Yams benefits include are highly nutritious, can improve your overall digestive health, can help with weight loss, can improve cholesterol levels, have potentially cancer-fighting properties, can strengthen your brain function, may alleviate inflammation, can potentially improve blood sugar levels, can promote fertility, may alleviate menopause symptoms, are great for your skin and hair, support a healthy heart and prevent Anemia and can improve your eyesight. Prepare your Setts properly. Some people fished for food or took care of herds of livestock such as cattle and sheep. [5], International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, "Determinants of Yam Production and Economic Efficiency Among Small-Holder Farmers in Southeastern Nigeria", "Production Efficiency in Yam Based Enterprises in Ekiti State, Nigeria", "In Zaki Biam, Nigeria's Largest Mono-Product Market", "Commercial Crop Production Guide Series:Growing Yams in Nigeria", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Yam_production_in_Nigeria&oldid=995956908, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 23 December 2020, at 19:43. In addition to a number of vital vitamins and minerals, yams also have antioxidants that may prevent cancer. Growing Times. Before planting yam you need a few equipment and basic knowledge of climatic conditions best for yam growth. Specifically, the potassium and manganese in yams are key to keeping your blood vessels in good shape. Yam is a favorite meal in many West African homes. That being said, let’s dive into 13 health benefits of yams, 2. This being its primary use makes it a top wanted commodity as so many African homes consume yams on a daily basis. Yams contain resistant starches, which act similar to soluble fibers. In this state especially among Tiv people, the size of the yam farm or the tonnage of yams produced becomes the social status of that farmer. In Nigeria, in many yam-producing areas, it is said that "yam is food and food is yam". The main ingredients are plantains, cassava, rice, kwanga (cassava dumpling) and yam. Just a quick google search should present you with plenty of yam recipes. Yams are a multi-use vegetable. It is common knowledge that collagen is key to keeping your skin elastic, firm, and healthy. With a number of health benefits, yams are a versatile vegetable that you can eat with casseroles or roast beef, fry them and make fritters. Botanically the tuber belongs to the Dioscoreaceae family, in the genus, Dioscorea.. Soluble fiber essentially works by circulating around cholesterol, binding to it and removing it from your body. Lastly, the minerals also improve the flow of your blood. Here are things you need to grow yam in sacs. This tends to be around mid Spring. They are also popular in some East African Countries like Kenya. However, not all research on this topic are clear. I cover yams in Totally Crazy Easy Florida Gardening with great enthusiasm – and they also get a good mention in Grow or Die: The Good Guide to Survival Gardening.. [6], Although it is grown widely in Nigeria, the area where it is grown most is the Benue State (land area of 802,295 km²) one of the states in Benue valley of Nigeria where the labour-intensive practices are still the norm and the land holdings are small. It is often pounded into a thick paste after boiling and is consumed with soup. Originating in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean, yams are a delicious tuber vegetable that can grow almost anywhere and hardly ever dies often; however, yams are not to be confused with sweet potatoes. Yams nutrition facts. Granted, these should be taken with a grain of salt. Mulching is essential during October–November with dry grass or plant debris weighed down with balls of mud. An African meal example: •WKoki- an appetizer made from black-eyed peas •Peanut Soup -a pan-African and African-American favorite •Rice •Yams , or their American relation, sweet potatoes •Fruit Salad or Coconut Pie for dessert •Beverages: Green tea with mint, (iced, if you like) •Ginger. Yams are carbohydrate rich, staple tuber vegetables of West African origin. How Tourism Affects the Environment (Environmental Impact of Tourism)? Compared to sweet potatoes, yams can grow very large. Its use as an industrial starch has also been established as the quality of some of the species is able to provide as much starch as in cereals. Amidst Growing Devastating Impacts of Global Warming, The World Witnesses A Fresh Round of Climate Strikes. Yams Support A Healthy Heart and Prevent Anemia. On the lighter side, the resistant starches in yams can also alleviate a number of digestive disorders, such as ulcerative colitis, constipation, diarrhea, and Crohn’s disease. Apples grow best in well-drained loamy soil, although they will grow in more sandy soil or in soil with some clay. One day before planting, the tubers have to be subjected to treatment with wood ash or a fungicide (thiabendazole) to prevent damage to the soils. Fill a third of the pot with potting mix, pop in the yam, then top up with soil. Further studies suggested that these results were closely related to the many antioxidants in yams. Manual weeding by hoeing is done three or four times depending on the rate of weed growth. It also has an important social status in gatherings and religious functions, which is assessed by the size of yam holdings one possesses. All Rights Reserved . D. alata, called "white yam", winged yam, water yam, and purple yam (not to be confused with the Okinawan purple "yam", which is a sweet potato), was first cultivated in Southeast Asia. Its medicinal use as a heart stimulant is attributed to its chemical composition, which consists of alkaloids of saponin and sapogenin. Additionally, yams can help with hair growth because they are full of beta-carotene. Proper preparation of setts is vital. This was enforced by another rat study that saw simply supplementing diets with a yam flour can significantly reduce the blood sugar absorption. They belong to the Dioscoreaceae family of flowering plants, and grow in temperate and tropical climates, including in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. With the help of its many minerals and high iron content, yams can help prevent anemia. Allantoin is known to regulate oxidative stress. A number of rat studies found that yams or a yam powder had a significant impact on inflammation. [4][5], Yam is in the class of roots and tubers that is a staple of the Nigerian and West African diet, which provides some 200 calories of energy per capital daily. [9], Tuber is the main part of the yam plant which has high carbohydrate content (low in fat and protein) and provides a good source of energy. Additionally, the number of minerals in yams can also support heart health. The wide variety of nutrients in yams helps support the production of red blood cells, which in turn, reduces your chances of developing anemia. [1] According to 2008 figures, yam production in Nigeria has nearly doubled since 1985, with Nigeria producing 35.017 million metric tonnes with value equivalent of US$5.654 billion. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/yam-benefits, https://www.organicconsumers.org/news/what-are-health-benefits-yams, https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/benefits-of-yam-for-skin-hair-and-health/#gref, https://www.monitor.co.ug/Magazines/HealthLiving/Health-benefits-yams-nervous-system-blood-sugar/689846-4774038-m14o57/index.html. Not only is it great for all ages, but it poses many valuable health benefits. Most of the tests and studies have been conducted primarily on animals and not on humans. Estrone and estradiol are two estrogen hormones. 1. As a result, resistant starches can reduce inflammation and reduce your risk of getting colorectal cancer. In a 30-day test, 24 women in a postmenopausal state switched rice out of their diets for eating yams at least 2 to 3 times a day. Fortunately, yams are extremely helpful in the production of collagen in our bodies. [1][4], Ritualism and festivity restriction are also associated with yam, which is the staple in southeastern Nigeria. Yams Can Potentially Improve Blood Sugar Levels, 13 Magical Benefits of Eating Taro Root on Your Health and Body, 10. Traders - Traders played an important role in the economy of Ancient Africa. Moreover, yams have also shown a real change in cholesterol levels in real women. Size can vary from that of a small potato to up to 5 feet (1.5 meters). Grow bitter melons where daytime temperatures average between 75 and 80°F (24-31°C). According to the Food and Agriculture Organization report, in 1985, Nigeria produced 18.3 million tonnes of yam from 1.5 million hectares, representing 73.8 percent of total yam production in Africa. Yams take a year to grow or mature. Yams May Alleviate Menopause Symptoms, 11. Sorghum stovers are also used for this purpose in the savannah land. Put African foods and crops in a bowl on the table. Yams are tropical/sub-tropical plants. According to 2008 figures, yam production in Nigeria has nearly … Prepare your slips or mini-sett during March to July. Just a quick google search should present you with plenty of yam recipes. The setts are planted at an interval of 15–20 centimetres (5.9–7.9 in) with the cut face facing up. Nigeria is by far the world’s largest producer of yams, accounting for over 70–76 percent of the world production. In a single cup of yams, which is around 136 grams, you will find: In particular, Yams contain high percentages of your daily value of fiber, potassium, and manganese. Also, the male and female flowers grow on different plants , so it is hard to time pollination correctly for a successful breeding. A yam is the extremely starchy tuber at the base of winding, bright-green herbaceous vines. Harvesting is done before the vines become dry and soil becomes dry and hard. Also, according to tradition, the groom has to present a minimum of 200 big tubers of yams to the in-laws as a proof that he can take care of his wife and the future family. (And 10 Ways to Reuse), Kabocha Squash: Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Grow Kabocha Squash. Nutritional Value West African yams contain vitamins A, B6, and C, fiber, potassium, manganese, phosphorus, and copper. Because of high level of yam production in the State of Benue, Benue State is crowned as the Nigerian Bread Basket. Nutrients in the vegetable are believed to stimulate the ovaries into producing more than 1 egg during ovulation. In turn, yams reduce your risk of developing long-term illnesses like hypertension, heart attack, and stroke. Yams are planted on mounds rather than flat slopes depending on the hydromorphic nature of the soils which are generally of loose soil suitable to grow roots and tuber crops. [1][6], The farmland production system in the Ekiti State consists of wetland (20% farms are under this category), upland (50% farms in this category) types and a combination of the two types (30% by the balance farms). You can use gourds, yams, peanuts, or any other food that symbolizes your African heritage. Are Pillows Recyclable? A true environmentalist by heart ❤️. Yams can take up to 11 months to grow before harvest. Yams do not tolerate frosts or mature well in cold temperatures so plant sprouted Yams as soon as the threat of frost has gone. Warehouses where they are stored should be made rodent proof with a metal base and wire netting. This is because yams provide a special type of soluble fiber, which cholesterol’s worst nightmare. There are all kinds of stews – beef, oxtail, and fish and, of course, these deeply-flavored chicken stew. With the rise of natural hormones, wild yam creams are becoming popular options for women looking for hormone replacement therapy. Saponin is a compound that is thought to help with fighting inflammation and can contribute to healthy gut flora. As such, if you want to keep your hair from becoming dry and lifeless, try to incorporate more yams into your diet. Additionally, diosgenin has contributed to an enhanced memory and learning skills in mice and other animal tests. Fruit Salad That being said, let’s dive into 13 health benefits of yams. Essentially, when consumed, the fiber can turn into a gel that sits in your stomach and allows you to feel full for longer. A major part of keeping a healthy heart is maintaining healthy sodium levels in your bloodstream. In a study, women who consumed 18 ounces of yams a day over 30 days saw a decrease in their cholesterol levels. With a number of health benefits, yams are a versatile vegetable that you can eat with casseroles or roast beef, fry them and make fritters. As such, there is still a lot of room to investigate yams ability to relieve menopause symptoms. Really, yams aren’t remotely similar to sweet potatoes. These rats exhibited reduced appetites, improved blood sugar levels, and considerable weight loss. (And Are They Biodegradable?). Yams are grown in the coastal region in rain forests, wood savanna and southern savanna habitats. Yam Flour: Yam flour is a processed yam powder that can be used for various purposes, especially in the preparation of quick meals like amala and pounded yam, instead of having to go through intense stress. Additionally, the outer bark of the yam roots is full of saponin. Another custom observed is that women are not permitted to go to the yam farms till it is ready for harvesting; however, harvesting of the crop is the prerogative of the women. An African tribe whose diet is rich in wild yams (cassava) boasts a twin birth rate 4 times higher than the global average. (And 7 Ways to Reuse Pillows), Are Blankets Recyclable? Yams Are Great for Your Skin and Hair, 15 Best Natural and Essential Oils To Heal Eczema, 12. Plant apples sheltered from a prevailing wind or breeze. They have a shelf life of about 5 months. [5], Yam is depicted as a male totem in some areas of the Igbo land. Spacings play a big part – make for a generous 60cm; If you live where Autumns are cool, start your yams early in pots. Sweet potatoes will grow in poor soil, but deformed roots may develop in heavy clay or long and stringy in sandy dirt. In a rat study, rats were given a dose of yam water or yam powder. I’ve been eating yams daily since we harvested 2015’s crop. Land is prepared in the form of mound or ridge or heap of 1 metre (3 ft 3 in) height. African or African-American foods and crops are placed in a bowl on the mkeka. Plant bitter melons in late spring or early summer. Originating in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean, yams are a delicious tuber vegetable that can grow almost anywhere and hardly ever dies often; however, yams are not to be confused with sweet potatoes. (And 7 Ways to Reuse Old Blankets), Are Plastic Straws Recyclable? It is also processed into flour for use in the preparation of the paste. In turn, this means that yams can strengthen your liver function, which also helps maintain healthy insulin levels. 2). Lately, studies are also showing that yams can promote fertility. There exist several hundred cultivars of Dioscorea; however, only a few of them worth of commercial importance. They love to grow in soft rich soil, treated with a lot of compost and other rich organic matter. These are:[7], Out of these, Dioscorea rotundata (white yam) and Dioscorea alata (water yam) are the most common, and most economically important, species in Nigeria. [2][3] In perspective, the world's second and third largest producers of yams, Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, only produced 6.9 and 4.8 million tonnes of yams in 2008 respectively. If you are looking for a way to improve your brain function, eat more yams. In a different study, rats were given a high dosage of purple yam extract. Many doctors are skeptical that the yams have anything to do with twins. This helps reduce the risk of macular degeneration, a condition that worsens your sight over time once you pass the age of 50. Fufu-like starchy foods are usually made from fermented cassava roots, but they can also be made with plantain, corn maize and yam.Fufu is served buffet style with grilled meat, fish, stews, greens and piment.A variety of local ingredients are used while preparing other dishes like spinach stew … I find it incredible that they’re almost … Yams also contain a copper and vitamin C. Copper is essential for your blood health. Nigeria is one of the top producers of yam in the world, and the other African countries take over after it. Moreover, although yams are not as sweet as sweet potatoes, there is still enough sugar in them to add a natural sweetness to your meals and further curb your cravings. The festivity observed in villages is in the form of a parade of traditional dances. Unpeeled yam has vitamin C. Yam, sweet in flavour, is consumed as boiled yam (as cooked vegetable) or fufu or fried in oil and then consumed. A resistant starch essentially passes through your stomach and small intestine undigested. A study conducted on animals found that a diet rich in yams showed a massive reduction in colon tumors. Sow seed outdoors or set out transplants no sooner than two to three weeks after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 60 to 65°F (15-18°C). [8], Yam is grown on free draining, sandy and fertile soil, after clearing the first fallow. Weeding of the field is essential and maintaining a 2–3 metres (6 ft 7 in–9 ft 10 in) weed free border around the field is to be ensured. Late spring frosts can kill apple flowers. Fortunately, yams are rich in anti-inflammatory antioxidants. This is because “natural” progesterone, which is a key hormone in helping a uterus prepare for a fertilized egg, can actually be found in a wild yam breed called Diascorea uillosa. Yams are chockful of fibers, minerals, and vitamins. Transplant them into the garden (they transplant happily), in November after risk of frost has … Yams, like other tubers, need a long warm growing season. They will take approximately 14 weeks to mature. From there, it eventually reaches your colon and feeds your healthy gut bacteria while also increasing your digestive enzymes. Of all the senses in the body, sight is essential. (And 5 Ways to Reuse), Can You Recycle Shoes? Yams Can Strengthen Your Brain Function, 8. These nutrients and minerals are key to maintaining your bone health, heart health, growth, and metabolism. Pre-sprouting according to experts can help reduce weeds which in turn help the setts grow. As a result, you curb your cravings and weight loss is more achievable. According to the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Nigeria accounted for about 70 percent of the world production amounting to 17 million tonnes from land area 2,837,000 hectares under yam cultivation. Dosage of fertilizer application, as essential, is decided after chemical analysis of the soil samples. Applications The combination of collagen and vitamin C provided by yams is the perfect way to help heal your skin and any wounds. Unless you strongly believe in Elon Musk‘s idea of making Mars as another habitable planet, do remember that there really is no 'Planet B' in this whole universe. The root crop has good economic value and is easy to grow. The ideal conditions for growing yams are 70 to 80 degrees F and soil content of pH range from 5.5 to 6.5. A yam festival is held every year to mark the harvesting of this crop. Moreover, the peel of Chinese yams was found to prevent or inhibit liver tumors. As a result, the rats experienced a significant decrease in their fasting blood sugar as well as a decrease in their hemoglobin A levels, which measures blood sugar control. Apples grow best in a neutral soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0. It was found that a wild yam cream had less impact on menopause symptoms. Are Inflatable Pools Recyclable? The yams recommended for such soil conditions in Nigeria are white yam or white guinea yam (Discorea rotundata) and water yam or yellow yam (Discorea alata). Generally, a yield of 10–15 tonnes per ha for white yam and 16–25 tonnes for water yam are obtained by following prescribed management practices. When To Plant. West African yams are favored for their hunger sustainment, mild flavor, easy-to-grow nature, and long storage life, and are used in a wide variety of cooked applications. [1] The village chiefs and traditional title holders of lands in Nigeria who grow yam make it a religious practice by not consuming yam till it is offered to the gods. Two Stakes, each of 2 metres (6 ft 7 in) height are used for staking the plants to vine over it; one for two plants with the other used for bracing with the adjacent stakes. [6], Yam, a tropical crop in the genus Dioscorea, has as many as 600 species out of which six are economically important staple species. Yams originated in Africa and Asia and there are about 600 different varieties of yams. Typically, during menopause, these two hormones significantly decrease. Hence, it has been recommended that more yams should be grown more on wetlands. During this festival, villagers offer prayers thanking their ancestral gods for the blessings of the land and the women's fertility. Meanwhile, they are also great at fighting free radicals and premature aging in your skin. Conserve Energy Future. Meanwhile, vitamin C is a vital antioxidant that can strengthen your immune system against illnesses and infections. A study carried out on the efficiency of the three systems to improve crop outputs to meet growing demands for this food crop, indicates that the "wetland yam based enterprises are the most economically efficient with mean economic efficiency of 0.80 followed by upland yam based enterprises with mean efficiency of 0.79. While the former study indicates a connection between easing menopause symptoms with yams, another study says otherwise. Yams are rich in diosgenin, which is a special compound that is known for improving neuron growth and overall brain health. Another recommendation made is to adopt the yam minisett technology developed by the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI). In the year 1985 alone, Nigeria produced over 18 million tons of yams from around 1.5 million hectares of land, making it the world largest producer of the produce. Why People Are Installing Home Solar Systems? True, it sounds quite unbelievable, but a study showed that people who consumed a yam extract supplement showed a higher functioning brain than those who used a placebo. As a result, those women found that the levels of estrone and estradiol in their blood increased by almost 30%. My best yam planting tips. See more. Founded Conserve Energy Future with the sole motto of providing helpful information related to our rapidly depleting environment. [1] While yam production issues have been stressed on agronomical practices, a research study carried out on the economic efficiency of this crop grown in this region with small farm holdings, which is labour-intensive, reveals that land, labour and material (fertilizers and chemicals), credit and extension services inputs have a significant bearing on the yield of yam in the region. Disease resistant [cultivars] are normally recommended for use. Planting is done by seed yam or cut setts from ware tubers. The vitamin C in yams supports ocular health. Although not grown in the same quantities as the African yams, it has the largest distribution worldwide of any cultivated yam, … Therefore, these starches can help you control your appetite and curb your blood sugar levels. More specifically, copper is key for healthy iron absorption and red blood cell production. Yams Have Potentially Cancer-Fighting Properties, 6. and yam nematode (Scutellonema bradys), and insects such as yam shoot beetle, yam tuber beetle and crickets. While the yams cause these two hormones to increase, it means estrogen levels improve and alleviate menopause symptoms. Yams have some distinct characteristics, and if you ever saw them, you would probably not confuse them with sweet potatoes. Can You Recycle Artificial Christmas Trees? Yams Can Improve Your Overall Digestive Health, 15 Splendid Benefits of African Black Soap on Your Skin, 5. Culture definition, the quality in a person or society that arises from a concern for what is regarded as excellent in arts, letters, manners, scholarly pursuits, etc. It can even help your pelvic and abdominal muscles relax. Stews have always been a part of the cuisine in Africa specifically in West African countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and my home country Cameroon. They spent much of their day working the land growing crops such as yams, sorghum, barley, and wheat. Rotten buds and sprouted buds should be removed. Chronic inflammation is connected to a number of long-term health conditions, like diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Yams can improve your blood sugar control. "[6] The combination of wetland/upland yam based enterprises is assessed as the least economically efficient, with mean efficiency of 0.76. Another study discovered that yams can have a positive impact on menopause symptoms. The roots of yams provide a beneficial fiber known as glucomannan, which is thought to help with weight loss. Yams are also rich in special antioxidants that can help with rebuilding cells. The harvested yams are stored by tying them with ropes. Nigeria is by far the world’s largest producer of yams, accounting for over 70–76 percent of the world production.According to the Food and Agriculture Organization report, in 1985, Nigeria produced 18.3 million tonnes of yam from 1.5 million hectares, representing 73.8 percent of total yam production in Africa. Lastly, yam has an active compound known as Allantoin. Pest and disease control is addressed by cultural control and chemical methods; the pests which affect the plant are nematodes such as root knot Meloidogyne spp. Resistant starches and fibers go undigested in your stomach. This is connected to the high level of resistant starches and fibers in yams. (And 7 Ways to Reuse Straws), Can You Recycle Shower Curtain Liners? Yams are great because they promote heart health by getting rid of any excess sodium in your body. [1], The Zaki Ibiam International Yam Market is the biggest market for a single product in Nigeria. Farmers - Most people in Ancient Africa were farmers. Yams also play a major role in controlling your cholesterol levels. You might also want to grow yam tubers in forest lands as most tropical region might be the best environment for growing yam tubers both in soil quality and climate conditions. If you are looking to improve your diet and overall health, consider adding yams to your diet. From cardiovascular health to nervous system health, yams are the whole package. 2. The studies observed that yams helped reduce risks of colon cancer, stomach ulcers, and irritable bowel syndrome. [5][6], One of the marriage custom observed in some communities in Nigeria is to measure the bridegroom's wealth by the amount of yams that he can produce. Things you need to grow yam in sacs. However, the production of yam in Nigeria is substantially short and cannot meet the growing demand at its present level of use. I still have about 100lbs left on the back porch. Yams can also keep your blood pressure in check. Currently, the research on the effects of yams on cancer is limited. Avoid planting apples in a low spot where cold air or frost can settle. © 2021 .

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