Which Yam Is Best For Fertility?

 

Yams are widely consumed across the world as a nutritious staple food. Apart from being a great source of complex carbohydrates, yams also contain various vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

In recent years, yams have gained popularity for their potential ability to improve fertility in women. However, not all yams are created equal when it comes to their effects on fertility. In this article, we will explore which yam is best for fertility.

What are yams?

Yams are starchy root vegetables that are native to Africa and Asia. They are often confused with sweet potatoes, but they are actually two different vegetables. Yams are usually larger than sweet potatoes and have rough, scaly skin. They also have a higher starch content and a drier, starchier texture compared to sweet potatoes.

Yams and fertility

Yams are believed to have fertility-boosting properties, particularly for women. This is because they contain a type of natural hormone called diosgenin, which is similar in structure to the female sex hormone progesterone. Progesterone is essential for regulating the menstrual cycle and maintaining pregnancy.

Some studies have suggested that consuming yams can increase the levels of progesterone in the body, which may improve fertility in women. However, more research is needed to confirm this effect.

Which yam is best for fertility?

There are several different types of yams, each with its own unique nutritional profile. However, not all yams are equally effective for improving fertility. Here are some of the most popular types of yams and their potential effects on fertility:

1. Chinese yam: Chinese yam (Dioscorea opposita) is a type of yam that is native to China and other parts of East Asia. It has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to improve fertility and treat reproductive disorders.

Chinese yam is rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium. It also contains diosgenin, the natural hormone that is believed to improve fertility.

Some studies have suggested that Chinese yam may help to regulate menstrual cycles, improve ovulation, and increase the chances of conception.

2. Wild yam: Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) is a type of yam that is native to North America. It is also known as colic root, devil’s bones, and rheumatism root. Wild yam contains a compound called diosgenin, which is similar in structure to progesterone.

Some studies have suggested that wild yam may help to regulate menstrual cycles and relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). However, more research is needed to confirm these effects.

3. African yam: African yam (Dioscorea rotundata) is a type of yam that is native to West Africa. It is a staple food in many African countries and is known for its high nutritional value.

African yam is rich in complex carbohydrates, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. However, it does not contain high levels of diosgenin compared to other types of yams. As such, it may not be as effective for improving fertility as Chinese yam or wild yam.

In conclusion, yams may have the potential to improve fertility in women due to their natural hormone content. However, not all yams are created equal when it comes to their effects on fertility.

Chinese yam and wild yam are two types of yams that are believed to be particularly effective for improving fertility. African yam, while a nutritious food, may not have the same fertility-boosting properties as these other yams.