Yam - a little-known, inexpensive 'miracle cure'

Taro (yam) is a popular dish in rural Vietnam. But few people know that this humble root vegetable also offers many health benefits, being good for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, insomnia, and depression...

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, yam tubers are sweet in taste and neutral in nature, and have the effect of combating fatigue, invigorating energy, strengthening the spleen and stomach, enhancing kidney function, detoxifying the body, and treating many diseases. The following are some traditional dishes and remedies using yam tubers that have proven effective in preventing and treating illnesses.

Taro (or yam) is a popular dish in rural Vietnam.

Treating sore throat and cough caused by heat.

Peeled taro root 250g, chicken meat 25g, lean pork 100g, char siu (Chinese BBQ pork) 75g, shiitake mushrooms 25g, young bamboo shoots 100g, glutinous rice flour 500g, wheat flour 250g, sesame oil 50g, rice wine 5g, soy sauce 15g, salt 15g, black pepper 0.5g, sugar 15g.

Blanch bamboo shoots and mushrooms in boiling water. Finely chop the meats and mix with wet starch. Sauté the meats, bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and spices. Boil the taro root until cooked, then mix with the flour, sugar, and salt, knead thoroughly, spread on a greased tray, divide into 20 portions to coat the cakes, and fry until golden brown.

Cardiovascular disease prevention

During cold weather, the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors is relatively large. Furthermore, cold weather is a time when cardiovascular diseases are at risk of recurring.

Yams are rich in mucilaginous proteins, vitamins, and trace elements. These substances help prevent the accumulation of fat in blood vessel walls, reducing the risk of heart disease and low blood pressure, while also promoting mental well-being.

Therefore, this type of food is especially helpful in winter for people with a history of heart disease and high blood pressure.

Strengthens the spleen, benefits the stomach, and aids digestion.

Lower temperatures lead to a decrease in the speed of movement and metabolic rate in the human body. Most people enjoy eating hot pot in the winter. These habits increase the risk of intestinal diseases.

Amylase and polyphenol oxidase in taro are very beneficial for the stomach and digestive process. This root vegetable also helps the body increase absorption and has similar effects to tonics for the spleen and stomach.

Therefore, people with weak spleen yang, stomach yin deficiency, or those who eat little, have a poor appetite, or experience diarrhea should supplement their diet with the nutrients found in yam.

Besides, adding taro to the hot pot not only makes it delicious but also helps protect the intestines and digestive system during cold weather.

Reduces fever and clears phlegm.

Peel and grate the taro root until finely minced. Cut the tofu into small cubes and fry until golden brown in sesame oil. Chop the straw mushrooms finely. Sauté shallots (or onions and garlic) until fragrant, then add the tofu, straw mushrooms, and soy sauce. Add water and bring to a boil. Add the grated taro root and cook until tender. Remove from heat and add chopped water spinach and coriander. Serve hot with rice.

According to PN&GĐ