Amorphophallus paeoniifolius, the elephant foot yam or whitespot giant arum, is a highly potential tropical tuber crop belonging to the family Araceae. The plant is native to Tropical Asia. It grows wild in Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries. It is also found in India, southern China, New Guinea, Northern Australia and Polynesia. It is an important tuber crop of tropical and sub-tropical countries because of its yield potential and culinary properties. In India, it has gained the status of a cash crop due to its high production potential, market acceptability and profitable economic returns with a production potential (50-80 t ha-1). It has a good source of protein as well as starch and is very popular as a vegetable in various Indian cuisines. In India, it is grown in Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand. Because of its production potential and popularity as a vegetable in various cuisines, it can be raised as a cash crop.
Cheeky Yam, Corpse Flower, Corpse Plant, Elephant Foot Yam, Elephant Yam, Stink Lily, Telinga Potato, Voodoo Lily, White-Spot Giant Arum, Sweet yam and pungapung are some of the most popular common names of the plant. Genus epithet ‘Amorphophallus’ means deformed phallus, an allusion to the shape of the inflorescence and tubers. Species epithet ‘paeoniifolius’ means having leaves like Peony (Paeonia), and is named after ancient Greek physician Paeon, who was thought to be the first to use plants medicinally.
Mentioned below are the best health benefits of Elephant Foot Yam
1. Lowering Cholesterol : Elephant foot yam is known to have a great effect in lowering the levels of bad cholesterol in the body. It is widely used as a slimming food. Omega-3-fatty acids present in it help in increasing the levels of good cholesterol in the body, while reducing the levels of low-density lipoproteins and very low-density lipoproteins. Elephant foot yam consists of very low about 0.2-0.4% of fat and high levels about 1.7-5% of fibers, making it an ideal food in the process of weight reduction.
2. Cardiovascular Health : Elephant Yam is really very helpful in maintaining good cardiovascular health. There are various reasons that show the goodness of this vegetable for heart health and they are.
3. Anticoagulant and Anti Inflammatory : As an effective anticoagulant, elephant foot yam can be helpful in reducing the risks of heart attacks. It also helps in relieving the clots formed in arteries and veins. This action can also be helpful in reducing high blood pressure and further complications like coronary artery disease.
4. Cancer Prevention : As we all know that Elephant Yam is loaded with dietary fiber therefore it is quite beneficial in the prevention of colon cancer. Additionally, this vegetable is also rich in vitamin A content. This vitamin is advantageous in preventing lung and oral cavity cancers.
5. Slow down ageing : The powerful antioxidants present in elephant foot yam is said to be effective in slowing down the aging process. It also helps in keeping away risks of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and strokes. Another important constituent of elephant foot yam is vitamin C that also aids in slowing down of the aging process. It slows down the process of aging by making one’s skin blemish-free and wrinkle-free.
6. Diabetes : You all know this fact that Elephant Yam has a low glycemic index and therefore people with diabetes can freely enjoy it without any fear of blood-sugar spike.
7. Detoxification : It is a powerful detoxifier. The high fiber content in elephant foot yam shows toxin detoxification in the liver. Elephant foot yam is best known for its hepato-protective activity. It helps in proper cleansing of other internal organs including intestine and stomach, making them free of pathogens.
8. Anti-Inflammatory : It is also used in the treatment of hemorrhoids and piles. It is also suggested in the treatment of arthritis. It also helps in reducing muscle spasms. Other applications of its anti-inflammatory activity can be found in rheumatism, elephantiasis, glandular swellings and others.
9. Memory and Concentration : Being a rich source of Omega-3-fatty acids and also other essential minerals like zinc, selenium, magnesium, phosphorous, elephant foot yam help in improving brain functioning and aids in the improvement of memory and concentration.
10. Boost Immunity : Fiber contents of elephant foot yam are great supplements for probiotics. It not only cleanses toxins and pathogens out of the body, but also builds up good bacteria to improve immunity. Elephant foot yam is also said to be possessing antibacterial agents which help in keeping away infections. It also shows wide cytotoxic and immune-modulatory activity.
11. Cures Piles : Piles are really very painful. It is mainly caused due to chronic constipation, too much straining, excessive sitting and eating spicy, oily and unhealthy foods. There are many other causes of piles or hemorrhoids. You can cure this problem by using Elephant Yam. All you have to do is to cut Elephant Yam in small and thin pieces and dry them in sunlight. Make a powder out of them. Take half to one teaspoon of this powder with water twice daily. You should make a balanced and healthy diet menu to prevent this painful problem.
12. Women Health : Elephant foot yam is said to be estrogen boosting food. This benefit makes Elephant Yam an excellent food for those who want to increase the estrogen level. Vitamin B6 and antispasmodic properties of this yam helps prevent and cure the symptoms of PMS or Pre Menstrual Syndrome. If you are a pregnant or lactating mother then you must take the approval of your doctor before consuming this vegetable.
13. Cooling effects : Elephant foot yam shows a cooling effect in the body. It helps in reducing high blood pressure and also facilitates, smooth flow of blood across arteries and veins. It reduces stress and is highly recommended to be included in the meals especially, in hotter regions for its cooling effect. This can be accounted for elephant foot yam’s nervous system depressant activity, which results in sedation and decreased loco motor activity.
14. Good for Digestion : Eating Elephant Yam regularly can help you improve your digestive health. This yam is loaded with antispasmodic, inflammation fighting, carminative, appetizing, digestive and stomachic properties. These effects help improve digestion and appetite. This vegetable is effective in curing abdominal cramping, flatulence, bloating, dysentery, worm infestation, ulcers, excessive stomach acid and many other stomach related issues. Regular consumption of Elephant Yam can help alleviate various types of gastrointestinal problems including constipation, irregular bowel movements, upset stomach and piles.
15. Slimming food : Elephant yam is a low calorie food which is fully packed with dietary fiber. High fiber content and nutrients make Elephant Yam a good slimming food for those who are looking to lose weight. Eating fiber rich food will keep you full for longer and as a result you’ll eat less. You can really enjoy nicely cooked vegetable without any fear of weight gain. Some people drink a mixture of bitter gourd and Elephant Yam vegetable juice. This juice is said to be a great weight loss aid. However, too much intake of this juice may be dangerous. So, always consult with your physician or reputed Ayurvedic practitioner before using this juice for weight loss.
16. Skin and Hair Care Benefits : It has an awesome store house of skin friendly nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and various minerals. These all nutrients not only help prevent signs of aging but also keep your skin glowing and younger looking. Elephant Yam is also a storehouse of anti-oxidants that help keep skin soft, tight and healthy looking.
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