Cocoyam is a root food that boasts of many benefits. It has properties that prevent, fight and cure diseases. Although health experts warn against eating raw cocoyam leaves, they recommend how to cook cocoyam to yield highest benefits to consumers.
The benefits of cocoyam include:
Cancer prevention: Taro root 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 taro root help to boost immune system and help eliminate dangerous free radicals from our system.
Free radicals are actually the dangerous by-products of cellular metabolism that may result in healthy cells to mutate and turn into cancerous cells.
By eliminating these free radicals, our general health is almost guaranteed. Cryptoxanthin, which is found in taro root, is directly related to a lowered chance of developing both lung and oral cancers.
Reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis: 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.
Several researchers conclude that people with RA require comparatively more Vitamin B6 than healthy people because they experience constant muscle aches and joint pain, owing to chronic inflammation.
Blood pressure and heart health: Cocoyam consists of considerable amount of potassium, which is considered essential minerals that are needed to remain healthy and efficient. Potassium not only enables healthy fluid transfers between membranes and tissues throughout the body, but also helps to relieve stress and pressure on blood vessels and arteries.
By relaxing the veins and blood vessels, blood pressure can be reduced and stress on the overall cardiovascular system is reduced.
Immune system health: Cocoyam plays an important role in the immune system. Vitamin C is found in taro roots, 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.
Cramps: Consumption of high potassium foods is directly related to decreased muscle cramping and improved muscle strength. Cocoyam consists of considerable amount of potassium 615 mg, which is 13.09 per cent of the daily recommended value.
Muscle cramps are one of the common side effects of low potassium levels. This happens when athlete becomes dehydrated and isn’t consuming enough potassium-rich foods before and after exercise.
Digestive health: Cocoyam plays an important role in digestion because it consists of high level of dietary fiber (a single serving contains 11.32 per cent of the daily requirement of dietary fiber)
Fiber is important for supporting our gastrointestinal health. Fiber helps to add bulk to our bowel movements, thus helping food move through the digestive tract and facilitating improved digestion.
Boost vision: As we have previously mentioned, Cocoyam is loaded with several antioxidants, like beta-carotene and cryptoxanthin. These antioxidants can also help to improve vision as well, by preventing the free radicals from attacking ocular cells and causing macular degeneration or cataracts!