Jicama, a Nutritional Powerhouse

Superfoods are the trendiest nutrition craze, but while people overload on sugary juices and expensive supplements the affordable and effective real superfoods remain neglected. Jicama root originates in Mexico. Recently, the plant has been cultivated in South East Asia and China and has become a food staple. Jicama requires at least six months of frost-free growth, so locations like Thailand and the Philippines make perfect environments for growing jicama. The plant has many names like yam bean, Mexican yam, and the Chinese turnip. Pachyrhizus erosus must be peeled before eating. Take care because only the root is edible, the leaves, vine and other parts of the plant are extremely poisonous.

Improve Your Digestion

Fiber is crucial to a healthy digestive system. Fiber acts as a bulking agent to move nutrients throughout your body, and aids in transporting and expelling waste. Jicama is a wealthy source of a soluble fiber which creates a stagnant carbohydrate (oligofructose inulin) that does not become sugar once it has passed through your system. This inert carbohydrate ferments in the digestive system and helps aid in the growth of bifidobacteria.

The Powers of Jicama Extract

Jicama is an unusual and extraordinary plant. Different parts of the plant can be used medicinally. Research has shown that extract from the plant can provide the human body with positive inhibiting effects on blood sugar. Jicama extract can raise blood sugar, even if the person has postprandial hyperglycemia helping the individual stave off the symptoms of low blood sugar.

Rich in Vitamin C

One cup of jicama provides the human body with 40 percent of the daily recommended dose of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a critical component of good nutrition, fighting free radicals and stopping diseases from mutating cells and causing damage to vital organs and systems. Jicama is a sure-fire way of beefing up your white blood cells to help them fight off whatever pathogen you’re exposed to.

Supercharge Weight Loss

Foods that are low on the glycemic index take longer to process through your body which keeps you feeling fuller for longer. Jicama is a low glycemic indexed food which supports weight control and maintenance. It has been found to help regulate metabolic processes, and balance out of whack hormones. Amazingly, this wonderful plant may also reduce cell mutations, specifically limiting tumor growth throughout the digestive system.

Strengthens Bones

Jicama produces a motionless carbohydrate (oligofructose inulin) that allows the body to absorb minerals better. Oligofructose inulin keeps bones healthy by slowing the rate at which you lose bone density while enabling the absorption of calcium. Calcium can be a tricky element to absorb, but jicama can simplify absorption by including it a couple of times a week in your snacks and meals.

Boosts Immunity

Jicama is an unusual plant and contains a natural pesticide called rotenone. Jicama is considered to be a prebiotic foodstuff; this prebiotics contains inulin-type fructans which have anti-carcinogenic properties. Over 75 percent of the immune system in the gut. Jicama aids in balancing the flora in the digestive system which supports overall health and immunity function.

Balances Blood Pressure

Jicama is a truly unique plant. The consumption of jicama has been known to reduce the stress on blood vessels. Jicama contains a vasodilator which lowers the pressure on the circulatory system. The high potassium levels in jicama help the body find a balance between water and sodium levels allowing the body to be better hydrated and keeping blood pressure at a healthy level.

Only Eat the Jicama Root!

The root portion of the Jicama plant is a delicious, inexpensive, low calorie, and low-fat food. However, every other part of the plant is highly poisonous; even the seeds can be toxic to the human body. Jicama is an ideal food for people with diabetes because the root does not metabolize into simple sugars and allows the inert carbohydrate (oligofructose inulin) to be produced.

Nutritional Facts

There is no guilt when splurging with jicama. In one cup of jicama, there are over six grams of fiber. That is which is one-fourth the recommended dietary value for women, and one-fifth for men. There are less than 50 calories and zero fat in that cup of jicama. Dig in, because this powerful root can reduce the symptoms of autoimmune diseases, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and ulcers.

How to Eat

Jicama fries are a trendy and tasty way to fill your tummy. They are also easy to prepare. These low carbohydrate fries are a sure way to get your crunch, without blowing your nutritional budget. You’ll need a few pounds of the root, paprika, garlic salt, and a dash of cumin to make these fries. Cut the jicama into sticks and then boil them until they’re soft. If you want crispy jicama fries, you’ll need to fry them.