Purple Yams Are a Nutritional Powerhouse
By Brandi Goodman
The orange yams you see around the holidays aren't the only version. The vegetable, often referred to as a sweet potato, packs a lot of punch when it comes to nutrition. Purple yams, however, are an even bigger nutritional powerhouse that really bring the benefits to your body.
They Provide Antioxidants
The anthocyanins and flavonoids found within purple yams are more plentiful than the orange version. These antioxidants allow your cells to fight off toxins and remain healthy. Without antioxidant power, your cells would be more susceptible to cancer. With an antibacterial agent also found within purple yams, you're gaining far more power than you realize.
They Offer Plenty of Fiber
Your digestive tract needs fiber to operate efficiently. One purple yam provides at least 4 grams of fiber. Eat a serving and you're bound to experience better gut health. Enjoy a cup of diced yams as a snack and experience the benefits, or add a purple yam to your plate as a side dish.
They're Plentiful in Potassium
Heart health should always be considered. Potassium is necessary for keeping your heart functioning well. The nutrients found with purple yams can help ensure your heart is pumping properly and your kidneys are doing their job filtering your blood to prevent toxins from getting through.
Bananas are often touted as the best potassium provider. Purple yams actually offer a higher amount, making them more worthwhile than the fruit. Enjoy a full cup of diced bites and you'll gain 800mg of potassium.
They're Full of Vitamins
B vitamins are beneficial for energy. Vitamin C is good for your immune system. Purple yams offer both of these in excess. You'll gain at least 19 percent of your recommended daily value of Vitamin C when you consume a purple yam, and an even larger amount of Vitamin B6. Add in the other various B vitamins and you're really gaining the nutrients you need from just 100 grams of the vegetable.
They're Low in Calories
Eating something high in calories is always a concern. However, you don't have to fear calories when you're eating a purple yam. They contain less than a potato. A regular potato has more fat and calories than you need, and yet it's often utilized as a side dish with a meal. Switch out your white potatoes for purple yams instead and you'll consume far fewer calories at dinnertime.
Don't buy the basic orange yams that are so readily available. Instead, search the health stores for purple yams and gain the many advantages they bring to the body. More antioxidants, potassium, and fiber, yet fewer calories are what you'll get when you enjoy this unusual vegetable.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Cary, N.C.