May improve blood sugar control

Yams may help to lower your blood sugar levels. In one study, rats fed yam powder or yam water extract had lower fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels than the control groups. HbA1c is a long-term blood sugar management metric. Another study demonstrated that rats given larger doses of purple yam extract had lower appetites, lost more weight, and had better blood sugar management when compared to a control group.

Another study in rats discovered that supplementing with yam flour lowered the rate of blood sugar absorption, which resulted in better blood sugar management. These benefits are due to yams' resistant starch and fiber. Resistant starch goes through your digestive tract undigested. This form of starch has been related to a variety of health advantages, including reduced hunger, better blood sugar levels, and insulin sensitivity.