Many people love eating yams because they are rich in potassium, which helps expel salt from the blood, prevent high blood pressure, and lower cholesterol. The dietary fiber in yams can promote gastrointestinal motility and aid digestion. Additionally, the polysaccharide-protein in yams has special health benefits for the human body, strengthening the spleen and lungs, and tonifying the kidneys and essence.
Liu Yinghua, a nutritionist from the Department of Nutrition at the General Hospital of the People's Liberation Army, says that in addition to providing rich amounts of vitamins E and B1, sesame is also a "master" at supplementing calcium. When eaten together with yams, its calcium-supplementing effect is even better. This is because every 100 grams of white and black sesame seeds contain 620 mg and 780 mg of calcium, respectively, which is six to seven times that of milk of the same weight, while yams promote the absorption of calcium.
A delicious and nutritious yam and sesame paste is beneficial for growing children as it helps them grow taller. For middle-aged people who need to supplement calcium, it can replenish calcium and prevent osteoporosis.
The method for making yam and sesame paste is not difficult. First, prepare 100 grams of yams and 1 tablespoon of roasted sesame seeds, preferably black ones. Then, wash, peel, and cut the yams, steam them until cooked, and mash them into a paste. Next, place the roasted sesame seeds in a mortar and grind them into a powder; this is more nutritious than pre-ground sesame seeds bought from the market. Finally, mix the yam paste with the ground sesame seeds and season to taste before eating. A special reminder: ground sesame seeds are prone to oxidation, so they must be eaten immediately after preparation.
In addition to supplementing calcium, yam and sesame paste can also boost energy because sesame contains zinc and selenium, which can enhance sperm motility, while the sticky components of yams help maintain balanced hormone secretion and boost metabolism. A bowl of yam and sesame paste when you are fatigued can help restore your energy.
You can also have yam and sesame paste as a staple for dinner. It not only helps stimulate your appetite but is also a worry-free option for ladies who want to stay in shape, as yams are low in fat and eating them will not cause weight gain.