Among the treasures of Chinese traditional medicine, Yam is famous for its unique medicinal value and rich nutritional value. As a representative of food and medicine homologous, yam not only occupies a place in the daily diet, but also is a frequent prescription in Chinese medicine.

Characteristics of Chinese yam in traditional Chinese medicine

Yam, scientific name is Dioscorea, belongs to the perennial plant. In Chinese medicine theory, yam is classified as sweet in nature, and focus on spleen, lung, kidney three meridians. Its main effect is to invigorate the spleen and stomach, lung and kidney, for the treatment of anorexia, diarrhea, frequent urination and other symptoms have a significant effect. In addition, yam can nourishing and moistening dryness, for improving dry skin, relieving dry mouth and tongue, etc. also have certain help.

Analysis of the pharmacodynamics of Chinese yam

1. Tonifying the spleen and stomach: the amylase and proteinase contained in yam can help digestion, enhance the transport and transformation function of the spleen and stomach, and have a good conditioning effect on indigestion and anorexia.

2. Kidney and lung benefits: the mucus proteins and micronutrient in yams have a protective effect on the kidneys, promoting the secretion of adrenocortical hormone and strengthening the body's ability to fight fatigue.

3. Anti-aging: Yam is rich in antioxidant ingredients, such as polyphenols, can scavenge free radicals in the body, delay cell aging, and maintain skin elasticity and luster.

4. Regulation of blood sugar: Yam in the dietary fiber can slow down the absorption of food in the intestines, help stabilize blood sugar levels, suitable for diabetics to eat.

Application of Chinese yam in modern medicine

With the development of modern science and technology, the medical value of yam has been more in-depth study. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that yam has a variety of biological activities, such as regulating immune function, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and so on. In the clinic, yam extract is used to assist the treatment of chronic diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes, and has become one of the important raw materials for drug research and development because of its low toxicity and good tolerance.

How to eat Chinese yam correctly

1. Choose fresh non-moldy yam, wash peeled can be boiled, steamed, stewed or fried.

2. For maximum nutrient retention, steaming or stewing is recommended.

3. Yam nature of peace, suitable for most people to eat, but the spleen and stomach should be moderate consumption of cold.

4. People with diabetes should limit their total calorie intake to avoid compromising blood sugar control.

Yam as a kind of food and medicine homologous ingredients, in traditional Chinese medicine and modern medicine has a position can’t be ignored. It is not only a delicacy in the kitchen, but also a guardian of human health. Through in-depth understanding of yam, we can make better use of this natural resource, for a healthy life to add a guarantee. In the future, with the deepening of scientific research, Yam will be more widely used in the field of medicine, its potential value remains to be further explored.