Besides Being Used as a Scrub, Here are 8 Health Benefits of Bengkoang that Not Many People Know

Kapanlagi.com - Bengkoang has long been utilized for facial and skin beauty. Bengkoang is believed to have powerful properties in brightening the skin's surface. It's no wonder then that bengkoang is used as an ingredient in beauty products such as powder, lotion, and scrub. Behind its popularity in the beauty world, there are still many health benefits of bengkoang that not many people know.

Bengkoang, which has a sweet and refreshing taste, actually contains many beneficial nutrients for the body. Yes, who would have thought that bengkoang that grows in the ground is rich in vitamins and minerals. Consuming bengkoang is believed to promote a healthy body and alleviate various health problems.

Here are some health benefits of bengkoang, summarized from various sources.

1. Source of Antioxidants

Bengkoang turns out to be a type of tuber that is rich in antioxidants. Several natural chemical compounds in bengkoang can function as antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene. As we know, antioxidants are useful for combating free radicals that can trigger various diseases, including cancer. In addition to combating free radicals, bengkoang also has special fibers that are believed to protect the intestines and digestive system.

2. Good for Digestion

As mentioned earlier, bengkoang contains fibers that are good for digestion. The substance in bengkoang fiber that is proven to be able to promote the health of the digestive organs is inulin. Inulin is believed to prevent infections in the intestines and other digestive organs.

Inulin is also often referred to as prebiotic fiber. This fiber becomes the right intake for the good bacteria in the intestines. As a result, the digestive system will function more smoothly. In addition, consuming bengkoang will also protect us from the risk of digestive diseases.

3. Overcoming Constipation

Overcoming Constipation (credit: pixabay)

The next health benefit of bengkoang is related to digestion. Bengkoang is actually good to consume when experiencing constipation. Constipation that often comes suddenly can be uncomfortable and even painful. No need to worry, consuming bengkoang can be one of the solutions to overcome constipation.

The inulin substance in bengkoang fiber will effectively improve digestion, making it suitable for treating constipation. In addition, bengkoang also has abundant water content. This water content will also contribute to helping improve digestion.

4. Maintaining Heart Health

Maintaining Heart Health (credit: pixabay)

Not only beneficial for digestion, bengkoang is also good for heart health. This is because, in addition to being good for digestion, bengkoang fiber is also believed to help the body control cholesterol.

Bengkoang also contains potassium, which is believed to be effective in lowering blood pressure. Not only that, bengkoang also contains iron and copper, which are essential for the production of red blood cells. Based on these facts, the benefits of bengkoang for heart health are unquestionable.

5. Good for Diabetes Patients

Good for Diabetes Patients (credit: pixabay)

Diabetes is one of the most feared diseases. Due to high blood sugar levels, diabetes can trigger various complications. Diabetes patients must really maintain their diet. In fact, there are several restrictions for diabetes patients.

Bengkoang (jicama) is not included in the restrictions for diabetes patients. On the contrary, bengkoang is actually good for diabetes patients. Because the fiber in bengkoang is believed to lower blood sugar levels and stabilize them. In addition, the potassium and vitamin C content in bengkoang will also become antioxidants that improve the immune system of diabetes patients.

6. Good for Consumption during Diet

Good for Consumption during Diet (credit: pixabay)

If you are currently on a diet program, it is not wrong to add bengkoang to your healthy menu. Because the next benefit of bengkoang for health is its effectiveness in losing weight. Bengkoang is suitable for dieting because it is a tuber that is rich in nutrients but low in calories.

That is why consuming bengkoang during a diet is the right choice for losing weight while staying healthy. Bengkoang is also rich in fiber and water content. So you don't need to worry about experiencing digestive problems that often occur during a diet.

7. Beneficial for Bones

The minerals found in yam bean are also beneficial for bones. Nutrients such as copper and iron are believed to strengthen and nourish the bones. Not only good for bone health, the mineral content in yam bean is also beneficial for gums and teeth.

8. Maintaining Brain Function

The eighth benefit of yam bean is not inferior to others. One of the vitamins contained in yam bean is vitamin B6. This type of vitamin is good for our brain health. Adequate intake of vitamin B6 is believed to improve cognitive function. In the long run, consuming yam bean will maintain brain function in remembering and thinking.

Those are some of the 8 benefits of yam bean for health. Are you interested in experiencing the benefits of this food?

(kpl/psp)