SECRET # 33 YAMS
Some may find it strange, but for the past couple weeks I have been craving YAMS. I’ve been dreaming of pumpkins and craving root vegetables. I contacted my friend Professor Richie who owns an Organic Farm in Toccoa, Georgia called 4PawsFarm. I asked him what he thought about my incessant longings. He sent me this response:
” we like to slice them and make healthy
baked sweet potato fries in the oven.
bake at 375 with a little olive oil, a bit of salt and pepper
and then, when done, you need lots of ketchup to dip them in…” MMMMM….
I have since learned that YAMS are a tropical Root vegetable.
Yam is native to Africa. The word ‘YAM’ is an African name which means “to eat”, explaining my desire to devour one every day! There are close to 150 varieties of Yam. Although it has a rough skin which is difficult to peel, the skin becomes soft after it is boiled. The skin of the vegetable varies from dark brown to light pink and the edible portion varies from white to orange.
Yam is a rich source of vitamin C, dietary fiber, Vitamin B6, manganese. The Yam products have a lower glycemic index than potatoes, they offer a more sustained form of energy. They provide better protection against overweight and diabetes. Yams are a good source of potassium a mineral that helps to control blood pressure. Wild yam also contains beta carotene, the antioxidant that is so important to maintaining a healthy cholesterol level. Yam is rich in fiber. Old Chinese medicines have mentions on Yam. The wild yam has been used by herbalists for centuries. Its traditional uses include the treatment of colic, muscle spasms, asthma. In the recent days it is used to treat menstrual disorders and hormonal problems during menopause. Pregnant women must avoid Yam. Wild yam’s antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties make it useful to treat cramps in the stomach. Go to your nearest Farmer’s Market and grab a YAM Mam!
