Water Yam, One Of The Foods That Heals You.

Water Yam, One Of The Foods That Heals You. Water yam is a type of food that heals you, scientifically known as Dioscorea Rotundata is one of the family of yams with high value in health which originated in tropical Africa and Asia. 

Water Yam {Pink Colored}

Yam itself is one of the important root and tuber crops in the tropical areas. Some of these yams are cultivated for food and health benefits. Yam itself are grown to serve as food and health purpose. As water yam heals and cures, so other food kills.

There are many species of yam of which one of the species is known as water yam in English. In Igbo land of southeast Nigeria, it is called Ji Mbuna or Ji Abana or Ji Mbana. Other tribes have the their own tribal names for water yam. Water yam is called ewura in Yoruba tribe of southwest Nigeria.It called doya or dunduu in Hausa language of the northern Nigeria.

Water yam is not just called water yam, it's name also originated from it's performance in growth during the peak of the rainy season, also grows well in the rain forest zones of the tropics. To find out the nutritional value and health benefits of water yam, a lot of investigations have been carried out and result showed that water yam contains a lot of dietary fiber, amylase contents and other values. The tested varieties shows that it contains lower dry matter but with high amylase contents. The dietary contents of the varieties were higher than that reported for brown rice, while the two varieties had comparable values to whole wheat flour. The identified varieties with higher amylase and total dietary content could be used for diabetic control and for individuals who are conscious of maintaining a good sugar level due to water yam slowness in absorption rate. Water yam has the potentiality to slow down aging process and boost the immune system. Nutritionists in their findings said that water yam is good for diabetic patients because it contains fiber and a substantial amount of antioxidants and vitamin c that helps to suppress blood sugar.

Water yam no doubt is actually of the family of dioscorea alata specie of yam, tuberous root vegetable. The high fiber content in water yam can be used to manage pile and constipation. Fresh roots of water yam contains good amounts of antioxidants and vitamin C. Vitamin C in water yam plays many roles in immune function, anti-aging, wound healing and bone growth. It also contains small amount of vitamin E and beta-carotene level. This tuber is one of the vegetables that has a lot of minerals, like calcium, copper,potassium, iron and phosphorus. As you have seen the important elements contained in water yam.

Health Benefits are:
1. It is good for diabetic patients.
2. Suppresses blood sugar because of it's fiber content.
3. It helps to lower the cholesterol level
4. water yam reduces blood pressure
5. Water yam balances female hormones, also good for hormonal imbalance and regulation of monthly menstrual cycle in women.
6. Anti-oxidants in water yam reduces damage through free radicals in the body and slows the effect of aging.
7. It improves digestive system, also helps to manage constipation and irritable in the bowels.
8. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the chances of chronic diseases.

National Cancer Institute journal reports that water yam contains antioxidants that may protect cell from damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. Free radical damage may lead to cancer.
Also beta-carotene in water yam is good for vision, immunity and general health and body well being. Water yam is also a good source of carbohydrates and vitamin B complex. Water yam due to it's fiber content helps very well to prevent constipation and reduce pain for pile patients for the reason that when it comes to the bowel, it softens the stool because of the fiber content. Nutritionists also advised that people should engage themselves in eating locally organic produced food for a better health.