Yam has a wide range of applications in traditional Chinese medicine, mainly because it has many benefits and is effective in treating many diseases. It can be used to treat severe infections, coronary heart disease, and even slow down the aging process. Yam is highly nutritious and has the following benefits: nourishing the spleen and stomach, aiding digestion, nourishing the kidneys and essence, nourishing the lungs and relieving cough, and lowering blood sugar. Regular consumption of yam has many benefits for the body.
Benefits for the Body
1. Nourishes the Spleen, Stomach, and Aids Digestion
Yam is beneficial for the digestive system and can be used to treat weak digestion, loss of appetite, fatigue, and diarrhea, regardless of whether there is a deficiency of spleen yang or stomach yin.
2. Nourishes the Kidneys and Essence
Yam strengthens the body and nourishes the kidneys and essence. It can be used to treat conditions such as kidney deficiency with seminal emission, excessive vaginal discharge in women, and frequent urination.
3. Lowers Blood Sugar
Yam has the ability to lower blood sugar and can be used to treat diabetes. It is a good dietary supplement for diabetic patients.
4. Prolongs Life
Yam effectively prevents the deposition of blood lipids in the blood vessel walls, preventing cardiovascular diseases. It also has the ability to improve mental well-being and prolong life.
Nutritional Value of Yam
1. Yam contains about half the calories and carbohydrates of the same amount of sweet potatoes. It is low in fat and has a higher protein content compared to sweet potatoes.
2. The main component of yam is starch, and some of it can be converted into starch hydrolysate, which aids digestion. This is why yam can be eaten raw as a starchy food.
3. Yam contains various trace elements, with a higher potassium content. It has a limited variety and quantity of vitamins and almost no beta-carotene.
4. Yam leaves are an excellent source of beta-carotene and a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamin C.
Methods of Consuming Yam
Recommended methods include stewing yam with pork ribs, making yam porridge with coix seed, stir-frying sliced yam, and stir-frying yam with wood ear mushrooms.
Yam is suitable for diabetes patients, bloating, post-illness weakness, chronic nephritis patients, and those with prolonged diarrhea. However, it should be noted that yam has a high starch content, so it is best for those with bloating, constipation, and dry stools to consume it in moderation.
