Yam Case Study

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Yam is composed mainly of starch (75-84% of the dry weight) with small amounts of proteins, lipids and most vitamins and is very rich in minerals (Shin et al., 2012). It is a good source of inulin, which is a form of sugar with low calorie value with immense benefits to diabetics. Its phyto-nutritional profile comprises of dietary fiber, and antioxidants, in addition to traces of minerals and vitamins (Slavin et al., 2011). Plant carbohydrates mainly include celluloses, gums and starches. The physical properties of starch grains influence the digestibility and processing qualities of tropical root and tubers. In addition to starch and sugar, root crops also contain some non-starch polysaccharides; including celluloses, pectins and hemicelluloses, as well as other associated structural proteins and lignins, which are collectively referred as dietary fibre. The protein content and quality of tropical roots and tubers (Table 1.6) is …show more content…

….. 11.9 …… Sweet potato tips ……. 86.1 2.7 ….. …… …… …… Source: (FAO, 1972) Tropical roots and tubers exhibit very low lipid content. The lipids are mainly structural lipids of the cell membrane which enhance cellular integrity and help to reduce enzymatic browning (FAO, 1987). Most of the lipids present in tropical roots and tubers consist of equal amounts of unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic and linolenic acids and the saturated fatty acids, stearic acid and palmitic acid etc. Most of the roots and tubers are good source of potassium and consists of lower amount of sodium. This makes them particularly valuable and distinguishable in the diet of patients suffering from high blood pressure, who requires limited sodium intake (Valli et al., 2013). In such cases, the high potassium to sodium ratio may provide an additional health benefit. Yam can supply a substantial portion of the manganese and phosphorus and to a lesser extent the copper and magnesium. 1.9. Characteristics of Tropical roots and

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