Health Benefits and Effects of Chinese Yam
Jan 29, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Yanli
Introduction
Health Benefits and Effects of Chinese Yam (Dioscorea alata):
1. **Maintains Acid-Base Balance**: Chinese yam is rich in various nutrients beneficial to human health and is a typical alkaline food. Regular consumption helps maintain the body’s internal acid-base balance.
2. **Nourishes the Nervous System**: Chinese yam contains abundant mucilaginous protein, multiple amino acids, and rich minerals, which nourish neurons and enhance central nervous system function.
Key Health Benefits:
Maintains acid-base balance, nourishes the nervous system, and helps prevent hyperglycemia.
Introduction:
Jiangshu (Chinese yam or “small Huai Shan”) is a tuber native to the Chaoshan region of eastern Guangdong Province. When cooked into soup, it yields a viscous, smooth-textured broth with a mild, sweet, and aromatic flavor—making it popular among people of all ages. Jiangshu is primarily cultivated in Chaoyang and Huilai counties within the Chaoshan area; the most renowned variety originates from Yanqian Village in Xiluo Town, Chaoyang District. The sandy soil in Yanqian Village produces jiangshu with thin, smooth skin, large size, white flesh, and a fine, starchy texture—indicating superior quality.
Health Benefits and Actions
1. Maintains Acid-Base Balance
Jiangshu contains numerous nutrients beneficial to human health and is a classic alkaline food. Consumption promotes the metabolism of various acidic substances in the body, thereby helping maintain internal acid-base homeostasis. It may help prevent acidosis and suboptimal health states (sub-health), contributing to overall health maintenance and healthy aging.
2. Nourishes the Nervous System
Jiangshu is rich in mucilaginous protein, multiple amino acids, and essential minerals. Once absorbed, these components act directly on the central nervous system, nourishing neurons and enhancing central nervous system function. Consequently, jiangshu may help alleviate symptoms associated with neurasthenia, anxiety, depression, and irritability. Additionally, its abundant phospholipid content supports neuronal regeneration, improves brain function, and enhances memory.
3. Helps Prevent Hyperglycemia
Jiangshu itself is a low-fat, low-calorie, and low-sugar health food. Its mucilaginous protein, upon absorption, inhibits excessive glucose absorption and stimulates insulin regeneration. This action enhances the body’s glucose tolerance and helps maintain stable, normal blood glucose levels.
Contraindications
Individuals with known allergies to jiangshu should avoid consumption.
Precautions
Jiangshu should not be consumed together with high-sugar foods, as this may lead to excessive sugar intake and elevated blood glucose levels—potentially triggering diabetes in susceptible individuals. Individuals already diagnosed with hyperglycemia or diabetes must exercise particular caution when consuming jiangshu and strictly limit intake, as overconsumption may exacerbate their condition.
