The Chinese yam, also known as Dioscorea polystachya, is a flowering plant in the yam family cultivated in many temperate and tropical regions.
This versatile vegetable is highly valued in Chinese and Japanese traditional medicine for its many health benefits.
It is listed as a high-level nourishing product in the classic Chinese medical textbook Yellow Emperor’s Canon of Internal Medicine due to the multi-nutrients it contains.
Chinese yams are rich in proteins, vitamins B, C, and E, glucose, more than ten kinds of amino acids, and trace elements, as well as many minerals.
These nutrients nourish the organs of the human body with balanced nutrients and provide a wholesome effect on the body’s general health.
Nine ways that Chinese yams can benefit your health
- Sharpening the mind and beautifying one’s complexion: Chinese yams are often referred to as “food of the divine” due to their ability to nourish the kidneys, brain, and bones. This enables one to maintain good hearing and vision, tender skin, and rosy complexion, as well as smooth circulation of blood and energy. In addition, they can nourish the lungs and prevent one from catching colds and coughing.
- Prevention of diabetes: Chinese yams are frequently used in Chinese medicine for treating diabetes and maintaining the islet gland’s normal function with sound effects.
- Prevention of cardiovascular diseases and obesity: Chinese yams are rich in digestive enzymes, improving digestion and preventing fat accumulation in the blood vessels. Atherosclerosis can thus be delayed because the blood vessels are kept flexible. Obesity can also be enhanced because fat accumulation in the body is reduced.
- Maintaining easy and smooth bowel motility: Chinese yams contain dietary fibers such as semi-cellulose, cellulose, lignin, pectin, etc. These fibers can help bowel motility and prevent constipation as well as hemorrhoids.
- Lowering blood sugar and cholesterol: Although Chinese yams are starchy, studies have shown they can reduce blood sugar. In addition, their water-soluble fibers can combine with cholic acid in the blood to reduce the level of cholesterol.
- Removal of phlegm and relief of coughing: The enzymes, vitamins B, C, calcium, and potassium in Chinese yams can nourish the lungs and the kidneys to improve fatigue and coughing. Their sticky quality can lubricate respiratory organs and relieve the discomfort of the throat and coughing.
- Adjustment of pH balance and management of blood pressure: Chinese yams contain potassium and magnesium. Potassium can adjust the body’s pH balance, manage blood pressure, and maintain normal functions of the neural system and muscles. Magnesium is crucial for metabolism, neural transmission, contraction of muscles, and the synthesis and stability of DNA.
- Provision of proteins: Chinese yams are rich in vegetable proteins, including amino acids necessary for health. It is recommended that they be cooked with beans to supplement the proteins needed for the human body.
- Prevention of nocturnal emission and frequent urination: Chinese yams can nourish the kidneys and prevent nocturnal emission and frequent urination. They can also improve the urinary system’s overall health and prevent urinary tract infections.
In conclusion, these are versatile and nutritious vegetables that can provide a wide range of health benefits. From sharpening the mind and beautifying the complexion to preventing diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, they are a great addition to any diet.
So next time you’re at the market, consider picking up a few Chinese yams and incorporating them into your meals to boost health and nourishment.
Translated by Audrey Wang
