Yams in general are very healthy but because ube yams are purple inside they also contain a lot more antioxidants than regular yams. Plus ube yams have beautiful purple color which is amazing, and they contain lots of minerals, vitamin A and C, and many more healing agents. And ube yams should not be confused with purple potatoes or yams they are totally different.

What is Ube Yam - Ube yam look a lot like taro root but they are a climbing vine that creates roots which are purple and highly nutritious. They grow in the orient and are very popular in the Philippines and would grow anywhere with a moderate climate.

Wonderful Taste - Some people feel this yam tastes a bit like hazelnut, chocolate, and vanilla… wonderful… it’s a must try. That’s why it’s so popular in the Philippines.

Lots of Antioxidants - A study done at Kansas State University showed that ube contain lots of antioxidants that are not found in regular yams. Thus these little yams have the capacity to prevent DNA damage, prevent cardiovascular disease, strokes, and even help prevent cancer.

Vitamin A - Ube yams contain up to 24% of the daily intake of Vitamin A which is a powerful antioxidant.

Vitamin C - Ube yams contain up to 22% of the daily intake of Vitamin C which is a powerful antioxidant that helps to prevent colds, flues, and even scurvy which is becoming more common in this day and age.

Vitamin E - Ube yams also contain more Vitamin E which is important for cardiovascular health, sexual health, and healthy skin.

Potassium - Ube yams contain up to 20% of the daily intake of potassium which is very important for cardiovascular health, lowering blood pressure, and water regulation. And ube yams are a great way to replenish the body with trace minerals after a workout.

Antioxidant Proteins - Ube yams contain special proteins which are powerful antioxidants that help to prevent free radical damage.

Iron and Copper - Ube yams also contain a good amount of copper and iron which are important for preventing and healing anemia.

Lowers High Blood Pressure - Studies in the Philippines show that Ube yams contain ACE inhibitors such as angiotensin I and II, and angiotensin-converting enzyme. Both of which help to lower blood pressure thus helping to prevent cardiovascular disease.

Detoxing Agent - Ube yams are also a good detoxing agent for the kidneys, spleen, and pancreas, thus helping to maintain proper health.

Fiber - Ube yams contain lots of great fiber which helps to create a good environment for the growth of probiotic bacteria. We need at least 4 to 5 pounds of good bacteria in our gut, and fiber is important for the growth and feeding of these good bacteria.

Ube Flour - Ube yams can be dried and made into a wonderful flour which is very nutritious and can substitute for regular flour.

Using - Ube yams can be boiled, fried, mashed, used in desserts such as cakes, cookies, flan, purple sticky rice, used in smoothies, used in crackers, made into ice cream and cakes, jams and spreads, used to make candy, and used in many culinary dishes to replace regular yams. And one of the most popular foods is Filipino Purple Yam Cake which is delicious… recipes for this cake can be found on-line. And even waffles can be made using ube yam flour. And cooked ube yams combined with blueberries and coconut is a really delicious.

Finding - Ube yams can be found at Chinese Markets, Filipino Markets, and other Asian Markets. And ube yam flour can even be found on Amazon, and the jams and spreads can also be found on-line.

One more thing - The purple color doesn’t stain anything… so don’t worry about staining your clothes, it’s not going to happen.

Enjoy Ube Yams, they will change life forever. Instead of using regular flour use ube yam flour. Make great desserts with this yam, make super nutritious breads and cakes and even crackers. There is no end to what this beautiful looking yam can be made into… allow your imagination to fly and creates something new and exciting. Sometimes we have to step out of our comfort zone and try something new.

Your taste buds will thank you!

Dr. Paul Haider - Master Herbalist

Author's Bio: 

Feel Free to Share - This information is meant to get you started… so you can do more research on your own… dig a little deeper and find what works for you. This article is for educational purposes only, I strongly recommend that you seek advice from your own GP, private doctor, or medical specialist for any ailment, illness, or medical condition.. this article not meant to be a scientific analysis in any way, shape, or form. 
Dr. Paul Haider – Master Herbalist and Spiritual Teacher for over 25 years, helping people to recover and feel healthy. You can also find Dr. Haider on FB under Dr. Paul Haider, Healing Herbs, and at www.paulhaider.com – feel free to connect with him any time.
Here is a short video bio - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rK6Eg-xlX3U