Tag: Huai shan

Studies have shown that Chinese yam extract can significantly decrease fasting blood glucose and improve insulin levels in diabetic rats. This evidence supports the long-standing belief in traditional Chinese medicine that huai shan, a type of Chinese yam, can be beneficial for blood sugar control, provided it is prepared and consumed correctly.

While Chinese yam is prized for its health benefits, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is not without potential drawbacks. It is important for consumers to be aware of the side effects of Chinese yam, which can range from mild skin irritation when handling to more serious allergic and hormonal issues for certain individuals.

According to a review published in ScienceDirect, Chinese yam is both a crop and a medicinal plant that contains various functional compounds with multiple pharmacological activities. A staple in traditional Chinese medicine for millennia, the Chinese yam, also known as Huai Shan or Shan Yao, is now being celebrated for its scientifically-backed nutritional and health benefits.

According to botanical experts, the Chinese yam, or *Dioscorea batatas*, is one of the few yam species that is non-toxic and safe to be eaten raw. However, unlike many other yams that contain harmful substances in their raw state, you can eat huai shan raw by following specific preparation methods.