Yam flour comes along with many health and nutrition benefits, but what are they? Find out by clicking right here on this guide!
Did you know that yam flour has been a dietary staple in Nigeria for thousands of years? Because of this, Africa produces 96% of the world’s yam supply!
The yam is similar to sweet potatoes, but they’re actually not related! The yams are larger and have thicker and more nutritionally dense skin. As the yam is processed, it can be turned into yam flour, a condensed form of the rich vitamins and minerals present in the yam!
Yam flour is both paleo and gluten-free and has benefits that range from the hair and skin to the heart and brain! If you’re wondering about the yam flour health benefits, read on. In this article, we’ll be discussing the benefits of yam flour!
What Is Yam Flour?
Most Nigerians are familiar with yam flour, or “elubo.” Yam flour is produced by slicing and drying yams before milling them into a powder. Due to the nutritional composition of the skin, yam flour is mostly made from the skin.
In Nigeria, yam flour is often served in a dish called “amala.” It is made by combining yam flour and water, which can then be boiled to form a dough. This dough is then served with a traditional soup of vegetables, meat, or fish.
One of the amala benefits is that it’s easy to make from yam flour, and it serves as a good base for soups and sauces of all kinds!
The amala health benefits are the same as those of yam flour.
Dietary Fiber Supports a Healthy Heart
Yam flour is extremely rich in dietary fiber. Dietary fiber lowers the number of cholesterol carriers, or lipoproteins, in your system.
Increasing dietary fiber has been proven to reduce the incidence of heart events and subsequent mortality. This means a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, high cholesterol, and even lower blood pressure!
The fiber level also supports regular bowel movements and a healthy digestive system.
Low Glycemic Index for Diabetics
Doctors are even beginning to recommend yam flour to diabetics due to its incredibly low glycemic index. A low glycemic index means it will help prevent blood sugar spikes.
Although yam flour is high in carbohydrates, it can be processed and absorbed slowly, so blood sugar and insulin levels remain level. These carbohydrates also serve to break down fatty acids and prevent ketosis!
Vitamin and Mineral Dense
Yam flour has a plethora of minerals and vitamins that support a healthy lifestyle. Vitamin A, B, and C are all found in significant quality in yam flour.
Vitamin A helps with improving eye health. In addition, vitamin A is used in the creation of skin, hair, and other membranes around the body. This means that your bones, teeth, and epithelial cells will all be rejuvenated from yam flour!
Vitamin B is a complex vitamin, which can enhance metabolism and boost energy levels. Vitamin B also facilitates the movement of red blood cells, and therefore oxygen, through the body. It also allows for more protein and energy synthesis.
Vitamin C is commonly taken due to its ability to support your immune system against infection. It has many other benefits though! It supports the production of bones, cartilage, tendons, teeth, and ligaments.
Vitamin C also aids in iron absorption in the intestines and keeps your skin healthy.
Vitamins B and C are often taken as supplements to provide energy and an immune boost. With yam flour, you can naturally experience these effects as one of the benefits of yams!
Yam flour is incredibly dense not just with vitamins, but also with minerals! Yams are a great source of calcium, zinc, iron, copper, potassium, and magnesium. This means that yam flour benefits include bone health, better circulation, and improved red blood cell production!
Antioxidant Abilities
Antioxidants are all the rage these days and for good reason. Antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties and limit the spread of free radicals. Free radicals are dangerous cells that can damage your body at a cellular level.
Antioxidants limit the spread of free radicals, reducing their potential damage. Because of its antioxidant content, yam flour is also said to reduce the risk of cancer, especially colon cancer.
The antioxidant ability in yams can also help increase learning and memory. One study had subjects consume yams daily for six weeks, resulting in a significant increase in cognitive abilities!
Skin and Beauty Benefits
Yam flour is packed with nutrients that support skin function and prevent visible aging! The vitamins and antioxidants in yam flour can prevent wrinkles and other signs of aging!
Furthermore, the antioxidants stimulate the production of collagen. Collagen is a connective tissue, which makes your skin appear more elastic and smooth.
The vitamin A and beta carotene present in yam flour also support healthy hair. Beta carotene promotes cell growth, including hair! Vitamin A produces oil that protects your scalp, keeping it hydrated and therefore preventing hair breakage!
Vitamin B creates melanin, which gives hair its natural color. Consumption of vitamin B is therefore linked with vibrant hair color, and less greying.
Put together, yam flour can help keep your hair long and colorful while keeping your skin dewy and youthful! Some people even use yam flour to make skin and hair masks, to target these benefits.
Try Yam Flour Today!
Now that you know a little bit more about the benefits of yams and yam flour, hopefully, you won’t hesitate to try it out. Yam flour is versatile and simple to use, especially if you want to try traditional amala!
Check out our supply of yam flour and other natural products today, and feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns!
