Water yam can slow down the ageing process and boost the immune system, a nutritionist, Hajiya Jummai Abdul, has said.
Abdul said water yam was good for diabetic patients because it contained fibre, a substantial amount of antioxidants and Vitamin C and helped to suppress blood sugar.
Water yam belongs to the family of dioscorea alata specie of yam, a tuberous root vegetable.
Abdul said the high fiber content in water yam could be used to manage pile (hemorrhage) and constipation.
“The fresh roots of water yam contain good amount of antioxidant and Vitamin C. The vitamin C in water yam plays so many roles in anti-ageing, immune function, wound healing and bone growth.
“Also, it contains small amount of vitamin E and beta-carotene level. The tubers are in deeded one of the vegetable rich sources that has a lot of minerals, like copper, it has calcium, it contains potassium, iron and also phosphorus; these are all essential elements contained in water yam.
“It’s good for diabetic patients; it suppresses the blood sugar because of the high fibre content.’’
According to the National Cancer Institute, an online journal, antioxidants are substances that may protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. “Free radical damage may lead to cancer.’’
NAN reports that beta-carotene is good for vision, immunity and overall health.
Abdul also said water yam was a good source of the Vitamin B complex and energy, among others.
She explained that anything that had fibre could help to prevent constipation and also reduce pain for pile patients “because when it comes to bowel movement, you have hard stool, but by the time you eat water yam, the stool softens because of the fibre content.’’
The nutritionist also advised Nigerians to always eat local foods for good health.
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