What do you know about Cocoa Yam?

Health Benefits of Eating Cocoa yam

Cocoa yam is rather calorie-sparse at 142 calories per 100g – around 13% of the possible calorie content. The low-calorie and high “bulk” of tubers such as cocoa yam have made them a staple in diets across the world as they will reduce hunger and make you feel “full” without too many calories. For this reason, Cocoa yam can be an excellent food addition for those who are dieting, as one of the hardest parts of losing weight is getting past the feelings of hunger.

Digestive Health

The health benefit of eating cocoa yam is its role in indigestion. The high level of dietary fibre found in Cocoa yam (a single serving contains 27% of the daily requirement of dietary fibre) makes it very important for supporting our gastrointestinal health. Fibre helps to add bulk to our bowel movements, thereby helping food move through the digestive tract and facilitating improved digestion. This can help prevent certain conditions such as excess gas, bloating, cramping, constipation, and even diarrhoea. A healthy, regulated gastrointestinal system can greatly boost your overall health.

Helps Control Blood Sugar

Although Cocoyam is a starchy vegetable, it contains two types of carbohydrates that are beneficial for blood sugar management: fibre and resistant starch. Fibre is a carbohydrate that humans can’t digest. Since it’s not absorbed, it has no impact on blood sugar levels.

It also helps slow down the digestion and absorption of other carbs, preventing large blood sugar spikes after meals.

Helps Control Blood Sugar

The health benefits of eating cocoa yam play an important part in the antioxidant activity in our bodies. High levels of vitamin A, vitamin C, and various other phenolic antioxidants found in Cocoa yam help to boost the immune system and help eliminate dangerous free radicals from our system. By eliminating these free radicals, our general health is almost guaranteed. Cryptoxanthin, which is found in Cocoa yam, is directly related to a lowered chance of developing both lung and oral cancers.

Reduces Muscle Craps

Consuming high-potassium foods is directly related to decreased muscle cramping and improved muscle strength. Muscle cramps are one of the common side effects of low potassium levels. This happens when an athlete becomes dehydrated and don’t consume enough potassium-rich foods before and after exercise.