Cocoyams(Xanthosoma) are perennial plants belonging to the family Araceae. The stalk of the leaves stands erect and can reach lengths in excess of 1 m high. The leaf blades are large and heart-shaped and can reach 50 cm in length.
Cocoyam grows best in fertile, well-draining, sandy loam soil, Xanthosoma species require temperatures above 22°C to grow properly. They will not tolerate waterlogging and grow best in deep, well-draining loams. Cocoyam will thrive when planted in full sunlight or partial shade. On my farm, Xanthosoma grows well under the canopy of the Durian tree, Xanthosoma species produce cormels much like potatoes and are boiled, baked, steamed, cook soup or fried prior to consumption.
Cocoyams have a tuberous root (corm), which is surrounded by potato-sized tubers referred to as cormels. Cormels are consumed as food. Cocoyam is another amazing food with a lot of nutritional value that is beneficial to our body. The crop is known to have a lot of nutrients than other root and tubers crops like yam and others.
Edible Cocoyam Cormels
Cocoyam contains a wealth of organic compounds, minerals, and vitamins that can benefit our overall health in a number of ways. One cup (132 grams) of cooked cocoyam has 187 calories — mostly from carbs — and fewer than one gram each of protein and fat. It has a very significant amount of dietary fibre and carbohydrates, as well as high levels of vitamin A, C, E, vitamin B6, and folate, according to the USDA National Nutrient Database. There is magnesium, iron, zinc, phosphorous, potassium, manganese, and copper in it. The plant also provides some protein in your diet, but the amount is almost negligible. (source:https://healthyhuemans.com)
Below are a few health
benefits of eating cocoyam
1. Digestive health
2. Helps control blood sugar
3. Cancer prevention
4. Reduces muscle cramps
5. Reduces fatigue
6. Improves heart health
7. Great carb source
8. Improves metabolism and nutrient absorption
9. Diabetes prevention
10. Vision health
11. Reduces arthritis symptoms
12. Boosts immune system
13. Improves mental health
14. Improves hair health
15. Prevents bone loss
(source: https://nationaldailyng.com/)
Refefences
https://plantvillage.psu.edu
https://nationaldailyng.com
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