All food contains all of the nutrients we need to be healthy, it is necessary to eat various foods in sufficient amounts. A good diet will include many different foods, and sufficient in quantity and quality to meet an individual’s need for food energy and other micro nutrients.

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Soft Drinks

JICAMA

Typical serving size:

½ cup (57 g)

HOW IT HARMS

Allergies

WHAT IT HEALS

Heart disease Stroke Weight gain High blood sugar Constipation Skin health Cataracts Osteoporosis Grown in Mexico and Central America, the jicama (pronounced HICK-uh-muh) is a root tuber, similar to a potato
In fact, it’s often called a Mexican potato or a “yam bean,” though it looks more like a turnip
It’s crunchy and mildly sweet, and is often eaten raw with dip, in a salad, or stir-fried
A common Mexican street food, jicama is served sliced with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of chili powder
Jicama is becoming more common in supermarkets, and you can spot it year-round, though its peak season is from late fall through spring

Health Benefits

Helps reduce heart disease risk
Jicamas are loaded with fiber, which can help lower cholesterol, cut the risk of heart disease, and help control blood sugar levels
The potassium in jicama helps lower blood pressure, which can help prevent strokes and heart disease
Manages weight
The fiber in jicamas helps you feel full longer, helps maintain regular bowel function, and may lower the risk of some cancers
Boosts skin health
A cup of jicama contains 40% of your daily requirement of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, which can help prevent cataracts, improve skin health, and help prevent chronic diseases
Strengthens bones
Potassium also helps improve calcium absorption, which can help guard against osteoporosis
Health Risk Allergic reaction
Jicama is a legume that can cause an allergic reaction in some people

Allergies

Serve it with hummus or your favorite dip as an addition to relish trays

Cubed jicama adds a pleasing crunch to tropical fruit salads

Toss sliced jicama into a stir-fry instead of water chestnuts

Buying Tip

s

When it comes to jicama, bigger isn’t necessarily better
While they can grow very large, choose 1- to 2-lb (0
4 to 0
9 g) jicamas, as larger ones may prove less sweet

Look for jicamas with firm, smooth, slightly shiny skin

Be sure to peel jicama and remove the fibrous white area just beneath the skin

Storing Tips

Store uncut jicamas for 2 to 3 weeks in a plastic bag in the refrigerator

Once cut, wrap in plastic and stash in the fridge for up to a week