Jicama (Pachyrhizus Erosus) can consumed directly without cooking for a mixture of salad, or as a side dish. But as it turns out, there are many other benefits of jicama. Jicama also known as Mexican radish, included in the group of sweet potatoes, are related to soybeans and nuts. This plant is cultivated for the tuber and roots taken magnitude. Jicama is widely cultivated in Asia, Central America, the Caribbean, and parts of South America.
Jicama root weight can reach 20 kilogram with length of 2-6 meters. The leaves are thick and dark green. Fruit or peas measuring 13-19 cm. Bengkoang plants can grow more in damp soil and can not grow well in the shade. Jicama root generally harvested before ripe, after planting approximately six months. This tuber feels crisp and sweet like apples. But unlike Apple, root flesh white Jicama does not change color after being cut. The crisp taste persisted even after being cooked.
But so far, there’s not much research is held to find out about the benefits of jicama. Below are some of the benefits of the jicama maybe you have yet to know.
Benefit of jicama
- Jicama is rich in vitamin C and low in calories. In every 100 grams of bengkoang contained only 38 cal.
- Furthermore, in each 100 grams, jicama containing 0.7 grams of protein, 1.8 grams of sugar, 4.9 grams of fiber, 8.8 grams carbohydrates, 12 milligrams of calcium, 0.6 mg of iron, 150 mg potassium, 12 mg 18 mg of magnesium, phosphorus, 4 mg sodium, 21 IU vitamin A, 12 mcg of folate.
- When ripe, jicama seeds can contain rotenone and toxic, and can be used as a pesticide.
- Raw jicama can also be a prebiotic or food that helps the probiotics and good bacteria in the intestines.
- Jicama protein content in dry conditions, i.e. 4-7 per cent, slightly higher than the other tubers such as cassava.
- Jicama flour can also be used as a substitute for cassava flour.
- The seeds and leaves contain toxic substances. After it is cooked until their toxicity is missing, jicama peas can be used as a vegetable.
- Jicama believed can be a source of new starches like cassava.
- Starch extract from jicama root can be used in pudding.
Jicama and Diabetes.
Benefits of jicama can be specifically felt by diabetic patients. Jicama extract is thought to be the right ingredient for handling diabetes naturally. Studies in animals found that the tuber is rich fructooligosaccharides, including water soluble fiber called inulin. This inulin content has properties similar to insulin. However, the benefits of jicama to treat diabetes in general still need further investigation.
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