Thanks to its ingredients, the yam root has many health-promoting properties. In particular, the root protects the gastrointestinal tract, inhibits inflammation and strengthens the intestinal flora and general intestinal health.
There are about 800 species of the plant genus yams (Dioscorea) such as wild yams (Dioscorea villosa) and Chinese yams (Dioscorea batatas). The yam root has many uses and is used as a staple food in Africa, for example, while it has long been part of traditional medicine in China.
ingredients of the yam root
Chinese yam is high in starch and both edible and medicinal, according to a new study. Because the healthy tuber contains various functional compounds with diverse pharmacological activities.
The Chinese yam root is also particularly rich in protein, steroid saponin, allantoin and phenolic compounds, the researchers report.
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
Thanks to the healthy ingredients, the yam root has an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. It also protects the gastrointestinal tract, has a beneficial effect on the intestinal flora and helps in the treatment of heart diseases. Other benefits of yam include its anti-tumor effects and lowering of blood sugar, the team explains.
Yam beneficial for the intestinal flora
Another independent research report also reports on the health-promoting properties of Chinese yams. The researchers describe in particular advantages for intestinal health and the intestinal flora.
Plant polysaccharides found in the root are known to have many health-promoting properties associated with digestion, the team said.
Promotes growth of Bifidobacterium and Megasphaera
Chinese yam increases the production of short-chain fatty acids and the growth of Bifidobacterium and Megasphaera. By changing the intestinal flora, the yam ultimately also strengthens intestinal health.
The researchers see yam as a potential anti-inflammatory adjuvant that could be used in the treatment of enteritis, for example.
Include Chinese yam in your diet
The results of the two studies show that Chinese yam is associated with significant improvements in gut flora, which can have a positive impact on gut health and ultimately overall health.
So it seems advisable to include yams in your diet more often, for example in the form of yams root chips as a substitute for conventional French fries, as yams root puree or cut into thin slices and fried in a pan – the possible uses are diverse. (as)
