Yams
Yams (Dioscorea alata) are starchy roots with white, orange, or purple, flesh and a thin brown/beige skin.
Health benefits of Yams
- Increased Protection from Bacterial and Viral Infections
- Increased Immune Function
- Reduced Cancer Risk
- Reduced Risk of Colon Cancer
- Protection Against Heart Disease
- Regulation of Blood Sugar and Insulin Dependence
- Slowing the progression of AIDS
- Slowing Aging
- DNA Repair and Protection
- Protection Against Dementia
- Alleviation of Cardiovascular Disease
- Alleviation of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Promoted Eye Health
- Alzheimer's Protection
- Osteoporosis Protection
- Stroke Prevention
- Reduced Risk of Type II Diabetes
- Reduced Frequency of Migraine Headaches
- Alleviation of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Antioxidant Protection
- Prevention of Epileptic Seizures
- Alleviation of the Common Cold
- Prevention of Alopecia (Spot Baldness)
- Alleviation of Inflammation
Some of these health benefits come from nutrients concentrated in this food, and may not be effects of the food itself.
How to choose Yams
Pick firm yams with little smell. Avoid soft spots or discolorations.
Climate and origin
Yams grow in tropical climates with plenty of rain and are grown world wide in such conditions. The yam is thought to have been cultivated in Asia and Africa as many as 8000 years ago.
Taste
Yams have a very starchy texture and have a slightly sweet though unpronounced flavor.
Miscellaneous information
Most yams contain a toxin which is destroyed when you cook them. Be sure not to eat a yam raw unless you are aware of the kind. The only yam which is not toxic raw is dioscorea esculenta, found in Japan.
Similar tasting produce
Taro root, Sweet Potato
Nutrition facts
| Nutrition Facts | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Serving Size | |||
| 100 grams (100g) | |||
| Calories | 118 | ||
| % Daily Value * | |||
| Total Fat 0.17g | 0% | ||
| Saturated Fat 0.04g | 0% | ||
| Trans Fat 0g | |||
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% | ||
| Sodium 9mg | 0% | ||
| Total Carbohydrate 27.9g | 10% | ||
| Dietary Fiber 4.1g | 15% | ||
| Total Sugars 0.5g | 1% | ||
| Includes --g Added Sugars | --% | ||
| Protein 1.5g | 3% | ||
| Vitamin C 17.1mg | 19% | ||
| Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% | ||
| Iron 0.54mg | 3% | ||
| Calcium 17mg | 1% | ||
| Potassium 816mg | 17% | ||
| Phosphorus 55mg | 4% | ||
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |||