The overview
Jicama is a starchy root vegetable that resembles a potato or turnip in appearance. The tuberous root has a mild sweetness to it, but it’s low in sugar, so it’s a suitable carbohydrate choice for diabetics and those trying to follow a low-sugar diet.
Jicama is a long-vined plant native to Mexico and Central America. The root, on the other hand, is the portion you eat.
Jicama looks like a light brown beet from the exterior. It has the appearance and feel of raw potato on the inside. It doesn’t, however, taste like one. Like an apple, it’s crisp and somewhat sweet. Jicama, on the other hand, does not turn brown when chopped like an apple.
These rascals may reach a weight of 50 pounds! At the farmer’s market, though, don’t worry about cramming one into your car. The little ones are the most delicious to eat.
The Health Benefits of Jicama.
1.Twin taters
Jicama is frequently compared to potatoes since their flesh is similar. Jicama, on the other hand, is considerably healthier and has significantly fewer carbs.
2.Jicama has an outstanding nutritional profile.
Carbohydrates account for the majority of its calories. The remaining calories are derived from extremely modest quantities of protein and fat. Jicama is high in fiber and includes several vital vitamins and minerals.
3.The fiber in a fun manner.
Instead of an apple, use jicama that has been peeled and sliced, and dipped in nut butter. It’s a high-fiber snack that helps you avoid constipation, lowers cholesterol, and reduces your risk of colon cancer and heart disease.
4.Antioxidants are abundant.
Jicama has several antioxidants, which are plant molecules that protect cells from injury.
Jicama provides about half of the RDI for the antioxidant vitamin C in one cup (130 grams). Vitamin E, selenium, and beta-carotene are all antioxidants found in it (3).
Antioxidants protect cells from oxidative stress by counteracting free radicals, the destructive substances that produce them.
5.May Help to Improve Heart Health
Jicama has a variety of nutrients that make it a good choice for heart health.
It has a lot of soluble dietary fiber, which can help decrease cholesterol levels by preventing bile from being reabsorbed in the intestines and the liver from producing additional cholesterol. According to a study of 23 research, increasing fiber consumption lowers total cholesterol and “bad” LDL cholesterol.
Jicama also includes potassium, which relaxes blood arteries and lowers blood pressure.
6.Gut Health Benefits
Inulin, a prebiotic fiber, is abundant in Bacteria Jicama
A prebiotic is a nutrient that the bacteria in your body may utilize to boost your health.
While your digestive system cannot digest or absorb prebiotics like inulin, your gut flora can ferment them.
A prebiotic-rich diet boosts the population of “good” bacteria in your gut while lowering the quantity of “bad” bacteria.
7.Could Help You Lose Weight.
Jicama is a nutrient-rich vegetable. It includes a lot of nutrients but only a few calories. Jicama is rich in both water and fiber, making it a good source of energy.
Jicama’s fiber content may also help you maintain a stable blood sugar level. Fiber helps keep blood sugar levels from increasing too rapidly after eating by slowing digestion.
Obesity is mostly caused by insulin resistance. It occurs when your cells become less responsive to insulin, making glucose entry into the cells, where it can be utilized for energy, more difficult.
The glucose instead lingers in your bloodstream, boosting your blood sugar levels.
8.Aids in hydration.
Water makes over 85 percent of jicama. Use it to remain hydrated, especially when the weather is hot.
Dangers of Jicama
Only the root vegetable’s meat is safe to consume. The skin, stem, leaves, and seeds of the jicama are all toxic.
How to Eat It
Jicama is commonly consumed raw, with salt, lemon or lime juice, and chili powder sprinkled on top. It’s also possible to pickle it.
Make a slaw with the leftovers.
It may be used to add crunch and vitamins to salads.
Serve it with sushi or as a cucumber on veggie plates.
It’s great in stews, soups, and stir-fries.
Cook and mash it like you would a potato.
Cut it into long strips, put them in oil, and cook them.
The Takeaway
In conclusion, jicama is a nutritious item to add to your diet.
It’s abundant in a variety of minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, all of which may provide health advantages such as better digestion, weight loss, and a lower risk of illness.
Jicama is very flavorful and crispy, and it may be eaten alone or with a variety of different meals.
You should consider including jicama in your diet because of its numerous health advantages.