Buying yam from a reliable and trustworthy source is vital for safeguarding your health. Many people purchase yams without verifying their source or their suitability for consumption. This can be particularly challenging for those who are not familiar with agricultural products. In this article, you will discover effective methods for purchasing yam from a reputable source, as well as the numerous health benefits associated with consuming yam.

How To Buy Yam From The Right Source

1. Identify reputable sellers:
Look for established sellers or farmers who are known for selling good quality yam. This can be done through word of mouth recommendations, online reviews, or checking with local farmers’ markets or grocery stores.

2. Check for freshness:
Look for yam that is fresh and not wilted or damaged. Fresh yam should be firm to the touch, with no signs of decay or mold. Avoid yam with bruises, cuts, or soft spots, as these may indicate poor quality.

3. Inspect appearance:
Choose yam that has a smooth, unblemished skin and a uniform color. Avoid yam with rough or discolored skin, as this may indicate that the yam is old or has been mishandled.

4. Check for size and weight:
Choose yam that is of appropriate size and weight for the variety you are buying. Different varieties of yam may have different sizes and weights, so it’s good to know what you’re looking for.

5. Ask about the source:
Inquire about the source of the yam from the seller. Ask if it was locally grown or imported, and if possible, ask about the farming practices used, such as whether or not pesticides or chemicals were used in the cultivation process.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Eating Yams?

Yams are among the most flavorsome vegetables you can eat. These tubers are highly nutritious, and versatile, and may benefit your health in many ways, yams also have a long history of use in alternative medicine. The roots and rhizomes of yam particularly contribute to its benefits with other several benefits of yam as anti-inflammatory properties, and in the production of some skin care products wild yam extract is used. Some of the benefits of eating yam include,

1. It Helps Promote Skin Health

Yams are a natural source of diosgenin, a plant-based steroid that has been shown to have anti-aging effects in women experiencing menopause. This plant based properties can help promote good skin health

2. Helps Aid Weight Loss

Glucomannan, a dietary fiber derived from yam roots, has been suggested to aid in weight loss. When consumed, this fiber forms a gel-like substance in the stomach, creating a feeling of fullness, which can help curb cravings and potentially result in weight loss.

3. It Helps Relieve Menopause Symptoms

 Diosgenin, a natural compound found in wild yam, has been utilized in the treatment of sex hormone-related issues and is also utilized in the production of contraceptives, as well as to alleviate symptoms associated with menopause and premenstrual syndrome. 

Traditional medicine has recognized the beneficial properties of yams in addressing concerns related to menopause and premenstrual syndrome, as they contain essential compounds.

4. It May Help Fight Inflammation

The wild yam root’s outer bark contains a significant amount of saponin, a compound that has potential anti-inflammatory properties. As a result, yams could potentially alleviate inflammation and aid in relaxing and treating abdominal and pelvic muscles. Additionally, the antioxidant properties of saponins may assist in reducing inflammation associated with different diseases

5. May Enhance Brain Function

Yams are rich in potassium and potassium promotes the brain’s nerve activity and cognitive functioning. Yams are also abundant in diosgenin, a unique compound that is known for brain health and improving neuron growth. Additionally, it has been found to contribute to enhanced memory and learning skills in mice. However, more research is required in this area to understand this effect on humans.

6. It May help Improve Digestive Health

Yams are packed with resistant starches, soluble glycoprotein, and dietary fiber that are good for digestive health. These benefits of yams help the digestive system.

What Is The Nutritional Profile Of Yams?

Yams are packed with fiber, minerals, and vitamins. They are rich in copper, manganese, and potassium.

One hundred grams of yams contain:

• Calories: 116kCals
• Protein: 1.49g
• Fats: 0.14g
• Carbohydrates: 27.5g
• Fiber: 3.9g

Vitamin and Minerals.

• Calcium: 14mg
• Iron: 0.52mg
• Magnesium: 18mg
• Phosphorus: 49mg
• Potassium: 670mg
• Vitamin C: 12.1mg

The Healthy Benefit Of Buying Yam From The Right Source

Buying yam from the right source can provide numerous health benefits. Here are some of the potential benefits of purchasing yam from a trusted and reliable source:

• Freshness:

Yam is a perishable vegetable, and its freshness plays a crucial role in its nutritional content. When you buy yam from a reputable source, you can ensure that you are getting fresh yam that has been recently harvested. Fresh yam is likely to have higher levels of essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, which can contribute to better health.

• Quality: 

The quality of yam can vary depending on where it is sourced from. Buying yam from a trusted source can ensure that you are getting high-quality yam that is free from spoilage, contamination, or other quality issues. High-quality yam is more likely to retain its nutritional value and taste better, providing you with a better overall culinary experience.

• Safety: 

Yam, like other vegetables, can be susceptible to contamination from various sources, including pesticides, pathogens, and other harmful substances. Purchasing yam from a reputable source can help minimize the risk of consuming yam that may be contaminated with harmful substances. This is why we at Flapcoop are partnering with IITA  to help with giving us the best of yam seedlings and also help with the right farming practices. 

• Sustainability: 

Buying from the right source can also support sustainable farming practices. Some yam producers may prioritize organic or environmentally-friendly farming methods, such as using natural fertilizers, conserving water, and promoting biodiversity. With IITA, we have the best and most healthy farming practices that are better for the environment and contribute to long-term food security.

Ultimately, buying yams from the right source can provide several health benefits, including freshness, quality, safety, and sustainability. This is why we at Flapcoop put it upon ourselves, to ensure that all the yam produced from the Eko 1 Million Yam Project is treated with optimum care–thus giving rise to our partnership with IITA(International Institute Of Tropical Agriculture). It’s important to consider the source of your yam and prioritize trusted and reputable suppliers like Flapcoop to ensure that you are getting the best possible product for your health and well-being.