A Detailed Guide to the Benefits and Effects of Chinese Yam, and How to Eat It for the Best Results

When it comes to the name Dioscorea polystachya, many people probably have no idea what it is, but its common name——Chinese yam, should be quite familiar. It is a plant that can be used both as medicine and as food.So, do you know all about the benefits and effects of Chinese yam, and how to eat it for the best results?

1. What are the benefits and effects of Chinese yam?

Chinese yam is one of the earliest plants eaten by humans. Its flesh is not only tender, but it is also extremely rich in nutrients, making it a nutritious and healthy food. The table below shows the nutritional composition of Chinese yam:

1. Chinese yam's effect of beautifying the complexion and delaying aging: people who eat Chinese yam regularly tend to age more slowly than those who do not. This is because Chinese yam can reduce the activity of enzymes that cause the body to age, helping people live longer.

2. Chinese yam has anti-tumor effects and helps regulate human immunity: the polysaccharides in Chinese yam can improve the immune capacity of cells and can also help suppressed cells return to normal.

3. Chinese yam has a blood pressure-lowering effect: in addition to treating high blood pressure, Chinese yam also has a good therapeutic effect on conditions such as diabetes and asthma.

4. Chinese yam can treat kidney deficiency: it is recorded in China's classical pharmacopoeias that using Chinese yam together with astragalus can treat kidney deficiency and fatigue. Products such as today's Liuwei Dihuang Wan also contain Chinese yam as an ingredient.

5. Chinese yam has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anesthetic, analgesic and skin disease-treating effects: the allantoin in it can provide anesthesia and pain relief, and it can also promote epithelial growth, with good therapeutic effects on many kinds of skin diseases.

6. Chinese yam has nourishing, health-preserving and body-strengthening effects: nowadays, in addition to being served as a food on the dining table, it is also used to make various health products, which can help people build muscle and supplement central qi.

Although Chinese yam has many benefits, the following points should also be noted when eating it:

1. The skin and mucilage of Chinese yam can cause allergic itching in some people who come into contact with it, so when peeling it, you can wear gloves or similar items to avoid direct contact with the allergens.

2. Chinese yam must be thoroughly cooked before eating, because the raw form contains certain toxins. In addition, pregnant women and people with colds should not eat it.

2. How should Chinese yam be eaten for the best results?

1. Chinese yam porridge: first bring white rice porridge to a boil, then add peeled Chinese yam cut into small pieces and cook.

2. Chinese yam stewed with chicken: first place chicken pieces in a stew pot and stew over medium heat for about half an hour, then add Chinese yam cut into sections, and simmer over low heat for about another half an hour.

3. Stir-fried Chinese yam: slice Chinese yam and stir-fry it in a hot oiled pan. When it is about 70 percent cooked, add scallions, and before removing from the pan add salt and stir-fry evenly, then it is ready to serve.

3. What is the current market price of Chinese yam per jin?

1. At present, the price of fresh Chinese yam sold in Jiangsu is around 13 yuan/jin.

2. The table below shows the prices of medicinal Chinese yam slices in some regions: