Health Benefits of Cocoyam

Cocoyam is primarily cultivated for its corm, which is a swollen part of the stem that serves as a storage area. In this article we will learn more about cocoyam corm (which will be referred to simply as cocoyam) as well as the many benefits that you may enjoy simply for having it included in your diet on a regular basis.
Originating from Southeast Asia, cocoyam is a staple in the diet of many underdeveloped or developing nations across the planet. While the leaves can also be consumed as a vegetable, it is the corm which is commonly added to the diet. However, cocoyam is also cultivated for medicinal purposes.
Just like many other vegetables that are found beneath the soil, cocoyam is starchy. Needless to say, it is an excellent source of carbohydrates that provide the body with energy. Since the soil is also rich in minerals, it isn’t really surprising why cocoyam contains potassium, calcium, copper, manganese and zinc.
There are also a bunch of vitamins present in cocoyam, which include vitamins A, B, C and E which are necessitated by the body for its proper functioning and optimum health. Cocoyam is also a phenomenal source of dietary fiber which, as everyone knows, is important for keeping constipation, hemorrhoids and even colon cancer at bay.
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Cocoyam can be added to one’s diet via a number of ways. For instance, it’s something that can be boiled just like potatoes. In areas where it is a diet staple, cocoyam are grated or pounded and used as thickening agent for soups and stews. It’s also very much possible to roast cocoyam, as well as turn it into crispy chips.
Now that you are more familiar with cocoyam, it’s time for us to get to know the health perks it offers:

It Energizes the Body

Cocoyam contains B vitamins that help convert the food you eat into energy, and that is why it’s something that can help make you feel energized. What’s more, cocoyam is a great source of carbohydrates as it is a starchy vegetable.

It Improves Digestion

There’s also fiber present in every serving of cocoyam, and this is the reason why it helps in improving the process of digestion. Aside from that, fiber in cocoyam also helps keep constipation at bay, thus allowing you to be regular. Doctors say that cocoyam and other fiber-rich vegetables may prevent colon cancer from striking.

It Boosts Your Immunity

Vitamin C that cocoyam has is very important for strengthening the immune system. And this is why adding cocoyam to your diet on a regular basis can help in considerably reducing your risk of having an infection.

It Enhances Vision

Another type of vitamin that you can get from cocoyam is vitamin A, which is so important for keeping the eyes healthy. By shielding the peepers from free radical damage, certain eye problems can be avoided. Many of the issues that may affect the eyes can actually lead to blurring of vision or even loss of it!

It Lowers the Blood Pressure

There is potassium present in cocoyam, and it’s exactly for this why consuming it regularly can help in the management of hypertension. You see, potassium relaxes the blood vessels, which in turn causes high blood pressure to drop.

It Strengthens Bones

Last but not least, the consumption of cocoyam can also help keep the bones strong, thus lowering your risk of having osteoporosis one day. That’s because cocoyam contains calcium, which is known as a bone strengthener. Cocoyam contains copper, too, and experts say that this mineral is also a role player in osteoporosis prevention.
Kindly have this article reposted on your various social media sites to get your friends and family members acquainted with cocoyam and the amazing health benefits that they can get from consuming it. (plantz.com)
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