What are the effects and functions of Chinese yam? Traditional Chinese medicine believes that Chinese yam has a sweet taste and a neutral nature. It enters the lung, spleen, and kidney meridians. But is Chinese yam effective for weight loss?
Chinese yam is a commonly used Chinese herb, known for its nourishing kidney and lung, as well as its cough-suppressing properties. Pharmacological studies have found that Chinese yam can regulate immune balance, enhance the phagocytic function of neutrophils, and long-term consumption can have anti-aging effects and promote longevity.
Chinese yam contains substances such as amylase and polyphenol oxidase, which are beneficial for digestion and absorption of the spleen and stomach. It is a medicinal and edible herb that can tonify the spleen and stomach.
It can be consumed regardless of spleen yang deficiency or stomach yin deficiency. In clinical practice, it is often used with gastrointestinal tonics to treat symptoms such as weak spleen and stomach, poor appetite, and diarrhea.
The mucoprotein in Chinese yam can prevent fat deposition, maintain blood vessel elasticity, prevent atherosclerosis, and reduce the occurrence of fatty liver.
The rich pectin in Chinese yam is a substance that induces interferon-like effects, which can increase the activity of lymphocytes, enhance the phagocytic ability of reticuloendothelial cells, improve immune function, and inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells.
Due to its low fat content and high starch content, Chinese yam can increase satiety and help achieve weight loss for those who are overweight.
For those who are underweight, Chinese yam contains rich nutrients such as proteins and starch, which can help "gain weight". Chinese yam also contains a significant amount of starch-degrading enzymes, which can aid in digestion.
