Yams are one of the plants grown in swamps. In most swamps in Uganda which have clay, farmers use them to grow yams among other plants.

Yams have no trace of fat or cholesterol; therefore help people to keep high blood pressure and diabetes at bay.

The doctors also say that yams aid digestion and they are rich in soluble dietary fibre and roughage which makes digestion faster and prevent constipation.

The fresh and steamed yams contain antioxidants that rid the body of toxins, and they are also high in vitamins which aid metabolic body function.

Yams have vitamin A which helps people to maintain a healthy skin, vision growth and protection from lung and oral cavity cancer.

Yams have vitamin B-complex which is crucial for the body’s immunity against diseases. However yams especially in Africa species must be washed and cooked thoroughly because they contain toxins that can irritate the mouth and cause digestive illness.

By Dr. Aisha Lukwago