What are the nutritional benefits of yams and how can they help with health issues such as inflammation and menopause?
Yams are tuber vegetables native to Africa and Asia. They are rich in vitamins and minerals, offering numerous health benefits. Yams contain antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation. The diosgenin in wild yam root may limit the progression of osteoporosis arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, as shown in animal studies, though more research is needed for human applications. Diosgenin has also been linked to lower cholesterol levels in animal studies. It is used in alternative medicine to produce hormones like estrogen and progesterone. However, there is no solid evidence that yams help with menopause, PMS, infertility, or low libido in humans. Yams are a great source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium, and iron. When preparing yams, they must be peeled and cooked to avoid natural toxins. People with hormone-related health issues or those on hormone therapy should avoid large quantities of yams.