Yam, known as the “little ginseng,” has miraculous effects of invigorating the spleen and nourishing the lungs, benefiting the stomach and nourishing the kidneys. In Li Shizhen’s “Compendium of Materia Medica,” it is highly praised for its abilities to “invigorate the spleen, enrich the essence, nourish the kidneys, treat various illnesses, and heal the effects of overwork and injuries.”
Eating yams regularly can not only enhance kidney qi but also promote the health of the spleen and stomach, making a person full of vitality. In “Shennong’s Classic of Herbal Medicine,” yams are revered as a top-grade supplement, highlighting their precious nature.
Nutritional composition of yams
Yams are especially rich in nutritional components, with every 100 grams containing 1.5 grams of protein, 14.4 grams of carbohydrates, 14 milligrams of calcium, 42 milligrams of phosphorus, 0.3 milligrams of iron, and 0.02 milligrams of beta-carotene.
There are also 0.08 milligrams of thiamine, 0.02 milligrams of riboflavin, 0.3 milligrams of niacin, and 4 milligrams of ascorbic acid. In addition, there are nutrients such as protein, amino acids, and polyphenol oxidase. Yams have the function of inducing interferon production and enhancing the body’s immune function.
Are yams alkaline or acidic?
Yams are slightly alkaline foods with a mild taste, belonging to a neutral food category that can regulate the body environment. If there is an imbalance in endocrine function, yams can be used for adjustment.
The components of yams mainly include crude fiber, protein, starch, sugar, and various trace elements such as potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, which aid digestion, stop excessive sweating, nourish and strengthen the body, and treat diarrhea caused by spleen deficiency, cough due to lung deficiency, polydipsia and frequent micturition caused by diabetes, and chronic enteritis with indigestion.
What are the benefits of regular consumption of yams? 5 major advantages possibly gained
1. Preventing cardiovascular diseases
In winter, the amount of exercise tends to decrease unconsciously, coupled with lower metabolic rates due to the decrease in temperature, and increased frequency of hotpot consumption in winter may increase the risk of gastrointestinal diseases.
Yams contain amylase, polyphenol oxidase, and other substances that are beneficial for the digestive and absorptive functions of the spleen and stomach, making them a dual-purpose supplement for nourishing the spleen and stomach.
Regardless of whether there is yang deficiency of the spleen or yin deficiency of the stomach, yams can be consumed. In clinical practice, they are often used in combination with gastrointestinal prescriptions to treat conditions such as weak spleen and stomach, poor appetite, fatigue, and diarrhea. Therefore, adding yams to soups or hotpots in winter is recommended.
2. Nourishing the lungs and alleviating cough
The saponins and mucilaginous substances in yams have a lubricating and moisturizing effect, nourishing lung yin and benefiting lung qi, providing excellent therapeutic effects for a long-term cough due to lung deficiency. In addition, yams can enhance the body’s immune system, helping the body resist viral and bacterial infections, thus preventing conditions like colds and respiratory diseases.
3. Delaying aging
Studies have found that yams are very beneficial for brain health. They can effectively promote the secretion of dehydroepiandrosterone, a unique component that helps improve sleep and regulate mood, enabling the body to overcome all unhealthy negative emotions.
Thus, long-term consumption of yams not only promotes a healthy body but also delays aging, making one youthful and energetic.
4. Strengthening the body
Yams are rich in nutrients such as proteins, vitamin C, choline, glucose, which, when consumed, can supplement the body with essential nutrients, strengthening the body, relieving symptoms of frequent urination, excessive vaginal discharge, kidney deficiency, and enhancing the body’s immune ability, reducing the occurrence of diseases and protecting overall health.
5. Nourishing and anti-aging
Yams taste sweet, have a cool and moist nature, and enter the lung, spleen, and kidney meridians. They contain saponins, glycoproteins, tannin, starch, alkaloids, choline, and calcium, phosphorus, and iron, inducing interferon production and possessing certain anti-aging properties, nourishing weakness, and prolonging life.
“Yams” shouldn’t be consumed casually? Doctors: These 4 types of people should eat less on a daily basis, it is advisable to understand
1. Diabetics
Yams contain high levels of starch, which, when consumed, converts into glucose, leading to an increase in blood sugar levels. Therefore, diabetics should consume yams in moderation to prevent large fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Additionally, when cooking yams, diabetics should avoid adding an excessive amount of sugar.
2. Those prone to allergies
Yams contain some natural allergens, such as saponins and mucilaginous substances. For individuals prone to allergies, consuming yams may trigger allergic reactions, such as rashes and breathing difficulties. Therefore, such individuals should undergo an allergy test before consuming yams to ensure they do not experience allergic reactions.
3. Individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency coldness
Individuals with deficient spleen and cold stomachs have a weaker constitution and poorer digestive function. Consuming yams may exacerbate symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal distension. Therefore, those with deficient spleen and cold stomachs should consume yams sparingly and, if necessary, choose warm-natured ingredients to cook with to balance the internal cold properties.
4. People with constipation
Yams have a high starch content. For individuals already prone to constipation, it is best to avoid or consume yams sparingly. Did you know?
Yams are warming ingredients and belong to a warm supplement category. Continuing to eat yams with constipation can exacerbate the problem even further. Therefore, individuals prone to constipation should consume yams in moderation.
Choosing yams, should you opt for thick or thin ones? Seasoned farmers: Teach you 4 tips to easily pick out good yams
1. Examine the skin
Whether at the market or supermarket, there are mainly iron stick yams and regular yams. Regardless of the type, carefully observe the exterior quality of the yam. A high-quality yam has intact skin with a brownish color, free from pests and mold. Such yams are of better quality.
If the skin is damaged, the nutritional content inside the yam may rapidly diminish. It is advised not to buy yams with black spots on the skin, as they may have already been infected. When purchasing, try to select yams with intact skin and no obvious blemishes.
2. Inspect the tendrils
As widely known, yams grow vertically in the ground; therefore, when unearthed, yams will have some tendrils on the skin, which are used for nutrient absorption. When choosing yams, select those with many and fine tendrils because the more tendrils there are, the more nutrients the yam absorbed during growth, resulting in higher nutritional density.
Conversely, if the yam chosen has very few tendrils on the skin, its nutritional density will be lower. Additionally, if the yam has been stored for a long time and is no longer fresh, the tendrils may detach, making such yams unsuitable for purchase.
3. Pick the heavier one
When selecting yams of similar size, opt for the heavier one. A heavier yam contains more water and is more nutritious. A lighter yam may lack sufficient moisture or have already lost nutrients due to long storage. Therefore, it is better to choose the heavier yam.
4. Examine the yam mucilage
When the yam is broken open, check if the mucilage is snow-white, thick, and viscous or in a semi-solid state. If the yam exhibits these characteristics, particularly with evident fibrous threads, it indicates good freshness.
If the yam shows other colors when broken open, such as yellow or black, it signifies that the yam is no longer fresh. Hence, when choosing yams, it is advisable to select those with snowy-white and mucilaginous properties to ensure freshness.
In conclusion, while yams offer abundant nutritional value, they are not suitable for everyone. When choosing to consume yams, it is essential to make a rational decision based on individual health conditions and not follow trends blindly. For the aforementioned four categories of people, caution should be exercised to prevent unnecessary burdens on their bodies.
