Ayurveda: Elephant foot yam can reduce blood pressure and risk of possible heart disease

With the scientific name Amorphophallus paeoniifolius, the elephant foot yam or white spot giant arum is a tropical tuber crop grown primarily in Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia and the tropical Pacific islands. Because of its production potential and popularity as a vegetable in various cuisines, it can be grown as a cash crop.

Some of the health benefits of elephant foot yam

In Ayurveda, elephant foot yam is called Sooranam and Ayurveda elaborately points out its dosha abating properties. (The three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. are biological energies found throughout the body and mind). Rich in fibre and low in fat elephant foot yam is one of the soft nutriments as characterized in Ayurveda. For the same reason Ayurveda suggests this nutriment to be included in the weight loss diet.

1. As it improves digestion Ayurveda characterises it as “Deepanam Ruchyam”.
2. Being rich in fibre and minerals it helps detoxifying the body and helps smooth working of internal organs.
3. Elephant foot yam improves liver function.
4. Being a high Glycemic index nutriment and high in insulin promotion constituents, elephant foot yam is very beneficial for diabetic patients.
5. As rich in omega 3 fatty acid, elephant foot yam simultaneously lowers the LDL cholesterol and increases the HDL.
6. Being rich in Zinc and selenium and having the effect of retarding or inhibiting the coagulation of the blood, elephant foot yam reduces the risk of possible heart diseases.
7. Glucomannan content in the elephant foot yam helps lower blood pressure.
8. Ayurveda suggests elephant foot yam for haemorrhoids and recommends wild elephant foot yam for better relief. There is an electuary in Ayurveda called “Vana Sooranadi Lehyam” which has been prepared for the treatment of Haemorrhoids.
9. It also help Polyp complications. As it contains calcium and phosphors, elephant foot yam helps strengthen bones.
10. Elephant foot yam is useful in balancing the estrogen in women and also reducing post menstrual cramps.