Benefits of Cocoyam and Cocoyam Leaves

Cocoyam is a root food that boasts many benefits for a healthy lifestyle. It has properties that prevent, fight, and cure many diseases. Below, the health expert warns against eating raw Cocoyam leaves and recommends how to cook Cocoyam to yield the highest benefits to consumers. Cocoyam, or Taro (Colocasia esculenta) is a starchy edible tuber. It bears broad, greenish leaves. It grows in several places around the world. We usually consume the roots, tubers, or its leaves. Both the cocoyam roots and the leaves (kontomire in Ghana) have many health benefits for the body.

Boiled cocoyam, also known as koko or lambo (Yoruba), gwaza (Hausa), and akasi (Igbo) is a typical Nigerian food. It is believed to have a richer taste and higher nutritional value than yam.

Reduce Symptoms Of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Cocoyam is extremely beneficial for overcoming rheumatoid arthritis because low levels of vitamin B6 are related to increased signs of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), like more severe pains.

Several researchers conclude that people with RA require comparatively more vitamin B6 than healthy people because they experience constant muscle aches and joint pain, owing to chronic inflammation. Vitamin B6 benefits include curbing pain and it can be useful in supplement form for controlling aches in the muscles and joints owing to arthritis.

Blood Pressure And Heart Health

Cocoyam consists of considerable amount of potassium, which is considered essential minerals that are essentially needed to remain healthy and efficient.. Potassium not only enables healthy fluid transfers between membranes and tissues throughout the body, but also helps to relieve stress and pressure on blood vessels and arteries. By relaxing the veins and blood vessels, blood pressure can be reduced and stress on the overall cardiovascular system is reduced. Potassium is related to increased cognitive function because neural connections can be boosted when blood pressure is reduced and fluid transfer between neural membranes is optimised!

Immune System Health

Cocoyam plays an important role in the immune system. Vitamin C is found in taro roots, which helps encourage the immune system to create more white blood cells, which help defend the body from foreign pathogens and agents. Additionally, vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, which moderately prevents the development of conditions such as heart disease and cancer.

Cramps

Consuming high potassium foods is directly related to decreased muscle cramping and improved muscle strength. Cocoyam consists of considerable amount of potassium 615 mg, which is 13.09% of the daily recommended value.Muscle cramps are one of the common side effects of low potassium levels. This happens when an athlete becomes dehydrated and isn’t consuming enough potassium-rich foods before and after exercise.

Digestive Health

Cocoyam plays an important role in digestion because it contains a high level of dietary fiber (a single serving contains 11.32% of the daily requirement of dietary fiber)

Fiber is very important for supporting our gastrointestinal health. Fiber helps to add bulk to our bowel movements, thus helping food move through the digestive tract and facilitating improved digestion. Apart from that, it can help to prevent certain conditions like excess gas, cramping, bloating, constipation and even diarrhea.

A healthy, regulated gastrointestinal system can significantly boost your overall health and reduce your chances of various types of cancer.

Enhances Learning

Cocoyam consists of Vitamin B1 which is also known as thiamine, which is a crucial vitamin for increasing focus, energy, fighting chronic stress, and perhaps preventing memory loss. Several studies have linked thiamine deficiency to problems of learning and retaining information. Cocoyam consists of 0.099 mg of vitamin b1 which is 8.25% of the daily recommended value.

Boosts Vision

As we have previously mentioned, Cocoyam is loaded with several antioxidants, like beta-carotene and cryptoxanthin. These antioxidants can also help to improve vision as well, by preventing the free radicals from attacking ocular cells and causing macular degeneration or cataracts!

Helps Maintain Dental Health

Cocoyam consists of phosphorus,, which is essential for both bone health as well as maintaining teeth and gum health. Calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus, they all play an important role in the formation and maintenance of dental health by supporting tooth enamel, jaw-bone mineral density and holding the teeth in place, therefore, these minerals and vitamins can also help heal tooth decay.

Diabetes

Apart from proper bowel movements, dietary fiber can also help lower the chances of developing diabetes because it helps to regulate the release of insulin and glucose in the body. If you consume a sufficient amount of Cocoyam in your regular diet, you can manage your glycemic levels and lower your chances of developing diabetes. If you have diabetes, then fiber-rich foods like taro root can help prevent the spikes and plunges in blood sugar that can be so hazardous.

Thickens Hair

Cocoyam consists of significant amount of vitamin E which is a powerful antioxidant that helps to decrease environmental damage to your hair. It also promotes circulation to the scalp. Vitamin E oil can retain the natural moisture in your skin, which helps your scalp from becoming dry and flakey. This oil will also make your hair look healthier and fresher. You can use a few drops of vitamin E oil on your hair, especially if it is looking dry and dull.

Circulation Stimulation

Cocoyam consists of several mineral contents. But the presence of iron and copper in Cocoyam make it an important food to prevent anemia and boost circulation throughout the body. Both iron and copper are essential for the production of red blood cells that carry the all-important oxygen to our body’s systems and cells. By decreasing the chances of anemia (iron deficiency) and boost the flow of blood through the body, you can speed overall metabolism, growth of new cells, and general oxygenation of the body that is always a good idea to keep organs and systems functioning at their optimal levels!

Prevent Bone Loss

Copper present in taro roots plays an important role in slowing down bone loss and osteoporosis in older women when taken in combination with other important minerals like zinc, calcium, and manganese.

Copper has bone-strengthening properties, and its collagen-forming qualities encourage strong bones and connective tissues. Cocoyam consists of 0.179 mg of copper, which is 19.89% of the daily recommended value.

One caution is given for this food, and that is “do not eat the raw cocoyam leaves”.

Discover 22 Incredible Ways Cocoyam Leaves Can Transform Your Health

The popular “kontomire” is well known for tasty and green soups and stews. But did you know it had some amazing health benefits?

Health Benefits of Cocoyam Leaves 

Now let us look at some of the remarkable health benefits.

1. Boost immune system

One (1) cup of cocoyam leaves contains about 145mg of Vitamin. That is about 86% of our body’s daily requirement. This will help boost your immune system effectively.

2. Prevention of cancer

Kontomire is rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant. This fights against free radicals that cause cancer. So, it helps to prevent many diseases.

3. Healthy eyes

Cocoyam leaves are rich in vitamin A in addition to vitamin C. The amount of vitamin A can be as high as 123% of our daily requirement. It is very good for the eyes to stay healthy and maintain visual acuity. Also, they prevent the eyes diseases such as myopia, cataract and blindness.

4. Help digestion and prevent digestive problems

The high dietary fibre in cocoyam leaves helps in food digestion and absorption. Cocoyam leaves can prevent digestive problems such as indigestion, constipation, and diarrhoea.

5. Cholesterol level reduction

Cocoyam leaves have no cholesterol and only 1% of total fat. So, is the best diet for reducing cholesterol. The dietary fibre and methionine these leaves contain can reduce cholesterol effectively. They bind and break down fat and cholesterol especially triglycerides.

6. Help in weight loss

The leaves are low in fat and high in protein. It is, therefore, the best diet to reduce your fat and get your muscle mass.

7. Reduce inflammation

Inflammation is when part of your body becomes hot, swollen and/or reddened when there is an injury or infection. It is often painful.

The leaves of cocoyam contain Omega 3. This plays a role in the inflammation process. It also can inhibit the release of inflammatory substances. It can help to treat diseases like arthritis, gastritis, or lupus.

8. Protect the nervous system

Are you feeling the symptoms of tingling, numbness, or pain in your limb? You can eat the leaves to reduce those symptoms. The vitamin B complex including thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6  in cocoyam leaves protect the nervous system. They also boost the immune system.

9. Control the blood pressure

Omega 3 is an essential fatty acid. It helps produce hormones to control the contraction and relaxation of the artery wall. If this mechanism is working well, the blood pressure can be kept at a normal level.

10. Healthy bone

Kontomire also contains calcium. Calcium is good for the formation and maintenance of healthy bone. It works with phosphorous to strengthen the bones and teeth.

11. Fetal brain and nervous system development

Besides its rich nutritional content, the leaves also contain folate. Folate is essential for the development of your fetal brain and nervous system. It is, therefore, good to consume cocoyam leaves when you are pregnant. However, be sure to cook them well before you eat.

12. Anaemia prevention

A diet prepared with the leaves of cocoyam is recommended in the prevention of anaemia. This is because they contain iron minerals which help in red blood cell formation. The vitamin C content additionally helps to absorb the iron well.

13. Fetal bone and teeth development

Additionally, the manganese in these leaves helps in the fetal cartilage, bone, and teeth formation during pregnancy.

14. Prevention of preeclampsia in pregnancy

Eating cocoyam leaves help to prevent preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterised by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, often the kidneys. The magnesium mineral helps in muscle relaxation. You can also use it to prevent preeclampsia.

15. Reduce wrinkles on the skin

Cocoyam leaves also contain the amino acid called threonine. The threonine helps in the formation of elastin and collagen. These are good for healthy skin. They prevent the skin from wrinkle and rejuvenate skin.

16. Quick treatment for diarrhoea

The zinc in cocoyam leaves protects intestinal mucosa. When you get diarrhoea, the intestine wall loses its mucosa. Zinc helps to release the mucosa quickly to immediately stop the diarrhoea.

17. A very good energy source

Cocoyam leaves are one of the best energy sources for the body through its essential amino acid called isoleucine. This protein regulates blood sugar and increases muscle strength and energy levels. This is the best diet for people who love to work out.

18. Promote bone and skin healing

Cocoyam leaves contain an essential amino acid called leucine. It promotes bone and skin healing by releasing the natural painkiller called enkephalins. Also, it relieves the pain.

19. Enhance memory and mood

Cocoyam leaves release dopamine. Dopamine is a monoamine neurotransmitter found in the brain and essential for the normal functioning of the central nervous system. Dopamine acts in the brain and nervous system. Synthesized by phenylalanine, it enhances your brain’s memory and controls your mood.

20. Help to treat nicotine addiction

Cocoyam leaves contain tyrosine. This is a crucial amino acid in the human body. It becomes an adaptogen substance that helps to minimize the effects of nicotine, cocaine, and coffee addiction.

21. Increase sperm production

Cocoyam leaves contain arginine. Arginine is an amino acid that helps to increase sperm production. This makes it good for men.

22. A detoxification agent

Cocoyam also contains histidine. It is one of the essential amino acids. It helps to remove the heavy metals from the body and protect it from damage from radiation.

Nutrition Facts of Cocoyam Leaves (Kontomire)

Serving Size		100 g
Amount Per Serving
Calories	42
% Daily Value
Total Fat	0.7g	1 %
Saturated Fat	0.2g	1 %
Sodium 3mg		0 %
Total Carbohydrate 6.7g		2 %
Dietary Fiber 3.7g		13 %
Sugar 3g
Protein 5g		10 %
Vitamin A 96 % •   Vitamin C 58 %
Calcium 8 % • Iron 12 %
Daily values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Credits

nobowa.com