good levels ofandpotassium,andmanganese,andthiaminandandanddietary fiber, while being low in saturated fat and sodium. Yam generally has a lowerandglycemic index, about 54% ofandglucoseandper 150 gram serving, compared to potato products. .....

It is rich in phenylalanine and threonine

63. Yam, like other root crops, is not a good source of essential amino acids. It is rich in phenylalanine and threonine but limiting in the sulphur amino-acids, cystine and methionine and in tryptophan. Yam consuming areas of Africa have a high incidence ofandkwashiorkor, a serious medical condition in children caused by protein deficiency. Experts emphasize the need to supplement a yam-driven diet with more protein-rich foods in order to support ac .....

The best temperature to store yams

64. The best temperature to store yams is between 14-16 .....

Dioscorea trifida

65. The cush-cush yam, is native to theandGuyanaandregion ofandSouth Americaandand is the most important cultivatedandNew Worldandyam. Since they originated in tropicalandrain forestandconditions their growth cycle is less related to seasonal changes than other yams. Because of their relative ease of cultivation and their good flavor they are considered to have a great potential for increased production (Kay 1987). .....

Dioscorea dumetorum

66. The bitter yam, is popular as a vegetable in parts of West Africa; one reason being that their cultivation requires less labor than other yams. The wild forms are very toxic and are sometimes used to poison animals when mixed with bait. It is said that they have also been used for criminal purposes (Kay 1987). .....

Yam is a versatile vegetable

67. The true yam is a versatile vegetable. It can beandbarbecued,androasted,andfried,andgrilled,andboiled,andbaked,andsmokedandand whenandgratedandit is processed into a dessert recipe. The true yam is a versatile vegetable. It can be barbecued, roasted, fried, grilled, boiled, baked, smoked and when grated it is processed into a dessert recipe. .....

Visions

68. Vitamin A is one if the main vitamins found in yams. By juicing it, you can be sure that your eye sight will be healthy (as long as you also follow the advice on how to keep your eyes healthy). Yams may even improve it if you are already having problems with your visions. .....

Humble vegetable

69. Yams are very humble vegetable (root crop). They are not expensive and can be found in most markets and grocery stores. But its nutritional health value is so much that you just canandt afford not to buy it and juice it. .....

Adding yams to your regular diet

70. Yams have an amount of potassium. It aids in the healthy digestion which greatly is needed by people with IBD or Irritable Bowel Disorder. The role of potassium as electrolyte is very important in stimulating the smooth muscle contractions in the stomach as well as in the large intestine creating a healthy environment for good digestion. By adding yams to your regular diet, you can prevent IBD and or prevent it from getting worse and eventually e .....

Alzheimerands disease

71. It believed that with more research and studies, Yams and sweet potatoes alike will someday give us the answer and the medicine to cure this very debilitating disease. Yams are grown throughout Africa, but Nigeria is the worldands most prolific producer, exporting to 70% of the world market. Close to 200 species of yams are eaten worldwide, but other than those found wrapped individually in supermarkets, they arenandt easily found on American pro .....

Brain Power

72. Yams have the ability to increase learning and memory capacity in the human brain. According to the study, after six weeks of yam intake, there was significant increase in the cognitive abilities of the subjects. It is believed that the unique anti oxidant enzymes present in yams are responsible the increased cognitive response. .....

Confusion between yams and sweet potatoes

73. There is always a great confusion between yams and sweet potatoes. Technically they are both called or often referred to as sweet potatoes. But always remember that the flesh or the inside of yams is orange in color white sweet potatoes are white. Because of the recent craze about juicing, expect a lot of health benefits with yam juice. Daily consumption of yams can increase nutrient absorption of the body. It can also protect valuable enzymes ne .....

Several essential vitamins and minerals

74. They are high in beta carotene and Vitamins B1 and B6 which are beneficial to people with heart problems. It works by repairing damaged blood vessels. Yams are also high in potassium which is good for controlling cholesterol and blood pressure. Yams are also great source of fiber, manganese and carbohydrates not to mention Vitamin A, Calcium and Vitamin C. .....