Top 10 Incredible Health Benefits of Jicama You Should Be Aware Of

The immune system distinguishes harmful foreign elements from the body’s own cells, eliminating potentially dangerous molecules and abnormal cells originating from host tissues. Any molecule that the immune system can identify is considered an antigen (Ag).

Jicama’s unique fiber content encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, promoting digestive health. Additionally, the fructans in jicama can help prevent cell mutations and tumor growth in the digestive system.

Jicama has long been known for its skin-enhancing properties, thanks to certain micronutrients in it that help brighten and lighten the skin. That's why jicama is often used in beauty care routines, such as being blended into a mask, used for exfoliation, or as an alternative to moisturizing creams.

Fresh jicama serves as an affordable and effective beauty remedy, especially during winter. Cold, dry winter weather can leave the skin dehydrated, rough, and cracked. Sliced fresh jicama applied to the face can make skin smooth, prevent dryness and cracks, reduce wrinkles, and promote a glowing complexion.

If you have some time, you can juice the jicama and gently massage the juice onto your face. Once dry, rinse with cold water. The nutrients in jicama, when massaged into the skin, penetrate deeply, providing excellent skin brightening benefits.

In addition to being high in water content, jicama contains significant amounts of starch and glucose, making it an ideal food for pregnant women, especially those experiencing morning sickness. With more than 90% water, 4.51% glucose, and 2.4% starch, jicama offers great benefits for expectant mothers. Many women suffering from morning sickness experience a loss of appetite and a bland taste in their mouth, but the crisp, sweet flavor of jicama helps stimulate the appetite. Its natural crunchiness and sweetness are sure to satisfy.

Jicama is also rich in fiber, which aids digestion and helps prevent constipation and hemorrhoids during pregnancy. Additionally, jicama contains iron, which is essential for preventing anemia during pregnancy. However, due to its cooling properties, it's advisable not to consume too much during the first trimester, as it could have adverse effects on the fetus.

Jicama is low in calories, but rich in vitamins, minerals, and even starch. It can be consumed as a snack to keep you full for longer and curb hunger cravings. The prebiotics in jicama help with digestion, facilitating weight loss without the risk of excess calories or nutrients.

According to Dr. Axe, jicama is packed with fiber and beneficial starch, which help balance blood sugar levels. Maintaining stable blood sugar is an effective strategy for weight management. Additionally, incorporating jicama into your diet boosts your fiber intake, leading to prolonged feelings of fullness.

Antioxidants are molecules that counteract free radicals in the body. Free radicals are compounds that, if present in excessive amounts, can lead to diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular problems, and cancer. The body can naturally produce antioxidants to manage free radicals.

Jicama contains several antioxidants that benefit the body and can help prevent cell damage. Vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene are some of the potent antioxidants found in jicama, helping to block the development of free radicals and prevent harm to the body.

With its numerous digestive benefits, jicama, also known as Mexican turnip, should be a part of your diet. In just one cup (approximately 130g) of jicama, you'll find 6.4g of fiber. One of the key fibers found in jicama is inulin, which enhances the digestion process, making it easier for individuals with indigestion and digestive disorders to relieve themselves. It also helps prevent and treat constipation, with studies showing that inulin can increase bowel movement frequency by 31% in patients with constipation.

Moreover, jicama is packed with prebiotics that support the healthy growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system, improving overall digestive function and reducing the risk of diseases like diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

Women going through menopause often face health challenges such as osteoporosis, which increases the risk of bone fractures and makes healing slower due to aging, and cardiovascular diseases that may lead to stroke due to a significant drop in estrogen levels.

To alleviate the impacts of menopause, female hormones like phytoestrogens can be helpful. Jicama contains these phytoestrogens, which help your body navigate menopause more comfortably. Regular consumption of jicama with its phytoestrogen content can also promote healthier, more radiant skin.

Jicama, also known by other names like water yam or Mexican turnip, is a vine plant native to Central America. It is commonly grown in regions such as America, China, Southeast Asia, and Vietnam.

The plant produces light purple flowers, and its vines can grow to 4-5 meters. The roots develop into large bulbs with thin, pale yellow skins and creamy-white flesh. Jicama has a mild sweetness and can be eaten raw or used in various dishes such as stir-fries, soups, stews, salads, and more.

While the root is nutritious and delicious, the leaves and seeds are highly toxic, often used in making insecticides. Thus, it's important to remove the leaves when purchasing jicama to prevent potential poisoning, especially among children. Nutritional components of jicama include:

• Starch: 2.4%
• Glucose: 4.51%
• Water: 86-90%
• Protein: 1.46%
• Other nutrients: Iron, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin C, and notably, it contains no fats.

When selecting fresh jicama, look for bulbs with smooth, off-white skin, a fresh green stem, and a smaller stem for more water content and less fiber. Jicama can be stored in a cool, ventilated area for 7-10 days. For a sweeter taste, wait 1-2 days after purchase, allowing the skin to slightly wither.

Jicama, often overlooked for its heart-healthy benefits, is a valuable food for improving cardiovascular health, thanks to its significant fiber content. Research has shown that drinking jicama juice can reduce the risk of blood clot formation in healthy adults.

Additionally, jicama is rich in potassium, which helps relax blood vessels, leading to a reduction in blood pressure. The potassium in jicama has been shown to help prevent heart disease and stroke. Its heart-protective properties are further enhanced by the presence of iron and copper, which contribute to better circulation. The fiber, potassium, iron, copper, and nitrates in jicama work together to lower cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, and improve overall blood circulation, making it an excellent choice for heart health.

Jicama, a staple in traditional cuisines across Central and South America as well as certain Asian countries for thousands of years, is incredibly beneficial for bone health. If you're dealing with joint or bone issues, this unique food is something you shouldn't miss.

Its oligofructose inulin content plays a crucial role in strengthening bones by retaining essential minerals, slowing down bone wear, and enhancing calcium absorption.

Additionally, jicama is a rich source of important nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and manganese, which help prevent osteoporosis, especially in older adults.