Welcome to My Blog! Today I will be enlightening on things concerning Cocoyam; Read and Share Your Views!

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Introduction

Cocoyam which has the botanical name _Colocassia Esculenta is known to be a tropical starchy tuberous root crop. They are herbaceous perennial plants belonging to the Araceae family and are grown primarily for their edible roots. It is one of the most ancient cultivated crops that grows best in fertile, well-draining, loamy soil with a pH that falls between 4.2–7.5. Cocoyam is planted in such a way that it encourages sucker growth since it is vegetatively propagated from headsetts or suckers which give the highest rate of survival. It possesses enormous nutritional values when compared to crops such as yam and cassava, which has little vitamins, proteinous contents and minerals. It is one of the finest source of dietary fibres and it contains more calories than potatoes. It is planted a in the rainy season, owing to the fact that it needs more moisture to germinate. Its harvesting begins in late September and ends just before the dry season sets in fully and harvesting is usually done using hand tools. As it concerns its storage, it is best stored in a dry, cool and well ventilated place and can be stored for longer period of time without it losing its good taste. Although most people see it as a food for the poor and low class, Cocoyam boasts of many health benefits which promotes healthy and good living.

Nigeria is the largest producer of Cocoyam in the world producing at around 3.3 million metric tons per year.

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Fig. 2 displaying Cocoyam Leaves

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HEALTH BENEFITS ASSOCIATED WITH EATING CASSAVA

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• It helps in Digestion: One of the major benefits of eating cocoyam is that it helps in digestion. Cocoyam aids in food digestion because it has a high quantity of dietary fiber. Fiber add bulk to our bowel movements, thereby helping the movement of food through the digestive tract and in turn facilitates improved digestion.

• Prevention Of Cancer
  Cocoyam plays a major role for the antioxidant activity in our body. High levels of vitamins and various other phenolic antioxidants found in cocoyam root aids in boosting the immune system of the body and it also contributes in the elimination of dangerous free radicals from our system. Free radicals are actually dangerous and by eliminating these free radicals, our general health is almost guaranteed! Cryptoxanthin which reduces the chances of one developing cancer (both lung and oral) is also found in cocoyam.

• Maintaining Skin Health
  For those who long to have their skin always protected and hydrated, cocoyam is grossly beneficial, owing to the fact that it contains enormous vitamin A and E. These vitamins contributes to eliminating skin related problems and in turn boosts overall health. Frequent consumption of cocoyam also helps in healing wounds. It further helps in diminishing wrinkles; hence leaving one with a glowing skin.

• Thickening of the Hair
  Cocoyam has sufficient vitamin E which is a strong antioxidant that aids in reducing environmental damage to the hair. It also promotes circulation to the scalp. The oil from the vitamin can retain the natural moisture of the skin. This oil will also make your hair look fresher.

• Dental Health Maintenance
  Cocoyam contains phosphorus which is needed for maintaining teeth and gum health. Phosphorus plays an important role in the formation as well as maintenance of the teeth through offering support to the tooth enamel; it also helps to keep the teeth in place and can also help heal tooth decay.

Consumption of cocoyam also helps in:

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• Boosting vision
• Lowering chances of developing diabetes
• Decreasing muscle cramping
• Enhancing learning
• Reducing blood pressure and enhancing heart health

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The benefits of consuming cocoyam spans through various areas but it is worthy of note that to everything that has advantages, there exist also some disadvantages. There some side effects associated with not preparing cocoyam properly before consumption. Eating cocoyam not properly prepared can lead to gout as well as kidney together with other health complications. Before eating cocoyam, ensure to boil it properly for the recommended period of time. It can equally be soaked in water overnight before cooking. Milk or other calcium rich foods should be eaten with cocoyam to further minimize. That not withstanding, cocoyam is a staple food for many people around the world, which has various health benefits and hence, should not be considered a high risk food after it is cooked and prepared.

Now I believe you have learnt a lot concerning adding cocoyam to our daily diet. Stay away from junk food, lead a healthy lifestyle, eat healthy food and always remember 'Your Health is Your Wealth'

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Till I come your way next time, I remain yours in good health!!
LilTom