As it turns out, this root vegetable is rich in antioxidants and compounds that can slow down the aging process
Purple yams are not only a colourful vegetable on the plate, but also a potential key to longevity. As it turns out, this root vegetable is rich in antioxidants and compounds that can slow down the aging process. This is reported by the website Surrey Live.
What’s good for yams
Longevity expert Dan Buettner discusses the basic habits and customs followed in selected regions, including Greece, California, Costa Rica and Italy, as well as the Okinawa Islands in southern Japan.
A key component of the Okinawan diet is the widely consumed yam, particularly in the purple variety, which is known for its rich anthocyanin content.
This content has many health benefits, from anti-inflammatory properties and improving vision and heart function to helping treat diabetes.
“Want to live longer? Eat more yams. Okinawans – one of the longest-lived people on Earth – get more than 60 per cent of their daily calories from these vibrant, nutrient-rich root vegetables,” he explained.
The study found that Okinawa’s longevity owes much to a diet that relies heavily on purple yams. Since the 1600s, it is believed that the Japanese islanders replaced rice – a staple they could not grow efficiently – with yams imported from China.
The purple hue comes from anthocyanins, antioxidants that promote heart health and potentially lower “bad” cholesterol. These healthy vegetables are thought to play no role in cholesterol build-up, making them an ideal choice.
Who should avoid eating yams
Purple yams (like other types of yams) are generally considered healthy and safe for most people. However, there are some categories who should be cautious:
- People allergic to yams or other root vegetables
- people with kidney stones – yams contain oxalates, which can contribute to kidney stone formation, especially in people who are prone to kidney stones.
- people with diabetes – although purple yams have a lower glycaemic index than regular potatoes, they still contain carbohydrates. You have to control the portion and blood sugar levels
- Gastrointestinal disorders – high amounts of fibre can cause bloating, gas or diarrhoea in sensitive people.
