Benefits of Jicama and Side Effects for Health - Who doesn't know about this one? This fruit often appears in advertisements, especially for cosmetics or skin moisturizers.
This fruit has the Latin name Pachyrhizus erosus and in English it is called Jicama. Jicama was first discovered in the United States and Mexico, then from Mexico it was spread to the Philippines. From the Philippines, this fruit then spread to China, only after that was distributed to Southeast Asia.
In addition to being eaten raw / fresh, yam can also be processed as soup, fruit salad, some other dishes. Not only the fruit, the roots of the yam plant also have health benefits.
Benefits of Jicama for health
Jicama is noted to have several health benefits, ranging from lightening the skin, increasing the immune system, preventing osteoporosis and various other benefits described below.
1.Brighten the skin
Jicama has long been used to brighten the skin. There are various products to brighten the skin, usually there are yam in it.
Jicama contains vitamin C which acts as an antioxidant which can counteract a variety of free radicals that attack the skin and keep the skin bright.
2.Boosts the immune system
Vitamin C is useful in lightening the skin, but also to improve the immune system. From 100 grams, there is a vitamin C content of about 24% of what is needed.
Vitamin C helps the production of white blood which plays a role in the immune system. With this, the process of resistance to viruses, bacteria and pathogens that attack the body will become easier. The body will also be resistant to seasonal diseases such as flu, runny nose and cough.
3.Regulates blood pressure
One of the benefits of yeast for health is regulating blood pressure. This is important for people who have high blood pressure.
Potassium content in jicama fruit plays a role in regulating blood pressure to be normal. Potassium will make blood vessels and arteries relax. In addition, potassium can also neutralize the effects of sodium, so that the level of fluid in the body is maintained and balanced.
4.Prevent osteoporosis
Calcium is an important mineral that must be possessed by the body, especially to maintain bone health and strength. Jicama is one of the fruits that contain enough calcium for bone health. Eating yam can help prevent osteoporosis.
5.Lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels
One way to reduce cholesterol levels is to eat fruits that contain lots of fiber, one of which is jicama. Soluble fiber in yam reduces cholesterol levels and stabilizes blood sugar levels.
6.Helps facilitate digestion
Jicama fruit in addition to containing enough fiber also contains a lot of water. The combination of both is highly recommended in dealing with various digestive problems. By consuming jicama will make the body avoid digestive problems such as diarrhea and constipation.
7.Lowers homocysteine levels
Homocysteine is closely related to heart and kidney disease. Jicama fruit has anti-homocysteine properties, keeping your heart and kidneys healthy. By consuming jicama fruits can reduce homocysteine levels up to 11%.
8.Helps lose weight
Trying to lose weight? Try to eat jicama fruit. This fruit contains a lot of water and fiber, but it is also low in calories. The body will avoid fat, but still feel full for a long time.
9.Counteracting various free radicals
Jicama fruit is also useful in counteracting various free radicals. This is thanks to the anti-oxidant content in this fruit. Anti-oxidants are important in counteracting various free radical attacks that can cause disease or even cancer.
10.Prevents anemia
Anemia is a condition in which the body lacks red blood cells, the effect of a deficiency of red blood cells is reduced oxygen supply to various organs of the body, including oxygen supply to the brain. As a result the body will become weak and easily dizzy.
Jicama fruit contains iron which can be useful in helping to prevent anemia, by helping to produce the red blood cells needed by the body.
11.Increases body metabolism
Jicama contains B complex vitamins such as pyridoxine, riboflavin, folate, pantothenic acid and thiamin which are needed for the body's metabolism and help the absorption of nutrients needed by the body and increase the amount of energy.
12.Good for pregnant women
In addition to the various benefits above, jicama can also be beneficial for pregnant women. Jicama contains a number of folate needed during pregnancy and helps maintain fetal development. This also prevents birth defects in babies.
Side effects of Jicama
Noted many side effects caused by consuming this fruit. Plant roots and fruit contents can be eaten, but the remaining parts cannot be eaten or used.
Excessive consumption of this fruit can cause nerve disorders or even damage. Therefore, consumption is sufficient.
That is the various benefits and side effects of yeast for body health. By consuming jicama clearly gives many benefits to the body, as long as it is not excessive.