What is this food?
Yam (spiny yam), a starchy root vegetable often cooked as a side dish or snack. In 100g, it has about 141 kcal and provides 4.4g fiber plus 28.2g carbohydrates.
Why it matters to health
Yam can be a filling, energy-giving food because of its carbohydrates, which help fuel your day. The dietary fiber supports better digestion and helps you feel full longer—useful when you’re eating 3 meals plus 1–2 snacks. It’s also low in sodium (10mg) and has very little fat (2.7g), with some saturated fat (0.59g). Since it’s starchy, portion size still matters for blood sugar balance—especially if you’re pairing it with other carb-heavy foods.
Healthier tips
- Keep portions reasonable: aim for about 1/2 to 1 cup cooked yam per meal, depending on your overall rice/bread intake.
- Pair with protein and vegetables: add fish, chicken, eggs, tofu, or beans, plus a side of non-starchy veggies (like kangkong, pechay, or okra).
- Choose healthier cooking: boil, steam, or bake when possible; limit deep-frying.
- If you’re having yam as a snack, balance it with protein (e.g., yam + boiled egg or tofu) to stay satisfied.
Common Filipino dishes
Ginataang gabi, Ube or yam halaya, Nilagang gabi, Pinangat na gabi, Gabi chips (fried), Sweet yam (camote/gabi) in syrup