Yucca root is one of the most common and respected remedies for many common health problems. Not only does it help boost up the immune system, but it also improves healing rates by speeding up the recovery process. It can also improve blood sugar levels and reduce cholesterol. It can fight arthritis, ease digestive troubles, and even help cognitive function. To top it off, it can be used to treat skin care issues and eye diseases such as cataracts in many cases.
Table of Contents
What is Yucca?
The term yucca refers to a large genus of more than 40 species of hardy, perennial shrubs and trees. From the root of the plant where the best nutrients can be found, often mistaken as cassava, which belongs to the genus Euphorbiaceous. The popular variety known as Adam’s Needle has particularly powerful nutrition benefits, and is widely researched.
The yucca plant is native to the Pueblo region of Colombia and also grows in Central and North America, as well as South America, the Caribbean, and especially dry, arid climates.
There are only a limited number of species of yucca that grow roots. The fruits, seeds, flowers and stems have medicinal properties and the leaves are usually very tough and sharp like a cactus. The saponins found in the yucca plant give it important benefits such as preventing cancer (in rodent studies), yeast infection and diabetes with diabetic rats.
Aids in Digestion
Yucca root is full of fiber, which will help you keep it regular and eliminate problems like constipation and diarrhea. Fiber-rich diets also aid in reducing bloating, cramps, excessive flatulence, and more serious gastrointestinal issues.
Weight Loss
For individuals with dietary restrictions, fiber is a good way to regulate intake of nutrients in a more efficient way. In fact, simple sugars tend to leave us feeling hungry for more food later on because our body’s glucose levels are out of whack. Having a little bit of yucca root can help prevent this and make weight loss easier than ever before.
Manages Diabetes
Yucca has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, as read in an African Journal of Biochemistry Research.
Improves Heart Health
The dietary fiber of yucca is an amazing way to reduce risk for atherosclerosis and stroke, without the negative side effects of medications. Potassium found in the yucca root can lower tension and restlessness in blood vessels and arteries, reducing your chances of heart attack.
Boosts Immunity
Yucca has a high vitamin C content, which makes it incredibly important for the immune system. Vitamin C not only stimulates the production and activity of white blood cells, but it also acts as an antioxidant, fighting free radicals from damaging our organs and causing cell mutation.
Speeds Wound Healing
Vitamin C is an essential ingredient in the manufacturing of collagen, which gives life to every blood vessel in our body, every cells and tissues alike, and healthy muscle tissue. By adding vitamin C to your diet you’ll help maintain overall health and stability. [9]
Relieves Arthritic Pain
Studies have shown a strong correlation between the two key ingredients of yucca root and its ability to reduce inflammation. The precise chemical pathway is still somewhat mysterious.
Improves Cognition
In particular, yucca has a high level of potassium which is known to increase blood flow in the brain and stimulate cognitive functions. It also has a high level of folate which is associated with helping keep you sharp as you age.
Antioxidant Properties
Now you can boost the levels of folic acid in your diet with yucca, which has been directly linked to improved skin and eye health, as well as a reduced chance of having a pregnancy-related neural tube defect.
Skin Care
If you are interested in protecting your skin from the effects of the sun, there are some known benefits that yucca provides. Results have shown an improvement in the health and strength of the skin by strengthening its resistance from free radicals, or by protecting it from damage caused by sunlight.
However, although the benefits of yucca are quite clear, please take it easy when you start consuming it. There have been reports of stomach issues among consumers with large quantities; any new component to your diet should always be discussed with a medical professional or nutritionist before introducing it.
