Yam is considered one of the important root plants in many cultures around the world, especially in the tropical and semi -tropical regions, and Yam is famous for its thick and edible roots, which are used as a food source rich in carbohydrates and energy.
Yam contains natural compounds that help in promoting health, and it has medical and therapeutic uses in some cultures. The plant is characterized by its endurance of difficult environmental conditions, which makes it an ideal choice for farmers in areas with poor or dry soil.
The benefits of the yam plant
Yam, especially the wild type of it, contains natural compounds such as diosgenin that may help in:
Reducing the symptoms of menopause and previous menstruation syndrome.
Support hormonal balance in women.
Improving brain and memory health, with promising initial results for Alzheimer’s patients.
Contribute to reducing infections and relieving joint pain.
– Helping to control blood sugar levels thanks to fiber and antioxidants.
Promote digestion and improve the health of the digestive system.
Uses of the yam plant
Yam is not limited to being food, but rather in multiple areas:
In the kitchen: It is used boiled, steam or within soup, which is an essential element in some African and Asian dishes.
In folk medicine: some of its dried types or powder are used as a herbal supplement to support hormonal health or enhance energy.
In the industry: Its extract is entered into some cosmetics and supplements.
Is the wild yam is sweet potatoes?
The answer is simply no, Valeyam belongs to the Dioscoreceae family, and it is characterized by rough scales and multiple colors from white to violet, and may reach more than a meter.
The sweet potatoes of a different family are Morning Glory, with a soft, orange or yellow color, and a more sweet taste.
How to cook wild yam
Yam should be cooked well before eating it because it is not eaten raw:
Wash and peel well.
Cut into slices or cubes.
Boil in salted water or cook steamed until softening.
It can be served mashed, with sauces, or as part of the soup.
The difference between wild yam and sweet potatoes
Fig.
Color: yam may be white, purple or pink, while sweet potatoes are often orange or yellow.
Tasting: Yam is less sweet and more starchy, sweet sweet potatoes relatively.
Nutritional value: Both are rich in starches, but yam contains unique plant compounds such as diosin.
The damage of the yam plant
Despite its benefits, excessive intake of wild yam supplements may cause or use it without medical supervision in digestive disorders such as nausea and diarrhea, in addition to exacerbating the health problems associated with hormones such as uterine or ovarian tumors.
It can also cause many risks to pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as the possibility of causing allergic reactions in some people, in addition to negative interference with some hormonal drugs.
