Tweet
Mexican yam, also known as wild yam, is a plant with more than 600 species. Although many herbalists claim that the Mexican yam treats a number of conditions, including menopausal symptoms, there is little scientific evidence that Mexican yam is an effective treatment. Mexican yam does not appear to affect metabolism in most people.
Identification
Mexican yam is a perennial vine that is native in North America and China. Although confused with sweet potatoes, Mexican yams are quite different. Commercial preparations use the dried root. Mexican yam contains diosgenin, a phytoestrogen that chemists can make into estrogen, and dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA. Most species of Mexican yam are inedible and only grown for diosgenin. Although Mexican yam is promoted as natural DHEA, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports that the body cannot convert diosgenin into DHEA.
Cut down a bit of stomach fat every day by never eating these 5 foods.
Uses
Despite the limited scientific evidence, many people use wild or Mexican yam to treat menopausal symptoms. Because it is advertised as a natural source of estrogen, some people believe that Mexican yam can help reduce the symptoms associated with menopause such as hot flashes and night sweats. However, a 2001 study published in “Climacteric” found that wild yam extract had no effect on menopausal symptoms. Other advertised uses include treating osteoporosis, easing PMS symptoms, increasing sexual desire, and treating gallbladder problems, arthritis and infertility.
Metabolism
No evidence suggests that Mexican yam helps to balance metabolism. However, DHEA may help overweight older individuals who are at risk for metabolic syndrome lose weight, according to Medline Plus. Metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors that occur together and increase the risk for type 2 diabetes, stroke and coronary artery disease. Extra weight around the midsection is one of the main risk factor for metabolic syndrome. All of the other risk factors are related to obesity.
Recommendations
Consult your physician before you take Mexican yam. Although it is a natural supplement, Mexican yam may interact negatively with certain treatments and medications such as hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills. Mexican yam does not appear to balance metabolism, however it is safe for most people to take. The study in “Climacteric” did not note any side effects for participants taking Mexican yam. If you are at risk for a metabolic syndrome, talk to your doctor or nutritionist about specific recommendations for your condition.
Identification
Mexican yam is a perennial vine that is native in North America and China. Although confused with sweet potatoes, Mexican yams are quite different. Commercial preparations use the dried root. Mexican yam contains diosgenin, a phytoestrogen that chemists can make into estrogen, and dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA. Most species of Mexican yam are inedible and only grown for diosgenin. Although Mexican yam is promoted as natural DHEA, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports that the body cannot convert diosgenin into DHEA.
Cut down a bit of stomach fat every day by never eating these 5 foods.
Uses
Despite the limited scientific evidence, many people use wild or Mexican yam to treat menopausal symptoms. Because it is advertised as a natural source of estrogen, some people believe that Mexican yam can help reduce the symptoms associated with menopause such as hot flashes and night sweats. However, a 2001 study published in “Climacteric” found that wild yam extract had no effect on menopausal symptoms. Other advertised uses include treating osteoporosis, easing PMS symptoms, increasing sexual desire, and treating gallbladder problems, arthritis and infertility.
Metabolism
No evidence suggests that Mexican yam helps to balance metabolism. However, DHEA may help overweight older individuals who are at risk for metabolic syndrome lose weight, according to Medline Plus. Metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors that occur together and increase the risk for type 2 diabetes, stroke and coronary artery disease. Extra weight around the midsection is one of the main risk factor for metabolic syndrome. All of the other risk factors are related to obesity.
Recommendations
Consult your physician before you take Mexican yam. Although it is a natural supplement, Mexican yam may interact negatively with certain treatments and medications such as hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills. Mexican yam does not appear to balance metabolism, however it is safe for most people to take. The study in “Climacteric” did not note any side effects for participants taking Mexican yam. If you are at risk for a metabolic syndrome, talk to your doctor or nutritionist about specific recommendations for your condition.