If you're looking for a tasty snack that won't break the calorie bank, look no further than the small yambean, also known as jicama. With only 139 calories per serving, this root vegetable is a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.

But it's not just low in calories - jicama is also packed with essential vitamins and minerals, dietary fiber, and antioxidants that can help promote good health in a number of ways. Plus, it's incredibly versatile in the kitchen, making it a go-to ingredient for chefs and home cooks alike.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the benefits of jicama, as well as some creative ways to incorporate it into your diet.

Calorie Count

A single small yambean contains only 139 calories, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight or lose a few pounds. This low-calorie count also makes it a great snack option for those on-the-go, and can be paired with a variety of dips and spreads for added flavor. While jicama may not be as well-known as other popular low-calorie fruits and vegetables such as apples or celery, it's definitely worth adding to your grocery list if you're looking to maintain a healthy diet without sacrificing taste or nutrition. In addition to being low in calories, jicama is also low in fat, cholesterol-free, and contains very little sodium, making it an overall excellent choice for those looking to improve their health and wellbeing.

Vitamin and Mineral Content

Despite its low calorie count, jicama is rich in essential vitamins and minerals that are essential for overall health and wellness. For example, a single small yambean contains over half of your daily recommended intake of vitamin C, which is important for immune system function and skin health. Jicama also contains important minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iron, all of which play a role in maintaining healthy bodily functions. Plus, it's a good source of dietary fiber, which can help promote gut health and keep you feeling full and satisfied between meals. Overall, jicama is an incredibly nutrient-dense food that can help provide a wide range of health benefits when consumed as part of a balanced diet.

Dietary Fiber

As mentioned above, jicama is an excellent source of dietary fiber, with a single small yambean containing up to 6 grams of this essential nutrient. This fiber can help regulate digestion, promote healthy bowel movements, and even help lower cholesterol levels in the blood. In addition, dietary fiber can help keep you feeling full and satisfied between meals, which can make it easier to resist snacking on less healthy options throughout the day. This makes jicama an excellent choice for those looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy diet. So next time you're looking for a snack that will satisfy your hunger and provide lasting energy, reach for a serving of jicama instead of processed or sugary options. Your body (and taste buds) will thank you!

Antioxidants

Jicama is also a rich source of powerful antioxidants, which are important for protecting the body against free radical damage and oxidative stress. These compounds have been shown to help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's, and can even help promote healthy aging and longevity. Some of the specific antioxidants found in jicama include vitamin C, beta-carotene, and quercetin, which are all important for maintaining a healthy immune system and protecting against cellular damage. So if you're looking for a food that can help support your overall health and wellbeing, be sure to add jicama to your diet on a regular basis. Whether raw or cooked, this versatile root vegetable is a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal or snack.

Versatility in Culinary Uses

Jicama can be used in a wide variety of culinary applications, including salads, stir-fries, soups, and more. It can be eaten raw or cooked, and pairs well with a variety of other flavors and ingredients. One popular way to enjoy jicama is as a crunchy addition to salads or slaws, where it can add a satisfying texture and natural sweetness. It can also be used as a healthy substitute for potato chips or French fries, and can be roasted or baked for added flavor and crunch. Overall, jicama is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can add nutrition and flavor to a wide range of dishes. Experiment with different recipes and cooking methods to discover your favorite way to enjoy this delicious and nutritious root vegetable.

Low Sodium

Sodium is an essential nutrient that the body needs in small amounts, but most Americans consume far more than the recommended daily limit of 2,300 milligrams per day. High sodium intake has been linked to a variety of health problems, including high blood pressure and heart disease. Fortunately, jicama is naturally low in sodium, making it an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their sodium intake and maintain a healthy blood pressure. In fact, a single small yambean contains only 5 milligrams of sodium, which is less than 1% of the recommended daily limit. So if you're looking for a low-sodium snack or ingredient to add to your diet, be sure to give jicama a try. Your heart (and taste buds) will thank you!

Low Fat

Fat is an important nutrient that the body needs in order to function properly, but consuming too much fat can lead to weight gain, high cholesterol levels, and other health problems. Fortunately, jicama is naturally low in fat, making it an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their overall fat intake. In fact, a single small yambean contains less than 1 gram of fat, which is less than 1% of the recommended daily limit. This makes it a great snack or ingredient for those looking to maintain a healthy weight or reduce their overall body fat percentage. So next time you're looking for a low-fat option to add to your diet, be sure to give jicama a try. With its natural sweetness and crunch, it's sure to become a new favorite!

Low Carb

Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body, but consuming too many carbs can lead to weight gain and other health problems. Fortunately, jicama is naturally low in carbs, making it an excellent choice for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet. In fact, a single small yambean contains only 4 grams of carbs, which is less than 2% of the recommended daily limit for a 2,000 calorie diet. This makes it a great snack or ingredient for those looking to maintain a low-carb lifestyle. So if you're following a low-carb or ketogenic diet and looking for new and tasty options to add to your meal plan, be sure to give jicama a try. Its versatile flavor and texture make it a great addition to a wide range of recipes and dishes.

No Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a type of fat found in animal products, and consuming too much cholesterol can lead to high blood cholesterol levels and an increased risk of heart disease. Fortunately, jicama is naturally cholesterol-free, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain healthy cholesterol levels. In fact, a single small yambean contains zero cholesterol, which makes it a great option for those looking to reduce their overall cholesterol intake. Plus, its natural sweetness and crunch make it a great snack option for those avoiding cholesterol-rich foods like eggs and meat. So if you're looking to maintain healthy cholesterol levels or simply avoid cholesterol-rich foods, be sure to add jicama to your diet on a regular basis. Your heart (and taste buds) will thank you!

Suitable for Diabetic Diet

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and managing blood sugar levels is often key to preventing long-term health problems. Fortunately, jicama is a great food choice for those with diabetes, as it's naturally low in sugar and high in fiber. In fact, a single small yambean contains only 3 grams of sugar, which is much less than other popular fruits and vegetables like apples and bananas. Plus, its high fiber content can help slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, which can help prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes. So if you're living with diabetes and looking for healthy and tasty food options, be sure to add jicama to your diet on a regular basis. Whether raw or cooked, it's an excellent choice for those looking to manage their blood sugar levels and improve their overall health and wellbeing.