Description

Description:

 

Elephant yam is an edible tuber. It is one of the oldest plants known to provide food. It is so called because of its huge size and resemblance with the elephant foot. It is widely consumed as a food crop, usually boiled or baked. Elephant foot yam is basically originated from the Southeast Asia. Yam is considered to be a healthy low-fat food.

 

Pick and Store:

 

It is preferred to pick elephant yam from the markets where it is available is a fresh condition. It is preferable to wear gloves while handling the elephant yam as the sap of these plants causes skin irritation. Cool and well ventilated places are used for storing. Generally the tubers are stored in single layer. If there is insufficiency is storage space, then the tubers can be stored in two layers as well. But storing the tubers in a heap should be avoided.

 

Nutrition and Health:

 

Yam is considered to be a healthy low-fat food and is a rich source of essential fatty acids. It is loaded with potassium, magnesium and phosphorous. Eating elephant yam helps in increasing the estrogen levels in women’s bodies, thus helping in maintaining the hormonal balance. It is also high in vitamin B6 that provides relief from pre-menstrual syndrome in women. It is a natural product that is high in fiber. The elephant yam is widely used in the treatment of patients suffering from piles. The vegetable also suits people with hypertension as it has a cooling effect on the body.