West Africa Yams

Yams are tuber vegetables (the type that grows mostly underground) native to Africa and Asia. There are over 600 species of yam, but only 15-20 are edible. Sweet potatoes are often mistaken for yams and may be mislabeled as yams. Yams have a long history of being used in traditional medicine in their native areas.

Yam Benefits

Yams are rich in vitamins and minerals and are a nutritious food staple in many places.

May prevent and ease arthritis symptoms

Wild yam root contains diosgenin, which has been shown to limit the progression of both osteoporosis arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

May reduce cholesterol

When diosgenin taken from wild yam root was given to mice for 4 weeks, it lowered both their overall cholesterol levels and their LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

May improve hormone balance

Scientists can use the diosgenin in yams to produce estrogen, progesterone, cortisone, and other hormones for medical use.