Yams: A Holiday Favorite

Root vegetables are in abundance during fall and winter seasons, and they are a delicious source of nutrients that can be prepared easily and enhance a holiday meal. for a healthy way to savor the flavors of the season. Yams in particular are a great option to dine on, but they can be hard to come by if you want the real thing.

Yams vs. Sweet Potatoes

In the United States, there has been longstanding confusion over the difference between yams and sweet potatoes . This is due to the fact that there are two types of sweet potatoes, so the term ‘yam’ was applied to one to create a distinction between the two varieties. Yams can be found in natural food markets and specialty stores. They have a tough, bark-like exterior with flesh that may be white, red, golden, or purple.

Nutritional Value of Yams

Yams are a wholesome substitute for other root vegetables like potatoes and parsnips that may not offer as much nutritional value aside from carbohydrates. They are high in potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, but they are very low in fat. Because of their nutritional content, eating yams can improve heart health, ease menopause symptoms, and help with weight control.

How to Incorporate Yams into a Raw Diet

One quick and easy recipe for yam soup, which is prepared regularly at the Optimum Health Institute, offers an excellent way to use yams and get their full nutritional offering. For 10 servings you need:

Six to eight yams

Two pints of sesame milk

One teaspoon of cinnamon

One avocado.

Simply puree these ingredients in a food processor until smooth and serve with seasonings such as mace, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, or finely ground pine nuts.

The OHI program includes three week-long sessions to be taken consecutively or independently, with classes incorporating 24 ancient spiritual disciplines that will help to cleanse and revitalize your body, mind, and spirit. Visit www.OptimumHealth.org or call us at (800) 993-4325.