Winter is the perfect time to eat Chinese yam. It is the mildest of all tonifying herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine, with a neutral thermal nature. It is suitable for people with both cold and hot constitutions. Chinese yam can nourish the liver, spleen, and kidneys, nourishing both yin and yang. What are the health benefits of eating more Chinese yam?
Preventing Cardiovascular Diseases
Winter has significant temperature differences between indoors and outdoors, and the overall low temperatures make it a peak season for cardiovascular diseases. Chinese yam is rich in mucin protein, vitamins, and trace elements, which can effectively prevent lipids from depositing on blood vessel walls, thus preventing cardiovascular diseases. It also has the effects of lowering blood pressure and calming the mind, making it very suitable for consumption in winter.
Strengthening the Spleen and Benefiting the Stomach, Aiding Digestion
In winter, physical activity tends to decrease unintentionally. The metabolic rate slows down due to the lower temperatures, and the increased frequency of hotpot consumption raises the risk of gastrointestinal diseases. Chinese yam contains substances like amylase and polyphenol oxidase, which are beneficial to the digestive and absorption functions of the spleen and stomach. It is a medicinal and edible herb that mildly tonifies the spleen and stomach. It can be consumed by those with deficient spleen yang or deficient stomach yin. Clinically, it is often used with other herbs to treat conditions such as weak digestion, poor appetite, fatigue, and diarrhea. Therefore, it's a good idea to add Chinese yam to soups and hotpots in winter.
Benefiting the Lungs and Relieving Coughs
Winter is dry and cold, which can be particularly harsh on the lungs and throat, easily leading to a dry or sore throat. Chinese yam contains saponins and mucilage, both of which have lubricating and moisturizing effects. Therefore, it can benefit lung qi, nourish lung yin, and treat symptoms such as lung deficiency, phlegmatic cough, and chronic cough.
Nourishing the Kidneys and Promoting Health
Chinese yam contains a variety of nutrients and has the effect of strengthening the body and nourishing the kidneys and essence. Moreover, there are fewer fruits and vegetables in winter, and they are more expensive. Eating Chinese yam can help you intake vitamins as a substitute. However, remember not to eat Chinese yam with bananas, as it can cause diarrhea.
Lowering Blood Sugar
Chinese yam contains mucin protein, which can lower blood sugar. Adding it to your regular dishes can also prevent sudden spikes in blood sugar from overeating. Long-term consumption may also help prevent and manage diabetes.
The most nutritious way to eat Chinese yam is by steaming it, as this prevents the loss of nutrients. Steamed Chinese yam has a relatively mild taste, so you can eat it with honey for a rich nutritional profile without affecting each other's absorption. Winter is a high-risk time for cardiovascular diseases, and eating more Chinese yam can be very effective for prevention and treatment.