Sweet potato - a precious medicine in the home garden

(Baonghean.vn) -Sweet potato is a food closely associated with farmers, and is grown in many places to replace food after rice and corn. However, people rarely know about sweet potato as a medicine.

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The scientific name of the yam is Dioscorea alata, from the Dioscorea family and is widely grown in Africa. In our country, the plant is grown throughout the countryside for its edible tubers; the tubers can be large or very large, weighing from 4 to 50 kg. In Oriental medicine, it is called Mao thu.

There are two types of yam: white flesh and purple flesh. The white flesh type is of the Mong Linh variety, the tubers are heavy (4 - 5kg/tuber). The purple flesh type has charcoal purple and cotton flower purple, this type has smooth, long tubers, although the tubers are smaller than the white flesh type but delicious.

Oriental medicine calls Khoai vac Mao thu. Illustrative photo

Main nutritional ingredients of yam: 1 bowl of about 136g yam contains 157.75kcal; vitamin C: 10.40mg; vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): 0.31mg, potassium: 9.11mg; manganese: 0.50mg; fiber: 5.30g.

According to Oriental medicine, yams are sweet, neutral, and non-toxic. They have the effect of strengthening the spleen and lungs, strengthening vital energy, reducing swelling, and relieving pain. Yams increase blood flow to the kidneys and reduce blood pressure in the body.

Some medicinal effects of yam

Preventing cardiovascular disease:Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin B6, a nutrient that helps the body break down a compound called homocysteine, which destroys blood vessel walls. Many people with cardiovascular disease, although their blood cholesterol levels are low, still have high homocysteine ​​in their blood, so they are still at high risk of heart disease and stroke. However, if they are provided with enough vitamin B6, this risk will be significantly reduced. In addition to vitamin B6, sweet potatoes are also rich in potassium, a mineral that is useful in regulating and maintaining stable blood pressure.

One of the important nutrients found in yams is called dioscorin. It inhibits the conversion of angiotensin into enzymes, increasing blood flow to the kidneys and lowering blood pressure in the body.

Laxative:Soluble fiber absorbs a lot of water and increases stool volume. Mucus and fiber make stool smooth, stimulate intestinal motility, so defecation is easy.

Anti-inflammatory bowel:Stagnant stool causes the intestines to enlarge, the mucus layer becomes thinner, increasing the risk of infection. Sweet potatoes help loosen stools and move them quickly, reducing the risk of infection in the intestines.

Reduce menopausal symptoms in women:Yams contain many compounds called steroidal ponins, including diosgenins, which have components similar to progesterone, so they help reduce the risk of osteoporosis and do not leave side effects like in hormone replacement therapy.

Weight loss, obesity treatment:Sweet potatoes are high in fiber and low in fat, so they keep you full for a long time while still reducing weight. In addition, sweet potatoes absorb cholesterol.

Maintain blood sugar and body weight:Sweet potatoes are rich in complex carbohydrates and fiber, which regulates the release of sugar into the blood.

According to a Harvard University study of 38,000 women, eating tubers such as carrots, yams or sweet potatoes will reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by 27%.

Sweet potatoes are also rich in manganese, a trace mineral that helps metabolize carbohydrates and regulates the body's energy production, helping people maintain a healthy weight.

Potato and minced meat soup is good for the intestines. Illustration photo

Some other effects:

- Yam is a diuretic food with anti-inflammatory effects, so it is very good for people with urinary tract infections, very good for the female reproductive system. People also use cream made from yam to lubricate the female reproductive system.

- Wild yams have the effect of reducing muscle pain, stomachache, and nervous system pain.

- Sweet potatoes also have anti-inflammatory properties for people with rheumatoid arthritis, reduce fever, enhance bladder and liver function, and reduce blood fat.

- Taro soup cooked with fish and bones is effective in treating weakness, tendons, and spinal pain.

- Yams are also used by the people as an aphrodisiac. They contain many chemicals that increase the sensitivity of the genitals.

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