Health Benefits of Elephant Foot Yam (Jimikand), Uses And Its Side Effects

Elephant foot yam is known to have a great effect in lowering the levels of bad cholesterol in the body. It is extensively used as a slimming food. Omega-3-fatty acids present in it helps in increasing the levels of good cholesterol in the body, while reducing the levels of low-density lipoproteins and very low-density lipoproteins.

Elephant foot yam vegetable contains very low about 0.2-0.4% of fat and high levels about 1.7-5% of fibers, making it an ideal food in the process of weight reduction.

As an effective anticoagulant, elephant foot yam can be helpful in reducing the risks of heart attacks. It also helps in relieving the clots formed in arteries and veins. This action can also be helpful in reducing high blood pressure and further complications like coronary artery disease.

Not only Omega-3-fatty acids and antioxidants but also the compound Diosgenin is said to be very effective in preventing the formation of cancerous cells. This constituent of elephant foot yam also helps in improving the immune system to combat cancer formation in the body.

The powerful antioxidants present in elephant foot yam vegetable is said to be effective in slowing down the aging process. It also helps in keeping away risks of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and strokes. Another important constituent of elephant foot yam is that is that, vitamin C also aids in slowing down of the aging process. It slows down the process of aging by making one’s skin blemish-free and wrinkle-free.

It is widely recommended in the diet of diabetic patients because elephant foot yam vegetable low glycemic index, which indicates that it raises blood sugar slowly. Some of its constituents are also known to show insulin promoting action.

Elephant foot yam acts as potent detoxifier. The high fiber content in elephant foot yam shows toxin detoxification in the liver. Elephant foot yam is best known for its hepatoprotective activity. It helps in proper cleansing of other internal organs including intestine and stomach, making them free of pathogens.

It is also used in the treatment of hemorrhoids and piles. It is also recommended in the treatment of arthritis. It also helps in reducing muscle spasms. Other applications of its anti-inflammatory activity can be found in rheumatism, elephantiasis, glandular swellings and others.

Being a rich source of Omega-3-fatty acids and also other essential minerals like zinc, selenium, magnesium, phosphorous, elephant foot yam help in improving brain functioning and aids in the improvement of memory and concentration.

The fiber contents of elephant foot yam are great supplements for probiotics. It not only cleanses toxins and pathogens out of the body, but also builds up good bacteria to improve immunity. Elephant foot yam is also said to be possessing antibacterial agents which help in keeping away infections. It also shows extensive cytotoxic and immunomodulatory activity.

Elephant foot yam increases estrogen levels in women to maintain hormonal levels. It also helps in reducing the symptoms of the Premenstrual syndrome. Along with other antioxidants, vitamin B6 also helps in relieving pPremenstrual syndrome including abdominal pain and cramps.

Elephant foot yam shows a cooling effect in the body. It helps in reducing high blood pressure and also facilitates, smooth flow of blood across arteries and veins. It reduces stress and is highly recommended to be included in the meals especially, in hotter regions for its cooling effect. This can be accounted for elephant foot yam’s nervous system depressant activity, which results in sedation and decreased locomotor activity.

It is said to be useful in the treatment of irregular bowel movement, especially in case of constipation. Elephant foot yam is also helpful in treating diarrhea, dysentery and maintains a good health across the gastrointestinal tract by supplementing probiotics.