Rwanda’s recent air yams are primarily grown by household growers within the Southern and Western Provinces.
Air yam or air potato (Discorea bulbifera) is a type of potato that grows quickly on climbing vines. They’re usually mistaken for candy potatoes. Nevertheless, nutritionists say all these yams are much less candy and starchier.
It’s simple so as to add yams to your eating regimen as they are often baked, boiled, steamed, roasted, fried and pan-cooked relying on one’s preferences.
Rene Tabaro, a nutritionist at King Faisal Hospital says these tubers are extremely nutritious, versatile, and will profit one’s well being in some ways as they’re recognized to be wealthy in nutritional vitamins, minerals, and fibre.
As an illustration, he says one cup (136 grams) of baked yams gives energy, 158, carbs, 37 grams, and a pair of grams of protein.
With its excessive starch ranges, Tabaro says the air yam is an power useful resource. It additionally gives potassium for correct diuretic features within the physique at 23 % of the every day worth.
The dietary fibre margin in air yams stands at 16 %. That is vital as a result of it helps hold digestive features within the gastric system secure. Some well being advantages of the air yam are in its skill to treatment sure illnesses.
Tabaro provides that extracts from the yam can be used to get aid from diarrhoea and dysentery in addition to assuaging one’s conjunctivitis dysfunction.
Erick Musengimana, a nutritionist working with Rwanda Diabetes Affiliation says research have proven air potato to be wealthy in flavonoids, which generally is a supply of antioxidants.
As well as, he says the tube additionally has anti-inflammatory properties and comprises diosgenin, a steroid that helps create business steroidal hormones.
“The great factor with this tuber is that, it isn’t solely a wonderful supply of fibre however can be excessive in potassium and manganese, that are vital for supporting bone well being, progress, metabolism, and coronary heart operate,” he says.
These tubers are believed to additionally present respectable quantities of different micronutrients, reminiscent of copper and vitamin C. Copper is important for crimson blood cell manufacturing and iron absorption, whereas vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that may enhance one’s immune system.
Consuming yams basically, Tabaro says helps enhance one’s mind operate due to the diosgenin compound, which has been discovered to advertise neuron progress and improve mind operate. This compound additionally helps enhance reminiscence and studying skills.
Analysis additionally identifies consuming these yams with assuaging some signs of menopause.
Their antioxidants might have anticancer properties. These antioxidants additionally assist cut back irritation. Power irritation is linked to an elevated threat of varied situations, reminiscent of coronary heart illness, diabetes, and weight problems. Consuming anti-inflammatory meals, reminiscent of yams, can assist handle continual irritation.
