Jicama is native to Mexico and Central America and was used by the Aztec and other Mesoamerican people. The Spanish distributed the plant to the Philippines where it spread to China, Japan, India and other areas of Southeast Asia and is currently found in many countries around the world. It grows best in lowland tropical climates.
Jicama is a versatile vegetable that can be eaten raw as a snack or in a salad and is used in the preparation of manyrecipes. Jicama is a highly nutritious food with many healing qualities.
Jicama is a turnip-like vegetable with a mild flavor much like an apple. The juicy texture mimics that of a water chestnut, with white flesh and thin gray or brown skin that must be removed before use. When incorporated into cooked recipes, jicama takes on the flavor of the other ingredients. One of the many uses of jicama is as a thickener in recipes.
Benefits of Jicama
Fiber for digestive health
Jicama is beneficial for the digestive system due to its high fiber content. Fiber increases the bulk of stool which helps move it through the digestive tract, reducing the incidence of constipation. Jicama is also rich in soluble fiber known as inulin oligofructose, which is an inert carbohydrate that does not become a simple sugar, therefore stabilizing blood sugar fluctuation which is beneficial for people with diabetes.
Vitamin C for immune system support
Because it is rich in vitamin C, jicama increases the efficiency of the immune system by stimulating white blood cells that fight against bacterial, fungal, viral and pathogenic diseases. Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that neutralizes the effects of free radicals, a byproduct of cellular metabolism, thus reducing the risk of cancer and heart disease.
Copper and iron for circulatory health
Jicama boosts the circulatory system because it is rich in copper and iron. These elements are a factor in the production of red blood cells, which supply oxygen to the body. Healthy and abundant red blood cells reduces the risk of developing anemia.
Vitamin B6 for brain function
To maintain healthy brain function, jicama contains a significant amount of vitamin B6, which helps improve cognitive abilities. It is also essential to break down proteins into a form that can be absorbed by the body (known as amino acids). This helps maintain a healthy metabolism and balanced organ system.
Minerals for bones and teeth
Jicama is beneficial to a healthy skeletal system because it is rich in manganese, magnesium, iron and copper. These elements are essential for strong bones and teeth, as well as for the growth of new bone tissue and the repair and healing of existing bone damage. Adding jicama to your diet will reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis and other bone diseases.
