Post by Trade Coach on Oct 16, 2018 18:25:54 GMT 1
Cocoyam has high nutritional values with substantial vitamins, minerals and proteins contents.
Cocoyam used to be an ordinary staple in Nigerian homes in the past. Then we went to school, and became 'educated' and generally lost interest in our local food and developed a taste for processed foods. When you buy, and eat such processed food, you are regarded as ‘educated’ and ‘high class.’ If you eat cocoyam or tell people that you love eating cocoyam, be ready to be labelled as local, village man or woman and all sorts of names. As a result, farmers hardly cultivate cocoyam, and now it has become a scarce food, even in the village.
The leaves of cocoyam are also very useful. Many people did not know that, especially those who have only known this plant as a tuber. The leaves are not just good food product, but they are also able to provide you with plenty of useful vitamins and minerals. Cocoyam leaves are as healthy and helpful for your body, especially for those who want to lose fat and improve their health condition.
Cocoyam leaves contain a toxin that irritates the throat if not properly cooked, so it should not be eaten raw. In fact, the leaves should be soaked in cold water for about 10 to 15 minutes before they are cooked. Cocoyam has more calories than potatoes. Its calories mainly come from complex carbohydrates known as amylose and amylopectin. Their protein levels can be comparable to that of other tropical food sources like yam, cassava, potato, banana, etc.
They feature high-quality Phytonutrition profile comprising of dietary fibre, and antioxidants in addition to moderate proportions of minerals, and vitamins. They are one of the best sources of dietary fibres.
Together with slow digesting complex carbohydrates, moderate amounts of fibre in the food help gradual rise in blood sugar levels.
Cocoyam, however, is free from gluten.
Cocoyam contains high levels of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and various other phenolic antioxidants, which help to boost the immune system and help eliminate dangerous free radicals from our system. Free radicals are 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 improved. Also, Cryptoxanthin, found in cocoyam, is said to protect against both lung and oral cancers.
Cocoyam is very beneficial for overcoming rheumatoid arthritis because low levels of Vitamin B6 are related to increased signs of rheumatoid arthritis. Several researchers conclude that people with rheumatoid arthritis comparatively need more Vitamin B6 than healthy people because they experience constant muscle aches and joint pain due to chronic inflammation. Vitamin B6 relieves pain and controls aches in the muscles and joints caused by arthritis.
The considerable amount of potassium in cocoyam is considered an essential mineral to remain healthy and efficient. By relaxing the veins and blood vessels, blood pressure can be reduced and also reduce stress on the overall cardiovascular system.
Cocoyam plays an essential role in boosting the immune system. Vitamin C is found in cocoyam roots, which helps the immune system to create white blood cells that help to defend the body from foreign pathogens and agents. Also, Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, which moderately prevents conditions such as heart disease and cancer.
Eating high-potassium foods is directly related to decreased muscle cramping and improved muscle strength.
Cocoyam also plays a vital role in digestion as it consists a high level of dietary fibre. Fibre is very important for digestion. Fibre improves bowel movements, thus helping food move through the digestive tract and facilitating improved digestion. Aside that, it can also help to prevent certain conditions like excess gas, cramping, bloating, constipation and dysentary.
Cocoyam consists of Vitamin B1, which is also known as thiamine is a vitamin which helps to increase focus, energy, fights chronic stress prevents memory loss. Several researches have linked thiamine deficiency to difficulty in learning. Cocoyam consists of antioxidants like betacarotene 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.
Calcium, Vitamin D and phosphorus all found in cocoyam play a crucial role in the formation and maintenance of dental hygiene by supporting tooth enamel, jaw-bone mineral density and holding the teeth in place, these minerals and vitamins can also help heal tooth decay.
Dietary fibre can also help lower the chances of developing diabetes because it helps to regulate the release of insulin and glucose in the body. If you consume sufficient amount of Cocoyam in your regular diet, then you can manage your blood sugar levels and lower your chances of developing diabetes. If you have diabetes, then fibre-rich foods like cocoyam can help prevent the increase and shoots in blood sugar that can be so dangerous.
Regular consumption of cocoyam can prevent anaemia and boost circulation throughout the body. Both iron and copper are essential for the production of red blood cells that carry the all-important oxygen to our body’s systems and cells. By decreasing the chances of anaemia (iron deficiency) and boost the flow of blood through the body, you can speed overall metabolism, the growth of new cells, and general oxygenation of the body that is always good to keep the organs and systems functioning properly.