The health benefits of eating cocoyam includes improving the chances of dietary success, supporting digestive health, a good source of carbohydrate, improving metabolic efficiency and nutrient absorption, strengthening immune function and supporting blood health. Cocoyam, which is the thick, tuber stalk of the Cocoyam plant is an extremely important part of global cuisines and diets, as it has been for thousands of years. The health benefits of eating cocoyam includes providing strength for good aerobic exercise, improving heart and bone health, improving enzyme function and fighting anemia.
Cocoyam contains a wealth of organic compounds, minerals, and vitamins that can benefit our overall health in a number of ways. One cup (132 grams) of cooked cocoyam has 187 calories — mostly from carbs — and fewer than one gram each of protein and fat. It has a very significant amount of dietary fiber and carbohydrates, as well as high levels of vitamin A, C, E, vitamin B6, and folate, according to the USDA National Nutrient Database. There is magnesium, iron, zinc, phosphorous, potassium, manganese, and copper in it. The plant also provides some protein in your diet, but the amount is almost negligible.
Digestive Health
The health benefits of eating cocoyam is its role in digestion. The high level of dietary fiber found in Cocoyam (a single serving contains 27% of the daily requirement of dietary fiber) makes it very important for supporting our gastrointestinal health. [5] Fiber helps to add bulk to our bowel movements, thereby helping food move through the digestive tract and facilitating improved digestion. This can help prevent certain conditions such as excess gas, bloating, cramping, constipation, and even diarrhea. A healthy, regulated gastrointestinal system can greatly boost your overall health.
Cancer Prevention
The health benefits of eating cocoyam plays an important part in the antioxidant activity in our bodies. High level of vitamin A, vitamin C, and various other phenolic antioxidants found in Cocoyam help to boost immune system and help eliminate dangerous free radicals from our system. By eliminating these free radicals, our general health is almost guaranteed. Cryptoxanthin, which is found in Cocoyam, is directly related to a lowered chance of developing both lung and oral cancers.
Improves Heart Health
One cup of cocoyam has 0.1g fat and cholesterol, the health benefits of eating cocoyam prevent hardening of the arteries. You can consume it several times without worrying about gaining weight or other health problems related to fatty foods like heart or kidney diseases. Cocoyams can give 19% of the daily required Vitamin E that is required to prevent the risks of a heart attack.
Improves Metabolism And Nutrient Absorption
Cocoyam provides ¼ of your daily B6. Vitamin B6 is one of the less-discussed B vitamins but is essential for the proper digestion and metabolism of food, as well as enzyme production and facilitation. Deficiency in Vitamin B6 can result in poor absorption of nutrients and energy from food, reducing the efficiency of the metabolism. B6 is also associated with the processing, absorption and use of proteins, peptides and amino acids, making it an incredibly beneficial supporting nutrient for other compounds, as well as an essential actor in processes such as muscle growth, recovery and the repair of damaged tissues.
Diabetes Prevention
Dietary fiber can also help lower the chances of developing diabetes because it regulates the release of insulin and glucose in the body. If you have a sufficient level of fiber, which Cocoyam provides, then you can manage your glycemic levels and lower your chances of developing diabetes. If you have diabetes, then fiber-rich foods like Cocoyam can help prevent the dangerous spikes and plunges in blood sugar.
Reduces Arthritis Symptoms
The health benefits of eating cocoyam is extremely beneficial for overcoming rheumatoid arthritis because low levels of vitamin B6 are related to increased signs of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), like more severe pains.
Boosts Immune System
Cocoyam plays an important role in the immune system. Vitamin C is found in Cocoyams, which helps to encourage immune system to create more white blood cells, which help to defend the body from foreign pathogens and agents. Additionally vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, which moderately prevents the development of conditions such as heart disease and cancer.
Improves Oral Health
The health benefits of eating cocoyam consists of phosphorus, which is essential for both bone health as well as maintaining teeth and gum health. Calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus, they all play an important role in the formation and maintenance of dental health by supporting tooth enamel, jaw-bone mineral density and holding the teeth in place, therefore, these minerals and vitamins can also help heal tooth decay.
Protect the nervous system
Are you feeling the symptoms of tingling, numbness, or pain in your limb? You can eat the leaves to reduce those symptoms. The vitamin B complex including thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6 in cocoyam leaves protect the nervous system. They also boost the immune system.
Healthy bone
Kontomire also contain calcium. Calcium is good for the formation and maintenance of healthy bone. It works with phosphorous to strengthen the bone and teeth.
Fetal brain and nervous system development
Besides its rich nutrients content, the leaves also contain folate. Folate is essential for the development of your fetal brain and nervous system. It is, therefore, good to consume cocoyam leaves when you are pregnant. However, be sure to cook them well before you eat.
Prevention of preeclampsia in pregnancy
Eating cocoyam leaves help to prevent preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterised by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, often the kidneys. The magnesium mineral helps in muscle relaxation. You can also use it to prevent preeclampsia.
Reduce wrinkle on the skin
Cocoyam leaves also contain the amino acid called threonine. The threonine helps in the formation of elastin and collagen. These are good for healthy skin. They prevent the skin from wrinkle and rejuvenate skin.
A very good energy source
Cocoyam leaves are one of the best energy sources for the body through its essential amino acid called isoleucine. This protein regulates blood sugar and increases muscle strength and energy levels. This is the best diet for people who love to work out.
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