In addition to important starch source, jicama nutrition also has so many health benefits that we should know. The highest nutrient content in jicama is Vitamin C, which contain 20.2 mg in every 100 gr serving or equal to 34% of RDA. Jicama that in Latin Pachyrhizuserosus contain sugar, phosphorus, starch and calcium. Its also has a cooling effect because they contain 86-90% moisture content. The sweet taste comes from an oligosakorida that called inulin (vegetable starch).
The most important jicama health benefit is helps digestion in our body, because it contains high natural fiber. Its also has benefits for beauty, if you use jicama as masks, it will get rid of black spots or remove acne scars. Of course, there are still many benefits that we can get, below you can read jicama nutrition facts before we talk about jicama health benefits.
Jicama nutrition facts
| Principle | Nutrient Value | Percentage of RDA |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 38 Kcal | 2% |
| Carbohydrates | 8.82 g | 7% |
| Protein | 0.72 g | 1% |
| Total Fat | 0.19 g | <1% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.9 g | 13% |
| Vitamins | ||
| Folates | 12 µg | 3% |
| Niacin | 0.200 mg | 1.5% |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.135 mg | 3% |
| Pyridoxine | 0.042 mg | 3% |
| Riboflavin | 0.029 mg | 2% |
| Thiamin | 0.020 mg | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 21 IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 20.2 mg | 34% |
| Vitamin E | 0.46 mg | 3% |
| Vitamin K | 0.3 µg | <1% |
| Electrolytes | ||
| Sodium | 4 mg | <1% |
| Potassium | 150 mg | 3% |
| Minerals | ||
| Calcium | 12 mg | 1% |
| Copper | 0.048 mg | 5% |
| Iron | 0.60 mg | 7% |
| Magnesium | 12 mg | 3% |
| Manganese | 0.60 mg | 3% |
| Zinc | 0.16 mg | 1% |
| Phyto-nutrients | ||
| Carotene-ß | 13 µg | -- |
| Carotene-α | 0 µg | -- |
| Lutein-zeaxanthin | 0 µg | -- |
Jicama health benefits
Lowering Blood Cholesterol Levels
The content of water and fiber in the jicama can help lower blood cholesterol levels. In addition to fiber and high water content, the content of vitamin C in the jicama which functions as an antioxidant may also help in the reduction of cholesterol levels in the blood.
Good for Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes can not be cured but can be controlled. Jicama can be used to maintain normalcy in blood sugar levels. Dietary fiber contained in jicama plays a role in lowering blood sugar levels because it is absorbed slowly and not all of them are converted into glucose.
As a natural phytoestrogen
Jicama is one of the foods that contain phytoestrogens so good to eat for those who have entered menopause, so complaints that occur in menopause is inevitable and will make the older women to be even fresher and more attractive.
Reduce stomach acid production
Impaired gastric acid is one of the diseases that occur due to lifestyle and diet changes. Jicama is one type of food that plays an important role in maintaining and improving immunity. The content of vitamin C and some of the phytonutrients contained in jicama can make the immune system awake, so avoid the attack of various infections and diseases caused by viruses, bacteria and harmful microorganisms.
Treating fever
Fever occurs due to the body's defense mechanisms (immune response) against foreign substances (germs that have been attenuated) into the body. Jicama that have chemical properties that merit can be used to cool down the fever.
Treating thrush
Thrush is a symptom of the erosion on the skin of the mouth, the walls inside of the cheek or tongue. The cause is a vitamin C deficiency, allergies or a decrease in endurance. The content of vitamin C in the jicama which act as antioxidants may help speed up the healing process of patients with sprue. Jicama can be given to people with canker sores by making a juice mixed with honey and water.