Here Are 5 Health Benefits of Cocoyam
1. PROMOTES IMMUNE SYSTEM
cocoyam contains Vitamin-C which helps the immune system produce more white blood cells in the body. These cells helps in boosting and promoting one's immune system making it stronger in defending and fighting off bacteria agents and external virus attacking the body system. Vitamin-C contained in Cocoyam also helps in moderating the development of other illnesses like cancer since it acts as antioxidant.
2. SUBDUES RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease whereby the immune system attacks the bones, tendons, nerves, joints, muscles which is usually characterized by weakness, swelling, stiffness, and loss of mobility. Doctors often recommend a high in-take of Vitamin-B6 for Rheumatoid Arthritis patients as it helps to suppress pains, discomfort and disability in the joints, and muscles. Guess what? Cocoyam is a good source of Vitamin-B6.
3. PROMOTES VISION
Cocoyam helps people who have eye problems such as macular degeneration or cataracts. It is able to do this because cocoyam is packed with a lot of antioxidants such as beta-carotene and cryptoxanthin. These antioxidants helps promote clear vision as they prevent certain diseases often called free radicals from attacking the ocular cells.
4. IT PROMOTES DENTAL HEALTH
Cocoyam plays an essential role in promoting dental health and this is because it contains nutrients such as Calcium, Vitamin-D and phosphorous. The calcium, vitamin-D and phosphorous contained in cocoyam is also very vital in the maintenace and strengthening of the bone which includes the jaw bone and tooth enamel. These minerals are also effective against tooth decay.
5. PROMOTES BLOOD CIRCULATION
Cocoyam helps promote blood circulation all around the body system and this is because it contains a high amount of potassium. Potassium is one of the indispensible minerals that is capable of promoting proper fluid transport within organs and tissues all over the body. Healthy blood circulation is important because that is the only way the organs like the brain gets oxygen to function.
One should be aware that cocoyam contains a lot of oxalates, hence some cautions should be taken in preparing cocoyam for consumption as these oxalates can cause stinging and burning sensation to the throat and mouth lining. It's adviced that cocoyam be steeped in water over night before cooking to reduce oxalates and it should be boiled very well before consumed.