Do you know what jicama is? It has a circular shape, a starch-filled interior, and is related to potatoes. A root vegetable known as jicama is much more than just another source of carbs. It’s full of vitamins, it can keep you hydrated, and it can lower your chance of developing a number of illnesses, including some cancers. Jicama is what you’d probably get if you combined a potato and a superfood.
Since jicama thrives in warm climates, it has expanded from Mexico, where it originated, to the Philippines and other countries in Asia. Jicama is also known as the Mexican water chestnut, the Mexican potato, and the Chinese turnip due to its widespread use. Jicama tastes sweeter and nuttier than potatoes do. Jicama’s flavour and texture have occasionally been compared as a cross between a pear and a potato.
Jicama is popular in slaws and stir-fries, but it can also be eaten raw in slices akin to carrot sticks. With this nutrient-rich vegetable, you can experiment in the kitchen and reap all of its benefits. Just a brief reminder that only the inner, white flesh of jicama is safe to consume. Jicama seeds, leaves, and stem are all poisonous, as is the skin. Rotenone, a pesticide, is present in the stems and seeds. When ingested to people, they can produce free radicals and harm DNA. Only eat the fleshy part of the jicama since rotenone can cross cell membranes and the blood-brain barrier.
Jicama boosts dietary health
Jicama is a nutrition and vitamin powerhouse. A medium-sized jicama typically has 32 g of fiber, 4 g of protein, and about 15% of the adult daily recommended allowance of vitamin C. A medium-sized jicama only has about 250 calories, which is an extra bonus and makes it a nutritious snack that can aid with weight management.
Jicama is a great source of vitamin C, which helps the immune system, and vitamin B6, which gives your body the energy it needs to build red blood cells, promote brain function, and turn food you eat into energy. This potent vegetable also contains plenty of antioxidants, which prevent cell damage. Jicama is a wonderful source of hydration for your body because it is 85% water.
Jicama is rich in prebiotics, particularly inulin, a dietary fibre that supports the development and health of probiotics, according to Medical News Today. Jicama also contains calcium, vitamin E, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, thiamine, zinc, phosphorus, and copper in addition to other vitamins and nutrients.
Aside from this lengthy list of advantages, jicama can assist you in consuming the needed daily amounts of fibre, iron, potassium, and magnesium. Jicama can actually supply up to 23% of the daily required amount of fibre for women and 17% of the daily recommended amount for men in only one cup. You can boost your vitamin intake by adding some jicama to a salad along with other fruits and vegetables.
Jicama aids in maintaining health
Jicama can be an excellent approach to support you in managing your health through food if you struggle with illnesses like high cholesterol, managing your weight, or diabetes.
Jicama’s antioxidants can help to reduce your risk of developing serious disorders like cancer, heart disease, and cognitive decline. Jicama has a low glycemic load, making it a suitable choice for those who monitor their insulin and blood sugar levels. Eating plant-based foods like jicama, which don’t significantly affect blood sugar levels and are frequently present in modern diet, can help with weight management and consistent energy levels.
According to Healthline, the soluble dietary fibre in jicama can lower cholesterol levels. Two steps make up this method. Jicama’s fibre prevents the liver from creating more cholesterol and aids in the passage of bile through the intestines without being reabsorbed.
Additionally, fibre can prolong your feeling of fullness and help you maintain regular bowel movements, which will end constipation. Jicama has advantages for everyone, from its high vitamin and nutritional content to its ability to treat major medical disorders.
Jicama is typically available all year round in most shops if you wish to test it in a dish or add it to your diet. Jicama should be dry and firm when you buy it, and the skin shouldn’t have any blemishes, bruises, or wrinkles.