Yams are nutritious vegetables containing both macro- and micronutrients. They may have many health benefits, including relieving symptoms of menopause and lowering blood cholesterol levels.
Yams (Dioscorea) are a type of tuber vegetable that originated in Asia, Africa, and the Carribean (
They’re often mistaken for sweet potatoes. However, yams are less sweet and more starchy.
They have a distinct brown, bark-like exterior. The flesh can be white, yellow, purple, or pink depending on the maturity of the yam.
These tubers are highly nutritious, versatile, and may benefit your health in many ways.
Here are 11 health and nutrition benefits of yams.
Yams are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
One cup (136 grams) of baked yams provides (
- Calories:
158 - Carbs: 37 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Fiber: 5 grams
- Vitamin
C: 18% of the Daily Value (DV) - Vitamin
B5: 9% of the DV - Manganese: 22% of the DV
- Magnesium:
6% of the DV - Potassium: 19% of the DV
- Thiamine:
11% of the DV - Copper:
23% of the DV - Folate: 6% of the DV
Yams are not only an excellent source of fiber but also high in potassium and manganese, which are important for supporting bone health, growth, metabolism, and heart function (
These tubers also provide decent amounts of other micronutrients, such as copper and vitamin C.
Copper is vital for red blood cell production and iron absorption, while vitamin C is a strong antioxidant that can boost your immune system (
Summary Yams are packed
with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They’re particularly rich in potassium,
manganese, copper, and vitamin C.
Eating yams may boost your brain.
In one 12-week study, people who took a yam extract supplement scored higher on a brain function test than those in the placebo group (
Yams contain a unique compound called diosgenin, which has been found to promote neuron growth and enhance brain function (
Diosgenin has also improved memory and learning abilities in mice in various maze tests (
However, more research in this area is needed to fully understand how yams may benefit brain health.
Summary Yams contain a
unique compound called diosgenin, which may enhance memory and brain
function.
Yams may help alleviate some symptoms of menopause.
In one 30-day study, 24 postmenopausal women switched from their staple food of rice to eating yams in 2 out of 3 meals (390 grams total) per day. Their blood levels of estrone and estradiol increased by 26% and 27%, respectively (
Blood levels of estrone and estradiol — two estrogen hormones — typically decrease during menopause. Improving estrogen levels may ease menopause symptoms (
Yet, another six-month study found that topically applied wild yam cream had very little effect on menopause symptoms, such as flushing and night sweats, compared with a placebo (
Further research is needed to investigate the role that yams may have in relieving menopause symptoms.
Summary Yams may help
alleviate symptoms of menopause. Still, the evidence is mixed, and more studies
are needed to support these claims.
Yams provide several antioxidants that may have anticancer properties (
In an animal study, a yam-rich diet significantly reduced colon tumor growth. These effects were associated with the antioxidants present in yams, suggesting that these tubers may protect against cancer (
What’s more, a test-tube study found that extracts from Chinese yam, specifically the peel, inhibited liver tumor growth and offered antioxidant properties (
However, research is limited, and studies have yet to test these effects in humans.
Summary Animal and
test-tube studies suggest that the antioxidants in yams may have anticancer
effects. Still, human studies are lacking.
The antioxidants in yams may help reduce inflammation.
Chronic inflammation is linked to an increased risk of various conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity (
Eating anti-inflammatory foods, such as yams, can help manage chronic inflammation (
Several rat studies have observed that yam powder reduced inflammation related to several illnesses, including colon cancer, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and stomach ulcers (
Still, more studies are needed to determine whether eating yams has the same anti-inflammatory effects in humans.
Summary The rich
antioxidant content of yams helps reduce inflammation related to various
diseases. However, more human research is needed to confirm these
results.
Yams may improve your blood sugar levels.
In one study, rats given yam powder or yam water extract experienced decreased fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, compared with the control groups. HbA1c is a measure of long-term blood sugar control (
Another study found that rats given higher amounts of purple yam extract showed reduced appetites, greater weight loss, and improved blood sugar control, compared with a control group (28).
Furthermore, another study in rats found that supplementing with yam flour reduced the rate of blood sugar absorption, which led to improved blood sugar control. These effects are attributed to the resistant starch and fiber in yams (29).
Resistant starch passes through your gut undigested. This type of starch is linked to various health benefits, including decreased appetite, as well as improved blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity (
Summary Several animal
studies have found that yams improve blood sugar control. The effects are
thought to be due to their rich resistant starch and dietary fiber
contents.
Yams are associated with a number of other health benefits, including:
- Improved
digestive health. Studies indicate that the resistant
starch in yams may increase digestive
enzymes that help break down food and increase the number of good bacteria
in your gut (31 ,32 ). - Weight
loss. One animal study found that yam
extract reduced food intake, suggesting that these tubers may help reduce
appetite and improve weight loss. The fiber in yams may promote weight
loss as well (28). - Antimicrobial
effects. Though the exact mechanism is unknown, several
studies observe that yam extract may protect against certain
drug-resistant bacteria (33 ,34 ). - Improved cholesterol levels. In one
study, women who ate 18 ounces (390 grams) of yams per day for 30 days
experienced a 6% decrease in blood cholesterol levels (11 ).
Though yams’ rich nutritional content appears to provide numerous benefits, more human research is needed to study these effects in detail.
Summary Due to the nutrient
density of yams, eating them is associated with a number of health benefits,
including weight loss, antimicrobial effects, and improved digestive health and
cholesterol levels.
Due to their versatility, it’s easy to add yams to your diet. They can be bought whole or as a powder, flour, and even supplement.
These delicious tubers can be baked, boiled, steamed, roasted, fried, and pan-cooked.
Yams can be enjoyed with or without the skin and used in both sweet and savory dishes.
Here are some common ways to enjoy yams:
- Yam
fries. Cut yams into wedges, add seasonings, and
bake or fry them. - Purée. Boil the tubers until soft, place in a blender, purée, and season
them. - Yam
chips. Thinly slice peeled yams and bake or fry them. - Mashed
yams. Peel, boil, and mash your yams, then add milk and
seasonings. - Baked
yams. Bake cubed yams until tender. - Cheesy
yam gratin. Thinly slice peeled yams and bake them with
cheese and seasonings. - Yam
hash. Peel, dice, season, and then cook your yams
in a pan. - Add into baked goods. Use yam
purée to add moisture to breads and muffins.
Adding different seasonings to your yam dishes, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, oregano, or thyme, can diversify sweet and savory dishes.
Summary Yams are
nutritious, versatile, and easy to prepare, making them a great ingredient to
cook with.
Yams are nutrient-dense tuber vegetables that come in many colors.
They’re a great source of fiber, potassium, manganese, copper, and antioxidants.
Yams are linked to various health benefits and may boost brain health, reduce inflammation, and improve blood sugar control.
They’re versatile, easy to prepare, and a great vegetable to include in your diet in both sweet and savory dishes.
