Overview of the efficacy of yam

Yam is a plant with the same origin as medicine and food. Its main functions include strengthening the spleen and stomach, nourishing the kidneys and strengthening essence, moistening the lungs and relieving cough, and regulating blood sugar. Among them,Strengthen the spleen and kidneysIt is its core function and is suitable for people with weak spleen and stomach or insufficient kidney qi;Assist in lowering blood sugarandEnhance immunityIt is a secondary effect, and modern research has also confirmed that it is rich in mucus protein and dietary fiber. In addition, yam can also improve dry skin and promote digestion. The following will expand its specific functions and applications in layers.

Strengthening the spleen and stomach and regulating digestion

Amylase, polyphenol oxidase and other ingredients in yam can promote digestion and relieve loss of appetite or diarrhea. "Compendium of Materia Medica" records that it "reinforces kidney qi, strengthens the spleen and stomach" and is especially suitable for the elderly and children. It can be used with millet or red dates to cook porridge daily to gently regulate the stomach. Please note that yam skin may cause allergies, so it is recommended to peel it before cooking.

Tonifying the kidney and strengthening essence and regulating immunity

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that yam enters the kidney meridian and has a certain effect on improving the soreness and weakness of the waist and knees and frequent nocturia caused by kidney deficiency. Modern research has found that its polysaccharide components can enhance macrophage activity and improve immunity. For example, the Tieguang yam in Wenxian County, Henan Province is highly praised for its kidney-tonifying effect due to its special planting soil.

Assists in sugar control and lung moistening

The mucin in yam can delay the absorption of sugar and is suitable for diabetic patients as a dietary supplement (need to be used under the guidance of a doctor). "Chinese Materia Medica" mentions its lung-moistening properties and can relieve dry cough. It is often cooked with almonds or lilies. However, it should be noted that it is not advisable to rely solely on yam to lower blood sugar, and it needs to be combined with regular treatment.

Summary and Notes

Taken together, yam is an ingredient with both nutritional and medicinal value, but it needs to be selected according to your physical constitution. Such asConstipation personIt is not advisable to eat too much.People with allergiesCaution is required. Common products on the market include "Huaifu Renjia" Tiegun yam powder, "Tongrentang" yam tablets, etc. (see table below). Reasonable consumption can play its health care role, but it cannot replace medicine.

Citing sources: 1. "Compendium of Materia Medica" by Li Shizhen; 2. "Compendium of Materia Medica" by the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine; 3. Announcement on the Protection of Wenxian Tiegun Yam Geographical Indication Products; 4. Tong Ren Tang official website product list.