Advantages Of Yams

Yams or sweet potatoes?

There are hundreds of varieties of yams, and most of them come from Africa. Although the two are not related, yams are often confused with sweet potatoes. Yams are starchier than sweet potatoes and are close relatives to lilies and grasses. The U.S. Department of Agriculture requires that labels containing the word "yams" also contain the term "sweet potato," according to the Library of Congress. In addition to being tasty when prepared properly, yams contain a host of health benefits.

Cardiovascular Disease

Yams are a reliable source of potassium, which helps to maintain proper blood pressure. Yams also contain vitamin B6. People who have heart attacks often have high levels of homocysteine, which causes damage to the walls of blood vessels. Vitamin B6 helps our bodies break down homocysteine.

Blood Sugar and Weight Control

Yams contain complex carbohydrates and are high in fiber. This means that the natural sugar in yams releases at a slow rate and we maintain a fuller feeling in our stomachs for longer, making yams a good food to rely on when trying to shrink our waistlines. Additionally, yams are a source of manganese, which assists with carbohydrate metabolism and antioxidants defense.

Wild Yams and Stomach Problems

Wild yams contain antispasmodic properties useful in treating abdominal pain or menstrual cramps. Traditional herbal medicine has used them for many years as a treatment to help relieve symptoms of diverticulitis and uterine and ovarian discomfort.

Wild Yam Creams

There are many creams for women containing wild yam to improve hormonal production. There are also creams for eczema containing wild yam. Native American, Aztecs and Mayans discovered that wild yam root helped ease joint pain. Wild yam creams are available that may ease pain when applied topically.

Female Reproductive System

Wild yam can be effective in relieving hot flashes and headaches associated with menopause as well as helping to decrease bone loss. Wild yam contains dioscin, which becomes diosgenin. At one time, birth control pills contained diosgenin. Wild yam herb can help relieve some symptoms of menopause, reduce water retention and may assist in treating morning sickness.

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